The implementation of a quality management system (QMS) in an organization cannot be a decision to be taken lightly to follow a fashionable trend. It must be part of the organization's strategy to realize its vision and to achieve the position it wants to have in the market.

Once the management has taken the decision to implement a QMS according to ISO 9001, it should be prepared to go through a careful preparation, a systematic planning of the stages of implementation, a company-wide campaign of communication and information, before starting the actual implementation of the QMS. Top management must be prepared to devote the necessary resources for the different phases of the project including the certification of the QMS and its subsequent maintenance.