The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides worldwide standards for manufacturing processes, safety regulations, quality assurance, and other matters to thousands of industry leaders throughout the world. Being ISO certified has various benefits for both your manufacturing company and your customers. Follow these guidelines to get ISO certified and reap the benefits for your company!
What is the ISO?
The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a non-governmental organization that creates standards to assure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems. As technology advances, new standards are developed and applied by workers at all levels of the global industry undergoing standardization. The beginnings of the organization can be traced back to 1946, when 65 officials from 25 countries gathered in London to debate the post-war future of International Standardization. ISO was founded in 1947 with 67 technical committees, or groups of experts focusing on a given issue. The ISO has grown over the previous 75 years to have 165 member countries, approximately 800 technical committees and subcommittees, and over 23,000 international standards.
What Does “ISO Certified” Mean?
To be ISO certified, you must have been audited by an independent third party that offers ISO audit services and proved that your company meets the needs of the most recent quality process standards set by the International Standards Organization. This certification confirms that your procedures are fast and effective, and that they adhere to international best practices (aka The Standard). This is useful to your business both internally and externally. Internally, since you are more likely to produce and distribute higher-quality products that please your customers and are delivered on schedule. Externally, because you can now market that fact to the outside business community, resulting in higher sales levels with a better group of customers. Companies with solid processes provide quality products that arrive on time, and such companies build strong reputations and followings.
There are several specific ISO certifications available, ranging from energy management and social responsibility to risk management and occupational health and safety. Each ISO certification is categorised by number in addition to having its own set of criteria and requirements. The ISO certification for quality management systems, for example, is ISO 9001:2015, which implies that the standard number is 9001 and it was issued in 2015.
Why is ISO Certification Important for Your Manufacturing Company?
Being ISO certified provides several benefits to manufacturers. There are various reasons why ISO certification is important for manufacturing businesses.
Keep Up With Industry Standards and Regulations
By getting the most recent ISO certification, your manufacturing company displays its ability to provide quality goods that fulfill all industry regulations, are delivered on time, and please the client. This is important for your company since your products should represent the steps taken to provide consistency and credibility in a global manufacturing market. On a more practical level, ISO certification means that your company has all of the necessary tools, resources, and equipment to create your product or service.
Instill Trust in Your Customers
When your manufacturing company is has ISO 9001, your work shows adherence to and conformity to ISO standards. Customers and regulators can have confidence that your products meet all needs and that your company continuously maintains the necessary steps and paperwork to enhance and sustain your operation.
How to Obtain ISO Certification
Individuals cannot get ISO certification; only corporations and organizations can do so. Furthermore, ISO does not give certification; certification is only available through outside organizations. However, as one might expect, the ISO has a Committee on Conformity Assessment (CASCO) that supervises the certification process’s qualifications. When picking a certification body, it is critical to assess many agencies in order to find the greatest match for your organization. One factor to evaluate is whether or not the agency uses the most recent, related standards and is an accredited body. The schedule for certification training is determined by a variety of factors, including a test of the standards, an organization’s level of readiness, and the size and complexity of the business. Most people can expect to get certified within three to six months.
