We suspected their ISO-certification was simply being used as a marketing tool and I didn’t remain at that company too long. Oddly, they are still in business.
1) Have you ever been in an organisation that pushed hard to get or maintain ISO9000 certification, because they knew they needed to get their act together over quality?
2) Have you ever been in an organisation that pushed hard to get or maintain ISO9000 certification, because their business might suffer without the tick box ticked?
I'd guess most people have been in far more of 2) than 1). Most organisations will do anything to get that certification short of taking it seriously.
Yes of course, it's like diplomas.
Sure some people actually study to get skilled and knowledgeable in some area, and the diploma is just icing on the cake, but for many, they just want the diploma as a pass to get a good job, even if that means cheating to get it.
Do companies cheat? Yeah. Surprise.
But if done properly, ISO9001 can act as a *basic guide* to get a sensible organization. Even if most of the points in it are pretty obvious things really.
Getting ISO9001 certified is no big deal. Getting the certification is certainly no sign of a particularly proficient level of organization, but conversely, willing to get it and not managing to is usually a clear sign that something's wrong.
Anyone having worked in environments that require compliance with much more stringent standards will see ISO9001 as entertainment.