The first steps in implementing ISO 9001:2015 in a small to medium enterprise include:

- Assembling a project team.
- Developing a project plan with a timetable.
- Providing basic training on ISO 9001 for project team members.
- Defining the scope of the management system.
- Performing a Gap Analysis to determine the extent of compliance with the standard and what needs to be done.
- Determining internal and external context.
- Identifying interested parties.
- Mapping your processes.
- Defining quality policy, objectives, and plans to meet them.
- Determining risks and opportunities and defining action plans to address the most important ones.
- Documenting your processes.
- Starting to measure performance.
- Performing internal audits.
- Conducting a management review to decide if the organization is ready for certification.