The Role of the Information Systems Organization in ISO 9000 Registration

This study explores the role of Information Systems (IS) personnel in US firms in the ISO 9000 registration process. ISO 9000 quality standards have been adopted by thousands of firms worldwide; registration to one or more of these standards is widely regarded to be a competitive necessity for foreign trade. Implementation of these standards involves considerable investment in time and money, and involves employees in many departments. IS personnel have unique knowledge of cross-functional processes and the information infrastructure. Managers who ignore the potential benefits of IS participation in the ISO 9000 registration process may lengthen the registration process time and increase costs. We found that a majority of registration activities are completed without significant IS involvement but there are many areas in which greater IS involvement is desired by ISO quality managers. Another finding of this study is that, where information systems are up-to-date, information systems personnel are seen to play a greater role in the ISO 9000 registration process.