The Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM) is pleased to announce that in September 2023, its Quality Management System (QMS) was recertified to ISO 9001:2015 during its second triennial assessment.
Also, in September 2023, DQS Management Systems Solutions — which is a member of the global network of certification bodies, IQNet — assessed PFSCM’s procurement processes, including our procurement strategy, planning, and operations with respect to the Sustainable Procurement Guidance Standard ISO 20400:2017. PFSCM’s procurement processes were found to align with this standard for delivering sustainable outcomes in supply chains.
The DQS assessment noted that PFSCM provided evidence of understanding the fundamentals, integrating sustainability into their procurement policy and strategy and organizing the procurement function towards sustainability. Part of the assessment covered addressing areas such as environmental, social, and governance practices.
PFSCM’s QMS received its initial ISO 9001:2008 certification in 2014, and the organization advanced to the latest ISO 9001:2015 standard in 2017. PFSCM is proud of the fact that no major non-conformities have ever been noted during our certification period of nine years.
PFSCM has upheld the highest quality standards, ensuring successful annual ISO 9001:2015 surveillance audits and registration by one of the world’s most reputable certification bodies for management systems, DQS Management Systems Solutions.
DQS audited PFSCM’s US and Netherlands offices in person and endorsed the recommendation for recertification.
PFSCM Chief Quality & Risk Officer Michael Harrigan explains that ISO 20400:2017 requirements are embedded in PFSCM’s QMS.
“It is an important standard for PFSCM as it aligns with our sustainability objectives and goals. Our procurement activities must consider the impact of how and what we procure, consideration of the environmental impact of our distribution methods employed and using prequalified quality assured service providers who understand their role in achieving sustainable outcomes.”
Harrigan adds that achieving this recognition of conformance is something PFSCM is very proud of.
“As a leading nonprofit procurement services agent, it is a major step forward in aligning with global best practices on governance, social responsibility and sustainability compliance. The global community, our stakeholders, clients and customers are requiring companies to address these important issues and this aspect will become an important part of global donor and customer requirements in the future.”
What does ISO 9001:2015 mean for PFSCM clients?
ISO 9001:2015 certification provides PFSCM’s current and new clients with the assurance that PFSCM’s business is conducted within a standardized framework, with documented process methodology and approach, competent staff, and defined roles and responsibilities, as well as a deep understanding of our client requirements.
This conduct involves upholding key global principles of quality management systems, some of which are summarized below:
- Improving customer satisfaction: A fundamental principle of ISO 9001:2015 is to continuously improve customer satisfaction through effective planning and striving to meet and exceed our customer expectations.
- Improving process integration: ISO 9001:2015’s process approach enables an organization to easily identify areas where efficiency and cost savings can be improved. Improved process flow interaction and integration reduces errors and inefficiencies, increasing service levels and cost savings for customers.
- Upholding evidence-based decisions: Through ISO 9001:2015, the organization commits to making decisions based on accurately analyzed data and facts. This not only ensures that the organization is able to meet and measure its goals and progress, but also gives customers the assurance that decisions are based on sound judgement.
- Continuous improvement: A requirement of ISO 9001:2015 is to continuously improve the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the organization’s quality management system. These improvements are based on the analysis of data and results and the outcomes of management reviews.
In conclusion, ISO 9001:2015 certification provides clients with peace of mind in knowing that their expectations will be met in a transparent and compliant manner.