3 MIN. READ
The steps to getting ISO certified can seem daunting, but many large and small companies see their sales increase by accomplishing the task. For many procurement departments, ISO certification is the distinction that moves a vendor to the top of the approved supplier list.
What is ISO certification?
Industry regulations may vary from country to country or even state to state. However, according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, certifications allow buyers to know that companies, regardless of location, adhere to predictable and verifiable standards. Companies earning ISO certification must maintain high standards in every aspect of their operations. Manufacturers can be certified to many types of ISO standards. As a sidebar in an IndustryNet supplier results page demonstrates, these can include:
● 13485
● 14000
● 14001
● 17025
● 17025:2005
● 18001
● 9000
● 9001
● 9001:2015
● 9002
● AS9100
● TS16949
● TS16949:2009
Companies choose the certifications that most apply to their industry segment, company culture, and production methods. TS16949 and TS16949:2009, as well as ISO 13485, are specific to the automotive industry.
What are the Benefits of ISO Certification?
Since ISO certifications are obtained through third parties, certified companies maintain tangible proof that they comply with international standards. The certifications not only instill confidence in potential customers but investors as well. Certifications also show a company's regard for high business values such as customer satisfaction and high productivity.
Many public and private companies won't even do business with a company that doesn't hold ISO certification. A manufacturer can turn out high-quality products but never penetrate the market without certification to prove it.
One common marketplace requirement for manufacturers is ISO 9001. This standard deals with the quality of products. The ISO 9001 definition of products includes services, materials, hardware, and software. The ISO 9001 certification covers the following:
● Document control.
● Records control.
● Internal audits.
● Nonconforming product control.
● Corrective actions.
● Preventive actions.
Of these, manufacturers may find preventive actions most essential to higher profitability. While corrective actions address mistakes that generate rejects and returns, preventive measures eliminate root causes. Companies implementing these actions ship more products and control waste. Thus, prevention results in higher revenues and lower costs for raw materials.
The other most commonly implemented standards are ISO 9000 for quality management systems, ISO 13485 for medical devices, and ISO 14001, addressing a company's environmental impact. ISO 14001 particularly attracts customers interested in going green.
Continuous Improvement
For any business, stagnation is the enemy of success. This is where the concept of Continuous Improvement comes into play. Continuous Improvement is a key component of most ISO standards, including the widely recognized ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
The principle behind Continuous Improvement is simple yet powerful: businesses should strive for constant, incremental improvements in their processes, products, or services. This approach encourages a culture of innovation and efficiency, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and improved business performance.
ISO certification plays a crucial role in fostering Continuous Improvement. It provides a structured framework for businesses to identify areas of improvement, implement changes, and monitor the effectiveness of those changes. By adhering to ISO standards, businesses can ensure they are always moving forward, never resting on their laurels.
Global Trade Implications
Global competition also comes into play when it comes to ISO certification. Businesses are not just competing with local rivals, but also with companies from around the globe. To thrive in this competitive landscape, businesses need to demonstrate that they adhere to internationally recognized quality standards. This is where ISO certification comes in.
ISO certification is recognized worldwide as a mark of quality. It assures potential partners and customers that a business is committed to maintaining high standards in its operations. This can facilitate international trade by opening up new markets and opportunities.
Moreover, ISO certification can help businesses navigate the complex regulatory landscape of international trade. Many countries require ISO certification as a prerequisite for doing business. By obtaining ISO certification, businesses can ensure they are compliant with global quality standards, reducing the risk of regulatory issues that could hamper their expansion into new markets.
Remember, in the world of global trade, ISO certification is not just a nice-to-have – it’s a must-have. It’s the key that can unlock the door to international success.
What Steps Must a Company Take Toward Getting ISO Certification?
Using ISO 9001 as an example, companies must take specific steps before becoming eligible for a third-party ISO audit. These are:
1. Develop a quality management system (QMS). This system will be unique to the company's needs. Management should study core processes and what changes it can make to improve them. Then, using ISO standards, managers should develop an effective system. Management must document the system and distribute it to all employees it affects.
2. Implement the new QMS. Require everyone to adhere to the new rules and track their progress. Make sure processes are recorded on new documents. Getting the paperwork filled out may require some training. Management should also put a way to report problems in place and fix them as they arise.
3. Bring in an outside audit. Once a company has the new system in hand and problems addressed, it's time for a third party to take a look. An expert auditor will examine a QMS at all levels, from the shop floor to the president's office, to verify that the company meets ISO standards. The auditor will go through the official documentation to see if it matches direct input from workers.
4. Register the QMS. After passing inspection, the company can register its QMS system for certification. Management will gather all the documentation and submit it to the certifying party for review. Once it passes the review, it has earned ISO certification. However, standards evolve. A company must undergo an audit every three years to keep its certification.
Finding ISO-Registered Companies
Buyers searching for products and services they can trust will look for ISO certification. IndustryNet makes that process easy by listing certifications as one of many search criteria businesses can use to find suppliers. Powered by MNI's 80-person research team, IndustryNet offers up-to-date information, including certifications, on providers across the United States.
IndustryNet covers individual subsidiaries and plants as well as parent organizations, information that may not be available on company websites. Buyers can also contact vendors directly from listings. Click here to find certified suppliers to meet your business needs.
Editor's note: This article was originally published in November 2022. It has been updated for more in-depth informaion.
