Management Systems Certification
Do Right Things, Do Them Right – Manage Systems
We guide organizations towards achieving excellence through certification of their management systems. By managing its systems, an organization can:
- ensure that corrective action is taken whenever defects occur;
- detect defects early and avoid wastages;
- improve output through continual improvement;
- increase its market share / sales / revenue through demonstrable and certified systems;
- exercise better management control and reporting mechanism; and
- assure consistent quality and improve customer satisfaction.
We do complete hand-holding, right from identification of processes to drafting of procedures and work instructions to securing accredited certification at a competitive cost in an efficient manner.
The managements systems include various types of management systems as per relevant International Standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, ISO 50001, ISO 45001, ISO 13485, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO certification and why do businesses need it?
ISO certification validates that your organization’s management systems meet internationally recognized standards for quality, safety, and efficiency.
What is ISO?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops global standards that ensure products, services, and systems are safe, reliable, and of good quality. ISO certification demonstrates that your business follows these best practices.
Why Businesses Need ISO Certification:
- Market Credibility: ISO certification is often a prerequisite for government tenders, B2B contracts, and international trade
- Operational Excellence: Streamlines processes, reduces waste, and improves efficiency through standardized procedures
- Customer Confidence: Demonstrates commitment to quality, increasing customer trust and satisfaction
- Competitive Advantage: Differentiates your business from non-certified competitors
- Risk Management: Identifies and mitigates risks systematically, preventing costly failures
- Legal Compliance: Many industries require specific ISO certifications for regulatory compliance
- Employee Engagement: Clear procedures and responsibilities improve workplace culture and productivity
Financial Benefits:
- Reduced operational costs through waste elimination
- Lower insurance premiums for certified businesses
- Access to new markets and business opportunities
- Improved profit margins through better resource management
Omega QMS provides complete hand-holding from process identification to drafting procedures and securing accredited certification, making ISO implementation seamless for your organization.
Which ISO standards are most common and which one does my business need?
Different ISO standards address different aspects of business management. Here are the most widely adopted certifications:
ISO 9001 – Quality Management System (QMS):
- Purpose: Ensures consistent quality in products and services
- Best for: All industries – manufacturing, services, IT, healthcare, education
- Key benefit: Improves customer satisfaction and operational efficiency
- Most popular: Over 1 million certifications worldwide
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System (EMS):
- Purpose: Reduces environmental impact and ensures sustainability
- Best for: Manufacturing, construction, waste management, energy sectors
- Key benefit: Demonstrates environmental responsibility, reduces waste costs
ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety:
- Purpose: Protects worker safety and prevents workplace injuries
- Best for: Construction, manufacturing, mining, logistics, high-risk industries
- Key benefit: Reduces accidents, lowers insurance costs, improves employee morale
ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management:
- Purpose: Ensures food safety from farm to fork
- Best for: Food processing, restaurants, catering, packaging, distribution
- Key benefit: Prevents contamination, meets regulatory requirements
ISO 27001 – Information Security Management:
- Purpose: Protects sensitive data and information assets
- Best for: IT companies, financial services, healthcare, e-commerce
- Key benefit: Prevents data breaches, builds customer trust in digital security
ISO 50001 – Energy Management System:
- Purpose: Optimizes energy use and reduces costs
- Best for: Energy-intensive industries, manufacturing, commercial buildings
- Key benefit: Lowers energy bills, supports sustainability goals
ISO 13485 – Medical Devices Quality Management:
- Purpose: Ensures safety and quality of medical devices
- Best for: Medical device manufacturers, healthcare equipment suppliers
- Key benefit: Mandatory for medical device market access in many countries
Integrated Management Systems (IMS):
Many organizations implement multiple ISO standards together (e.g., ISO 9001 + ISO 14001 + ISO 45001) for comprehensive management coverage. This approach saves costs and reduces audit redundancy.
Not sure which certification you need? Omega QMS conducts a free assessment to identify the most relevant standards for your business objectives and industry requirements.
How long does ISO certification take?
ISO certification timeline varies based on your organization’s size, current processes, and chosen standard(s). Here’s a realistic breakdown:
Typical Timeline by Organization Size:
- Small business (10-50 employees): 3-6 months
- Medium enterprise (51-250 employees): 6-9 months
- Large organization (250+ employees): 9-12 months
Phase-by-Phase Breakdown:
Phase 1: Gap Analysis & Planning (2-4 weeks)
- Current process assessment
- Identifying gaps against ISO requirements
- Creating implementation roadmap
Phase 2: Documentation Development (1-3 months)
- Quality manual creation
- Procedure and work instruction drafting
- Forms and record templates design
- Policy statements and objectives
Phase 3: Implementation & Training (2-4 months)
- Rolling out new procedures
- Employee training and awareness programs
- Collecting objective evidence and records
- Internal process monitoring
Phase 4: Internal Audit & Management Review (2-4 weeks)
- Conducting internal audits
- Identifying non-conformities
- Implementing corrective actions
- Management review meeting
Phase 5: Certification Audit (2-4 weeks)
- Stage 1 audit (documentation review)
- Stage 2 audit (on-site assessment)
- Addressing any audit findings
- Certificate issuance
Factors That Speed Up Certification:
- Existing documented processes
- Strong management commitment
- Dedicated project team
- Using experienced consultants like Omega QMS
- Employee engagement and cooperation
Factors That May Delay Certification:
- Lack of documented procedures
- Resistance to change from staff
- Inadequate resources or time allocation
- Complex multi-site operations
- Major process gaps requiring significant changes
What is the cost of ISO certification in India?
ISO certification costs vary significantly based on organization size, chosen standard, and certification body. Here’s a transparent breakdown:
Consultancy Fees (Omega QMS):
Small Organizations (10-50 employees):
- Single certification (ISO 9001, 14001, or 45001): ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000
- Integrated system (2-3 standards): ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000
Medium Organizations (51-250 employees):
- Single certification: ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000
- Integrated system: ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,50,000
Large Organizations (250+ employees):
- Single certification: ₹2,50,000 – ₹5,00,000+
- Integrated system: ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000+
Certification Body Fees:
- Small organization: ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 (first year)
- Medium organization: ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000 (first year)
- Large organization: ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000+ (first year)
Note: Certification body fees are charged separately and depend on organization size, number of sites, and complexity.
What’s Included in Omega QMS Consultancy:
- Gap analysis and baseline assessment
- Complete documentation development (manual, procedures, work instructions)
- Employee training and awareness programs
- Implementation support and guidance
- Internal audit training and execution
- Management review facilitation
- Pre-certification audit preparation
- Support during certification audit
- Post-certification handholding (first 3 months)
Ongoing Costs (Annual):
- Surveillance audits: ₹15,000 – ₹75,000 per year (depending on organization size)
- Recertification (every 3 years): Similar to initial certification body fees
- Internal audits: Can be managed in-house or outsourced (₹10,000 – ₹50,000/year)
Return on Investment:
Despite upfront costs, ISO certification typically delivers ROI within 1-2 years through:
- Operational efficiency gains (15-30% cost reduction)
- Access to new markets and tenders
- Reduced waste and rework
- Lower insurance premiums
- Improved customer retention
Omega QMS offers competitive pricing with flexible payment plans. Contact us for a customized quote based on your specific requirements and business size.
Can small businesses and startups get ISO certified?
Yes, absolutely! ISO certification is designed for organizations of all sizes, including small businesses, startups, MSMEs, and even one-person operations.
Why Small Businesses Should Consider ISO:
- Competitive edge: Level the playing field with larger competitors
- Tender eligibility: Qualify for government and corporate contracts requiring ISO certification
- Business growth: Establish scalable processes from the start
- Customer confidence: Build trust with larger clients who require supplier certification
- Access to funding: Some financial institutions offer preferential terms to ISO-certified businesses
- Export readiness: ISO certification is often mandatory for international markets
Common Concerns Addressed:
“ISO is only for big companies”
- FALSE: Over 60% of ISO-certified organizations worldwide have fewer than 50 employees
- ISO standards are scalable and can be tailored to your business size
“It’s too expensive for small budgets”
- Omega QMS offers affordable packages starting at ₹50,000 for small organizations
- Flexible payment plans available
- ROI typically achieved within 12-18 months through efficiency gains
“We don’t have documented processes”
- This is actually the BEST time to get certified – we help you establish proper processes from scratch
- Omega QMS provides complete documentation support
- Prevents bad habits from becoming entrenched
“We don’t have time for lengthy implementation”
- Small businesses typically achieve certification in 3-6 months
- We work around your schedule with minimal disruption
- Implementation can be done part-time alongside regular operations
Minimum Requirements:
- Registered business entity (proprietorship, partnership, LLP, Pvt Ltd)
- At least 6 months of operational history
- Basic organizational structure (can be lean)
- Commitment to follow standardized processes
Special Benefits for MSMEs:
- Udyam registration benefits may reduce certain compliance requirements
- Government schemes sometimes subsidize certification costs for MSMEs
- Simplified audit procedures for small organizations
Omega QMS specializes in helping small businesses and startups achieve ISO certification efficiently and affordably. We understand the unique challenges of smaller operations and tailor our approach accordingly – no unnecessary bureaucracy, just practical, scalable systems.
How do I maintain and renew my ISO certification?
ISO certification requires ongoing maintenance and renewal to remain valid. Here’s everything you need to know:
Certification Lifecycle:
- Initial certification validity: 3 years
- Surveillance audits: Year 1 and Year 2 (annual check-ins)
- Recertification audit: End of Year 3 (full audit for renewal)
- After recertification: Another 3-year cycle begins
Annual Surveillance Audits:
Purpose: Verify that your management system continues to meet ISO requirements
What to expect:
- Typically 1-2 days on-site (shorter than initial audit)
- Focus on specific processes or areas (not comprehensive review)
- Review of management review meetings
- Check internal audit reports
- Verification of corrective actions from previous audit
- Sample checking of records and documentation
Timeline: Must be conducted within 12 months of previous audit
Recertification Process (Every 3 Years):
When: 6-9 months before certificate expiry
What’s involved:
- Comprehensive audit similar to initial certification
- Review of complete management system
- Assessment of continual improvement activities
- Review of 3 years of performance data
- Verification that system remains effective and relevant
Duration: Similar to initial audit (2-5 days depending on organization size)
Day-to-Day Maintenance Requirements:
1. Internal Audits (Minimum twice per year):
- Must cover all processes and areas annually
- Conducted by trained internal auditors
- Identify non-conformities and improvement opportunities
- Document findings and corrective actions
2. Management Review Meetings (Minimum annually):
- Top management reviews system performance
- Analyzes audit results, customer feedback, process performance
- Makes decisions on system improvements
- Sets objectives for next period
3. Continuous Documentation:
- Maintain up-to-date procedures and work instructions
- Keep records of training, calibration, maintenance
- Document corrective and preventive actions
- Track customer complaints and resolutions
4. Process Monitoring:
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Monitor process effectiveness
- Measure customer satisfaction
- Analyze trends and take action
What Happens if You Fail Surveillance/Recertification?
- Minor non-conformities: Given time to correct (typically 30-90 days), certificate remains valid
- Major non-conformities: Certificate may be suspended until corrected
- Critical issues: Certificate may be withdrawn, requiring full re-certification
Costs for Maintenance:
- Surveillance audit fees: ₹15,000 – ₹75,000 per year (certification body charges)
- Internal resources: Time for internal audits, documentation, management reviews
- Optional consultancy: Omega QMS offers annual maintenance support packages
Tips for Smooth Maintenance:
- Set calendar reminders for internal audits and management reviews
- Assign a Management Representative to oversee the system
- Keep documentation current – don’t let it become outdated
- Use audit findings as improvement opportunities, not just compliance exercises
- Stay informed about standard updates and revisions
Omega QMS provides post-certification support packages including surveillance audit preparation, internal auditor training, and ongoing consultancy to ensure your certification remains valid and your management system continues to add value to your business.
