Frequently Asked Questions (The Stuff You Actually Want to Know)
We put these questions together so nobody has to stress about the ‘scary’ parts of ISO. It’s basically a cheat sheet to help us all ace the re-certification test!
1. Does ISO 9001 mean more paperwork for me?
Not necessarily! The goal is better paperwork, not more of it. ISO is just about recording the important stuff so we don’t forget it. If a form feels useless, the system actually encourages us to fix it or get rid of it.
2. Am I going to get in trouble if I make a mistake?
Actually, ISO is the opposite of a “blame game.” When something goes wrong, the system asks, “What was wrong with the process?” instead of “Who messed up?” We fix the recipe so the mistake doesn’t happen again.
3. What happens during an "Audit"?
Think of an audit like a quick check-up at the doctor. An auditor (the “referee”) walks around to see if we are following our own rules. They might ask you, “Where is your work instruction?” or “How do you know this part is good?” Just be honest! If you don’t know, it’s okay to say, “I’d check the manual or ask my lead.”
4. Do I have to memorize the whole Quality Manual?
Nope! You just need to know the parts that apply to your station. If you know where your instructions are and you’re following them, you’re an ISO pro.
5. Why are we doing this now?
Two reasons: First, it helps us stay organized and profitable. Second, many of our biggest customers won’t buy from us unless we are ISO certified. It protects our reputation and our jobs.
6. Can I suggest changes to the "Master Recipe"?
Yes! Please do. If you found a faster or safer way to do your job, let your manager know. ISO is all about Continuous Improvement, which means we want your ideas on how to make the system better.
7. How often do we get checked?
We do “Internal Audits” (our own team checking in) a few times a year. An outside expert comes by once a year to officially give us our “A” grade and keep our certificate active.
8. What is "Document Control"?
That’s just a fancy way of saying “make sure you’re using the right version.” We don’t want someone using a plan from 2018 if we updated the design in 2025. Always check that you have the current version of any drawing or instruction.
