Start with the business need
Identify the customer, tender or operational reason for implementing a management system. Choose a standard because its scope addresses your requirements.
Define the scope
List your activities, sites, employee count and key processes. Gather existing procedures, forms, customer requirements and any previous findings.
Check implementation evidence
Look beyond written procedures. Can your team show completed records, monitored objectives, internal audits, management reviews and actions taken when something goes wrong?
Prepare an informed enquiry
Share your scope, maturity, timing constraints and areas where support is needed. Ask the consultant to distinguish document development, implementation support, internal audit and independent certification fees.
Sources & editorial information
Prepared by the Standards Advisory editorial team. This guide provides general information and does not reproduce the standards or replace a review of your specific scope.