In the fast-paced world of business, maintaining high standards and ensuring quality is paramount. This is where ISO plays a pivotal role.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what ISO is, delve into the specifics of ISO 9001 and explore the process of obtaining ISO certification.
What does ISO stand for?
ISO stands for the International Organisation for Standardisation. It is an independent, non-governmental international organisation that develops and publishes standards to ensure the quality, safety and efficiency of products, services and systems.
The goal of ISO is to facilitate international trade by providing common standards that everyone agrees on and adheres to. Key ISO standards are ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety and ISO 27001 for information security management.
What is ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 is a specific standard focusing on quality management systems. It sets out criteria for a quality management system and is based on a number of quality management principles, including a strong customer focus, involvement of top management, a process approach and continual improvement.
ISO 9001 is applicable to any organisation, regardless of size or industry. By implementing ISO 9001, organisations can enhance customer satisfaction, improve overall efficiency and meet statutory and regulatory requirements.
What is ISO certification?
ISO certification, is the process by which a third-party certifying body verifies that a company’s management system complies with the requirements of a specific ISO standard, such as ISO 9001. It is an external validation that provides credibility and assurance to customers and stakeholders that the organisation is committed to maintaining high-quality standards.
How do you get ISO certification?
Obtaining ISO certification involves a structured process that includes the following key steps:
1. INITIAL ASSESSMENT
The organisation conducts an internal assessment to identify the gaps between its existing processes and the requirements of the relevant ISO standard.
2. DOCUMENTATION
The organisation documents its processes, policies and procedures to demonstrate compliance with the ISO standard.
3. TRAINING & AWARENESS
Employees are trained on the new processes, and awareness is created throughout the organisation about the importance of ISO compliance.
4. IMPLEMENTATION
The organisation implements the necessary changes to align its operations with the ISO standard.
5. INTERNAL AUDIT
An internal audit is conducted to ensure that the implemented processes meet the requirements of the ISO standard.
6. MANAGEMENT REVIEW
Senior management will review the internal audit results and overall compliance with the ISO standard.
7. CERTIFICATION AUDIT
A third-party certification body conducts a thorough audit to determine if the organisation meets the requirements of the ISO standard.
8. CERTIFICATION DECISION
Based on the audit results, the certification body makes a decision regarding ISO certification.
9. SURVEILLIANCE AUDIT
After certification, regular surveillance audits are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance.
ISO certification is a valuable tool for organisations seeking to establish and maintain high-quality management systems. By adhering to these standards, businesses can enhance their credibility, improve customer satisfaction and gain a competitive edge in the global market.
Obtaining ISO certification requires commitment, but the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment for organisations dedicated to quality and excellence.
Procure Spot specialises in ISO consultancy services. We support organisations to obtain certification across all key ISO standards.Â
Contact us to discuss your ISO certification needs.