Suran Moodley, Group Managing Director, Ariston Global, a strategic business advisory business, says that SMEs underestimate the credibility and business boost attributed to implementing a Quality Management System (QMS).
According to Moodley, the standards provided by a QMS break down barriers to business efficiency and effectiveness, while promoting sustainable growth.
He says that companies with 5 – 50 employees, who engage with standards have seen a positive impact: “Standards provide these companies with tools to enhance and improve products and services.
They also encourage an increase in new customers and an ability to explore new markets. The business can grow quicker and will ultimately experience an increase in profits.”
In a the modern world, where it is becoming easier for SMEs to compete on an even playing field, quality is of significant importance.
This is even more imperative if the business is of a technical nature, according to Moodley: “These businesses require thorough knowledge of technical standards, which in turn will lead to improved quality of products.
By instilling a level of standardisation and following the relevant processes, SMEs will feel confident when promising a quality of service.”
He says that by implementing a QMS, companies will potentially discover new markets as the standards often expose them to newly developed business tools and enhancements: “There are also quality committees, and by staying engaged at this level, clients can adapt to future regulations.
This gives them a competitive advantage as well as assisting the business to improve processes.
An ISO certification independently verifies a company’s QMS and is especially valuable if the SME is aiming for larger clients that require audited proof of methods and standards of practice.”
Brand equity is another important, but often, neglected element of SME business.
Moodley says that ascribing to standards can enhance brand recognition and inspire trust and reliability: “A QMS also offers potential savings as the SME implements a new and more standardised approach to its production line or business. Often SMEs are able to save on costs as the production process is improved.
It’s about taking quality seriously and ensuring standardisation and sustainability, the market is immediately made aware of the company’s commitment to quality of service and product.”
Importantly, complying with regulations is also addressed through standardisation.
Moodley says that there are still too many SMEs that don’t consider the importance of regulations: “By conforming to these guidelines, SMEs will ultimately assist their businesses to compete more effectively.
Some industries lack specific regulations and thus use a well thought out and documented QMS as the default standard.
This helps to differentiate quality, value adding suppliers within the playing field and often rids the industry of sub-standard businesses.”