For a small business quality management system (QMS), the most practical approach through ISO 9000 is by doing PDCA cycle. I.e., Plan, Do, Check, act model.

For a small business which is involved in various components for its customers with 10 team members, who did not maintain records of rejections before adopting ISO 9001. Later when they started maintaining the records of rejects before adopting ISO 9001, the team accurately monitored. Recorded and reviewed the results. That helped them in their future preventive and corrective action standpoint, identification of the root cause and mistake proofing steps accordingly.

One result of this review was the realization that current material wastage could be reduced by specifying the reproduction cutting dimensions of materials, thereby reducing material consumption. A significant cost saving was realized together with improving production flow. A micro business in outside catering with five team members, on auditing to ISO 9001 that include reviewing customer feedback on the standard of food and service, became more closely aware of the amount of food wastage at customer venues, which up to this point had not been monitored.

Realizing this they undertook to collect the uneaten food themselves for a period and use the results to average out the volume and type of the food. The outcome of this enabled them to more accurately provide sufficient quantities allied to the number of people with a small surplus amount. Follow up contract was made with customers and with no concerns raised regarding reduction in volume was then reviewed in terms of cost saving and this was split 80/20, resulting in customers getting a slight price reduction. The cost saving and lower price enabled them to be more competitive in the market and gain new business.

So, in conclusion, you should not view the standard as daunting or irrelevant to your business because it is straightforward to build into the business. It is based on how the business successfully operates, with any identified gaps during planning for implementation dealt with to enhance the final QMS. There are many benefits to be gained through full application of the system by you and your employees. One of the most significant is the opportunity to win more contracts, as customers will know that through your certification your business operates to a recognized and certificated quality standard.