What Are ISO Standards And Why Should You Care?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) currently holds more than 21,000 standards, in areas ranging from food safety management, quality management, and occupational health and safety. These standards are recognized in over 160+ countries worldwide. Organizations and businesses stand to receive substantial benefits from standardized systems. After all, ISO and its members have carefully drafted these standards to make businesses flourish in their respective fields as well as help them build a strong and lasting relationship with clients and partners. For some industries, employers are also required to take certain ISO certification to commence operation.

What are the common ISO standards?

 

Most ISO standards are product-specific or process-related. However, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are generic management system standards that can be integrated to any organization. They are also considered as the most common ISO certifications. Click To Tweet

Most ISO standards are product-specific or process-related. However, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are generic management system standards that can be integrated to any organization. They are also considered as the most common ISO certifications. ISO 9001 is a set of requirements for quality-management systems, while the ISO 14001 is dedicated for environmental-management systems. These ISO standards do not regulate what is done or should be done by an organization, but they’re both critical in establishing a framework for an effective operation. ISO standards have a multitude of benefits in every industry, though the most common ones are: improved market potential, increased efficiency, cost savings, compliance, top notch customer service and satisfaction, and higher levels of staff moral and motivation.

Why should companies get ISO certified?

For some industries, there are certain ISO certifications that are required by law. Meanwhile, from a contractual standpoint, some clients do actively look for partners who are ISO certified. Even if that’s not the case, embracing ISO standards will help organizations maximize time and finances by correctly identifying and solving recurring problems, increasing customer satisfaction, getting more value out of existing resources, strengthening credibility, and improving the proficiency of internal processes and management systems.

Get increased revenue and more business opportunities

ISO standards create many business advantages. There are companies who may only look at these standards as a way to attract ISO-conscious clients, but with deeper understanding and proper implementation, ISO standards can become exceptional catalysts in promoting continual improvement in quality for many areas within an organization. Implementing ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) can also empower the entire workforce. A well-designed QMS will let workers have clear expectations and objectives, as well as tools that are necessary for them to execute their job more efficiently and effectively. Meanwhile, ISO certification can also help companies enhance their brand and appeal in the market, and close lucrative contracts with clients who are only willing to work with ISO-certified organizations. Furthermore, as a worldwide standard, ISO is currently in use by over one million organizations and is widely recognized in many parts of the world. Today, being ISO certified should be a common practice for companies in all industries, especially now that organizations can easily have their personnel take ISO 14001 Safety Training and other ISO standards through established e-learning schools.