The standard describes which requirements a quality management system has to fulfil.

An essential part of quality management systems according to the ISO 9001 is the focus on customer contentment and the continual as well as measurable improvement process that comes along with this.

Quality Management Systems according to ISO 9001 constitute a possible control element that enables a systematic attainment and measurement of the entrepreneurial efforts.

Furthermore the transparency within a company is promoted by quality management systems. Thus multiple positive effects can be achieved. By means of certification of such management systems a reference for third parties (e.g. customers) is made as well in relation to internal quality awareness.

Beyond that quality management systems according to ISO 9001 are often – within the framework of a procurement process –   a criterion for pre-qualification.