ISO 17100 vs. ISO 9001: Key differences and synergies

In today's globalized world, quality standards play a crucial role in many industries. Two of the most well-known standards are ISO 17100 and ISO 9001. Although they are often mentioned in the same breath, they serve different purposes and have specific requirements. This article will highlight the key differences and synergies between ISO 17100 and ISO 9001.

ISO 17100: Focus on translation services

ISO 17100 is the international standard specifically for translation services. It defines the requirements for all aspects of the translation process, the quality and the qualifications of the people involved. The main objectives of ISO 17100 are:

• Translator qualifications: Ensuring that all translators have the necessary professional skills and qualifications.
• Processes and procedures: Detailed definition of work processes, from acceptance of the translation order to delivery of the final product.
• Traceability: Ensuring traceability of all translation steps and the people responsible.

ISO 9001: General Quality Management

ISO 9001, on the other hand, is a general quality management standard that is applicable to a wide range of industries and companies. The main objectives of ISO 9001 include:

• Customer satisfaction: Focus on meeting customer requirements and continuously improving customer satisfaction.
• Process-oriented approach: Promoting a process-oriented approach in management to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Continuous improvement: Implementing mechanisms to continuously improve business processes.

Key differences

1. Scope: ISO 17100 is specifically designed for translation services, while ISO 9001 applies to a wide range of industries.
2. Specific requirements: ISO 17100 places great emphasis on the qualifications and competencies of translators, as well as the traceability of translation processes. ISO 9001, on the other hand, focuses on general management principles and meeting customer requirements.
3. Process documentation: ISO 17100 requires detailed documentation of all translation processes, while ISO 9001 allows for flexible documentation that can be adapted to the specific needs of the company.

Synergies

Despite their differences, ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 also offer significant synergies:

• Quality improvement: Both standards aim to improve the quality of services, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.
• Process efficiency: Implementing both standards promotes efficient and effective process design and optimization.
• Competitive advantage: Companies that implement both standards can increase their competitiveness by demonstrating their ability to deliver high-quality services.

Conclusion

ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 are both important standards in the field of quality management, but they have different focuses. While ISO 17100 is specifically aimed at the translation industry, ISO 9001 is a cross-industry standard for general quality management. Implementing both standards can help companies optimize their processes, improve the quality of their services, and ultimately increase customer satisfaction. Companies that leverage these synergies are well-equipped to succeed in a competitive market.