Benchmarking, multi-criteria evaluation model, and ISO 9000 certification

Summary form only given. In this paper we applied a Bipolar method to select a registration agency for ISO 9000 and emerging standards. The necessary criteria are determined using a benchmarking tool, which is one of the most useful tools of total quality management (TQM). Total quality management (TQM) plays an important role in helping American companies to regain their technological power. ISO 9000 registration is a must for many companies that are suppliers of products, parts and materials. It can mean prestige, consistency, high quality, less waste and higher profits to the organization. The registration process could be very long, e.g. from 5 months to 3 years, and expensive. The benchmarking process is recommended to establish the criteria necessary for the registration procedure. The Bipolar method, which provides ranking and sorting objects (agencies), is recommended in order to achieve success and avoid failure