Frequently asked

Everything you should
know before ordering.

Clear answers to the most common questions about AlignedDocs.

Getting started
Do I need any ISO knowledge to order?
Not at all. You don't need to know the standard or a single piece of ISO jargon. The form asks about your business in plain language — how you actually work, your team, your goals. We turn that into the proper structure for you.
What if I can't answer a question in the form?
Just leave it blank or write what you know. Optional fields are clearly marked. If something important is missing, we get in touch before we build your manual — you're never left guessing.
How long does the form take?
About 30 minutes. That's the whole job on your side. Compare that to the 20–40 hours a DIY template would cost you in evenings and weekends.
Doing it yourself
Do I need a consultant for ISO 9001?
No — and that's the part too few people say out loud. ISO 9001 does not require a consultant. The standard asks you to describe how you already work, keep a few records, and review them honestly once a year. A small business can absolutely own that itself, without ongoing consultant fees.
Can I really do this without help?
Yes. That's exactly what AlignedDocs is for. You answer a structured form about your business; we do the heavy lifting of turning it into a standard-aligned manual. No four-figure invoice, no consultant living in your calendar — a foundation you keep in-house.
What's the difference between this and a free template?
A free template hands you dozens of blank placeholders and leaves the hard part to you: guessing what an auditor wants to see. Your manual arrives already written around your real business. Minutes of form instead of hours of guesswork.
What does it cost?
€179, one-time. No subscription, no hidden fees, no recurring costs. As a small business under §19 of the German VAT Act, we charge no VAT — so €179 is the final price. Compare that to a typical four-figure consulting invoice.
What you receive
Is the manual aligned with ISO 9001:2015?
Yes. The structure follows ISO 9001:2015 and is built as a documentation foundation prepared for your Stage 1 review. It's the groundwork your audit expects — not the certificate itself.
Will this get me certified?
Not on its own — and no honest provider could promise that. AlignedDocs gives you the documentation foundation that prepares you for your audit. The certificate itself comes from an accredited auditor and a recognised certification body. We get you ready for that conversation.
How and when do I receive my manual?
After your order and payment, your manual is written, reviewed and delivered as a PDF to the email you provide. Delivery usually takes within 48 hours. If anything causes a delay, you hear from us before the deadline, not after.
What language will my manual be in?
Whichever you choose at the final step — independently of the website language. For English you can also pick British or American spelling. Your document, your language.
Can I see a sample before I order?
Yes. Real example manuals (German and English) are on the Samples page — generated by AlignedDocs from realistic business input, so you see exactly the kind of document you'll receive.
Is it right for me?
Is this the current ISO standard? What about a 2026 version?
Yes. The valid edition is ISO 9001:2015, and that's what your manual is built on. A revised version is expected in 2026; once published, a three-year transition period applies, during which the 2015 edition stays recognised. The revision is evolutionary — the structure and core requirements stay the same. Your foundation keeps its value, and a later update to the new edition is straightforward.
Who is AlignedDocs for?
Small businesses up to 50 people that want a professional ISO 9001 manual without corporate overhead — across trades, manufacturing, services, IT and more. If you run a lean operation and need a solid foundation, it's built for you.
Does this work outside Germany?
Yes — we serve businesses worldwide. ISO 9001:2015 is an international standard, and your manual is built around it wherever you operate. You can receive the document in German, British or American English.
Does it work for a one-person business or a service company?
Absolutely — not just manufacturers. Whether you're a solo operation, a workshop, an agency or an IT firm, the manual is shaped around how your specific business works.
Can I use it for multiple locations?
The manual covers one company scope as defined in your form. If you need several sites or entities included, just contact us before ordering and we'll sort out the best approach.
After you order
What does the manual prepare me for?
Your Stage 1 review. The manual is built as a documentation foundation — cleanly structured to ISO 9001:2015 and tailored to your business. It gives an auditor the structure they expect and forms the groundwork your audit conversation builds on.
What if I have questions after ordering?
Email team@aligneddocs.com with your order reference — a real person reads every message. And if anything in your order looks unclear to us, we reach out before building your manual, not after.
Can I edit the PDF myself?
You receive your manual as a finished PDF. Minor tweaks are possible with common PDF editors; for larger changes it's easiest to move the text into a word processor. It's your document to keep and maintain — for a bigger update just get in touch and we'll talk options.
Is my business data secure?
Yes. Data is sent over encrypted connections, used only to create your manual, and never for anything else. Full details are in our privacy policy.
Want to see the result first? View sample manual (PDF)