What is ISO Certification? The International Standards Organization (ISO) has outlined a series of requirements for standardization and quality assurance. The ISO is an internationally recognized body that is responsible for developing standards of quality assurance. The ISO itself doesn’t grant certification. Instead, the certification comes from a third-party organization that is responsible for ensuring that companies who want to be certified adhere to the ISO’s requirements. Certification is usually a requirement for bidding on individual contracts.
What is ISO Certification for?
Businesses that want to increase their marketability should think about certification. The International Standards Organization is recognized worldwide as an organization that focuses on maintaining quality. As a result, certification makes a business more likely to be chosen as a contract awardee.
Where Can a Business Get Certified?
Several third-party organizations exist that allow for certification. The process for accreditation differs for each organization. The cost for smaller businesses will be less than for larger firms. At its core, the ISO certification process deals with ensuring that a company documents its processes extensively. In addition to the initial assessment, companies that are certified will need to undergo periodic audits to retain the certification. The certification process has several steps, including:
Preparation: The company decides whether it wants to hire a consultant or undertake the certification process themselves. Consultants can help the business because of their knowledge of the certification process, saving the business time. If you’re interested in getting professional advice with your ISO application, contact us today.
Documentation: Businesses should document their quality management systems. Ideally, a business should spend time documenting every detail of its management systems. More documentation is better than less.
Implement the System: After outlining the system, it’s up to the business to ensure they apply the processes. The aim is to incorporate the [process improvements into the daily function of employees.
Internal Audits: Certification requires both internal and external audits. the internal audits happen first, usually conducted by the company’s lead ISO certification personnel. The audit helps the business to understand where it needs improvement to conform to the requirements of the ISO.
External Audits and Certification: the final part of the process relies on third-party auditors that are part of an ISO registrar. These businesses audit a company to ensure that it conforms to the guidelines set out by the ISO. If they do, then the company is granted certification.
What is ISO Certification Process?
While the best-case scenario runs between six to eight weeks, typically, there is no set period for a company to attain certification. On starting the process, a business usually gets a letter that they can include with any tender submissions to show that they are in the process of obtaining ISO certification. After the company attains certification, they will receive an announcement letter that states their compliance.
Why Should a Business Get ISO Certification?
Aside from making the business more marketable, there are a few essential points that certification addresses. Certified companies will demand greater respect within their industry. Their business processes will demonstrate a higher level of consistency and control as long as they conform to the requirements. Customers particularly will have the peace of mind that the business is certified to follow best-practices. Additionally, companies that maintain ISO standards have to keep employee training in line with those requirements. Its employees, therefore, have a firmer grasp of the organization’s goals and procedures. This translates into better employee performance.
What is ISO Certification Time Frame?
As mentioned before, companies that are certified need to undergo periodic audits to ensure they retain the certification. These occur yearly. In these audits, the auditing body examines the company’s quality management system to ensure that it conforms to the ISO’s standards. After three years, a re-certification audit happens. A company has the chance to lose its certification because of severe violations. Occasionally, auditors might allow for some leeway to businesses that are in danger of losing their ISO certification to make changes.
