The quality management systems search to continuously improve standards of quality and productivity of an organization by providing it a competitive advantage. The present study is developed with the objective of knowing these systems in companies that are ISO 9001 certified in the area ofQuality Management, located in south of Rio Grande do Sul, and the use of statistical techniques in this context. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires are use to characterize the four companies investigated, as well as evaluating its management system. The study find evidence that certification has brought good results, especially under the technical point of view, although it has not guaranteed improved economic performance. It is also find a little use of statistical techniques in the industry.