preview

Business

Decent Essays

Creating world class quality standards
Introduction
Customers expect to be able to buy products that meet certain standards. Standards can be written down and published for use by manufacturers and service providers. They can be used as guidance. BSI stands for British Standards Institution. It was the world’s first Standards body, and is the National Standards Body for the UK. BSI works in three main fields:
. Setting British and international standards
. Product testing
. Quality management systems (QMS)
Standards are based on agreed best practice. Businesses are keen to use standards to show they have a place in global markets. There are thousands of standards covering all manner of goods and services.
Quality
A …show more content…

It shows that a business has had a product tested to the relevant standard. Schemes cover various products and services. Examples include lighting, 13 amp plugs, motor cycle helmets and car repair garages. The Kitemark shows that the business sees safety and quality as vital. It shows the customer that the product or service has been tested and has reached the relevant Standard. Other symbols are required by law, for instance, CE marking. This shows that a product conforms to certain European Union regulations.
Processes
ISO 9001 is a key international standard. It shows that the business uses a QMS. It shows that quality is built into all aspects of operations. This must include all systems, whether inside or outside of the business. It therefore includes suppliers. There are eight quality measures that must be met to gain certification to ISO 9001.
Conclusion
Products include both goods and services. These can be made, operated and sold on a global basis. International standards for them are therefore vita. BSI helps to create these standards. Standards help businesses to build good reputations based on quality, safety and reliability.
Issues for Discussion
1. What do you understand by the term `quality’ in relation to a product you buy?
2. What is the BSI Kitemark? How might this help you to choose a product to purchase?
3. How might meeting the Standard ISO 9001 help a business to gain

Get Access