What is the difference between ISO 9001

What is the difference between ISO 9001 compliant or compliance vs. certification? Most companies we speak with are going for ISO certification, which means a very specific thing. Some are going for ISO compliance and saying you are compliant to ISO 9001 or another ISO standard also has a specific meaning behind it. Being ISO compliant does not mean that you don’t have a formal quality system and you are just using the words to let your customer know that you have a quality management system in place. It means that you do everything ISO requires except you don’t have a 3rd party certification body audit you and issue you a certificate. You perform internal audits, do management review, have documentation that is controlled, and have a good handle on the risks associated with your processes as it relates to your customer’s expectations. You just don’t have that cert. The certificate is the real difference in this question. Don’t let that certificate stop you from getting a customer. If you have questions, CALL US for a no-obligation discussion about your options or about the standard you need to be compliant or certified to.