### Every Small and Medium-Sized Business is Watching: The New ISO 9001 is Coming

ISO 9001, the recognized international standard for quality management systems, is undergoing a revision that will lead to a new edition by the end of 2025. This update presents an important opportunity for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to adapt to the ever-evolving dynamics of the market. It is not just a formal change, but a chance to enhance the ability to meet customer needs, effectively manage supplier relationships, and comply with current regulations.

### Understanding ISO 9001

The ISO 9001 standard has long been a reference standard for quality management on a global scale. ISO standards, certifications developed by the International Organization for Standardization, establish requirements and guidelines that ensure the safety, reliability, and quality of products and services. Specifically, ISO 9001 focuses on the quality management system (QMS), a set of procedures, processes, and policies that define how a company creates and delivers its products and services.

Companies that follow this standard demonstrate not only compliance with regulatory requirements and customer expectations but also improve their operational efficiency and competitiveness. The benefits of ISO 9001 certification include:

– **Increased Efficiency:** Through comprehensive mapping of business processes, SMEs can optimize their operations and reduce waste.
– **Cost Reduction:** Optimizing activities allows businesses to contain operating expenses.
– **Problem Prevention:** The systematic approach enables the identification and addressing of critical issues before they become problems.
– **Customer Trust:** Certification serves as tangible proof of the company’s commitment to quality.
– **Competitive Advantage:** Being certified provides an edge over competitors who have not implemented the standard.
– **Promotion of Continuous Improvement:** Certification fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the company, also facilitating internationalization towards foreign markets.

### The Importance of the Standard Revision

Periodic review of ISO standards is crucial to ensure their relevance in a constantly changing economic and technological environment. The new ISO 9001 will address global challenges such as digitalization, sustainability, and organizational resilience.

Although the official details will not be available until the final publication, some key themes are already emerging:

– **Focus on Sustainability:** A greater integration of sustainability principles into management systems is anticipated. SMEs will need to increasingly align with the expectations of customers and stakeholders, who are becoming more attuned to environmental and social sustainability issues.

– **Digitalization:** Digital technology will play a crucial role in the evolution of quality processes, contributing to improved operational efficiency and effectiveness.

– **Risk Management and Resilience:** The importance of risk management will be emphasized, with a particular focus on organizational resilience to navigate unforeseen events, thus ensuring operational continuity.

– **Simplified Approach for SMEs:** The new version of the standard is expected to include clearer and more accessible guidelines to facilitate implementation and certification for small and medium-sized enterprises.

### Benefits for SMEs

Adopting the new ISO 9001 will give SMEs the opportunity to strengthen customer trust by demonstrating a concrete commitment to quality and operational excellence. They will be able to:

– **Optimize Costs:** By improving operational efficiency and implementing leaner processes, companies can reduce overall costs.

– **Ensure Regulatory Compliance:** By adhering to new laws and regulations, businesses will align with industry best practices.