ISO 9001 and ISO 27001: Differences & Opportunities

Organizations must prove they are providing a quality service in today's business environment. To ensure this is achieved, companies shall meet the requirements of ISO 9001 and ISO 27001, respectively. Both standards address the issue of quality management .  ISO 9001 focuses on overall production processes while  ISO 27001 focuses on  environmental management and product compliance.  This article examines in detail two standards' similarities, differences, and opportunities. 

ISO 27001 

ISO 27001:2013 is the international standard for information security. It defines the parameters of a system for managing information security (ISMS). ISO 27001 was created to "give a model for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining, and upgrading an information security management system," as stated in the standard's description. 

Documentation requirements, management accountability, internal audits, CAPA, and other continuous improvement methods are detailed in detail in the specification. Assisting businesses in meeting legal and regulatory obligations and safeguarding their most valuable information is the primary focus of ISO 27001. 

Organizations should use the controls outlined in ISO 27001 in a way that is proportional to the risks they face. To achieve ISO 27001 compliance, risk-based specific controls are required thus, third-party authorized certification is encouraged although is not essential. 

Benefits of ISO 27001 

The key benefits of ISO 27001 acceptance include the following: 

• Keeping and Attracting Customers: A business that can demonstrate compliance with ISO 27001 will be seen to be trustworthy and will stand out from other organizations. 

• Preventing Fines and Loss of Reputation: ISO 27001 conformity can help to protect a business from fines imposed by regulators. 
• Improving Processes and Strategies: Using ISO 27001 is a means of improving processes by minimizing weaknesses and gaining confidence in the security and management systems. 
• Commercial, Contractual and Legal Compliance: Organizations compliant with ISO 27001 are eligible for business and commercial incentives, insurance premium reductions, and reduced employment liability. 

ISO 9001 

ISO 9001 is another international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It provides criteria for a company's quality management system (QMS) to achieve customer satisfaction through producing goods and services in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements. 

It is an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems and covers the management of all aspects of a business, including "design, development, production, operation, and maintenance." It is often used as a contract selection criterion to determine who will produce the goods or services. 

ISO 9001 certified companies prove that they are meeting customer requirements and the standards set by law. This helps companies to retain customers and attract new business by building credibility. 

Benefits of ISO 9001 

Key benefits resulting from implementation of an ISO 9001 quality management system are: 

• Increased Efficiency: Quality management systems are used to prevent defects and waste. They help to use resources more efficiently by eliminating redundant activities and making processes more streamlined and efficient. 
• Higher Customer Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction is a key benefit of ISO 9001. With a minimum requirement that all products and services conform to statutory and regulatory requirements, ISO 9001 guarantees that goods or services should be produced with complete conformance to customer requirements. Customer confidence will increase as customers are reassured about the quality of goods and services delivered. 
• International Recognition: ISO 9001 certification ensures that the company is compliant with applicable laws and standards. This brings credibility and professionalism to the business, ensuring that clients can trust it. 
• Prepare For the Future: ISO 9001 compliance helps businesses plan for the future. It is extremely useful for retaining customers, recruiting staff, and protecting assets. 
• Continuous Improvement: The ISO 9001 certification process requires management to monitor and evaluate the QMS regularly and make improvements where necessary. This helps a business identify weaknesses, improve efficiency, and eliminate waste. 

Difference between ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 

Both standards are applied to organizations of all sizes. ISO 9001 is a standard that lays out the parameters for quality management system (QMS). Consistently meeting client and regulatory requirements is at the heart of the standard. The guideline also seeks to enhance customer satisfaction by fostering a culture of constant development and listening to comments from existing clients.  

ISO 27001 is a standard that helps businesses ensure the security of their information while inspiring trust in their operations. The standard considers potential data security threats such as remote access, media disposal, and mobile devices. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 are two closely related management standards, but they address different area of the organization.  Many benefits accrue to any company if implementing ISO 9001  and the ISO 27001 standards. Both standards help a business to comply with international laws and regulations, increase revenue, reduce waste, improve processes and resources, prevent or minimize loss of business and increase efficiency. Therefore, ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 should not be considered rivals. They are complementary and can work together to meet a business' goals.