Benefits of ISO certifications and standards

Customers and stakeholders of any modern business demand that products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality and that business is conducted with a view to a range of sustainability aspects from environmentally friendly to socially responsible and even that companies incorporate aspects such as diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI). Moreover, customers and stakeholders more than ever demand proof of performance. ISO standards are globally recognized benchmarks that an organization can use to improve the performance of its operations and products by conforming to the ISO standard’s requirements when implementing processes or designing or manufacturing products before potentially seeking third-party certification as proof of conformance and gaining the benefits of ISO certification.

Advantages of ISO standards

Standards were initially developed for things such as weights and measures before expanding into other areas. More recently it is the ISO standards related to management system structures, processes, strategies and risk management employed by businesses that have rapidly been gaining importance.

ISO management system standards such as ISO 9001 for Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management Systems, and ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, provide organizations with a systematic framework for creating, implementing, and maintaining effective management practices. Today, these are the three biggest standards in terms of certificate volume, but as the risk companies have to manage is being enlarged the adoption of other standards is increasing.

The ISO management system standards provide several advantages for organizations:

• They can help control risks, achieve business benefits, and support the continual improvement journey.
• They help companies to access new markets, level the playing field for developing countries, and facilitate free and fair global trade.
• For many, certification to a specific standard is a ticket-to-trade as manufacturers and others are looking to ensure quality, for example, throughout their value chain by implementing good supplier qualification practices.

Adopting the standards and developing management systems using their frameworks and requirements is most often a voluntary process and need not go so far as seeking the third-party certification that is the final step. Omitting to do this may mean that the organization will not be able to completely capitalize on the work they have done.

These organizations will not have an independent proof of performance, a certificate, but more importantly a third-party assessment could uncover areas that need improvement which an internal audit would not. Discover more about how to become how to become a certified ISO internal auditor.

What are the benefits of ISO standards and certification?

Having decided to adopt an ISO standard and gone through the necessary steps to implement the management system compliant with the requirements of the standard, an organization could opt for the system to be certified by an accredited certification body if it is to gain the full benefits. Only after a third-party company has certified that the system meets the standard’s requirements can it present proof to customers and stakeholders that this is the case.

The benefits of ISO certification to an organization are numerous and include:

• Credibility and Recognition: ISO management system certifications are internationally recognized and signal to customers, competitors, and the market that an organization is committed to following the highest standards of quality, environmental responsibility, and occupational health and safety.
• Market Access: Many industries and clients require suppliers and business partners to be ISO certified, which can open new markets and opportunities for certified organizations.
• Customer Satisfaction and confidence: ISO certifications require organizations to focus on meeting customer and other requirements and to improve customer satisfaction, which can lead to repeat business and customer loyalty.
• Employee Engagement: The process of implementing a standard and achieving and maintaining an ISO certification often involves employees at all levels, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engagement.

The following benefits might be achieved whether the system was certified or not but organizations employing certification bodies frequently benefit from the experience and guidance of the third party in these areas:

• Risk Management: Adhering to ISO standards helps organizations identify, assess, and manage risks effectively, ensuring business continuity and resilience.
• Continuous Improvement: ISO standards are based on the principle of continuous improvement, requiring organizations to regularly assess their processes and make improvements, ensuring long-term business success.
• Legal Compliance: Adhering to ISO standards helps organizations comply with legal and regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.
• Operational Efficiency: Implementing ISO standards helps streamline organizational processes, reduce inefficiencies, and eliminate waste, leading to improved operational performance and cost savings.

These benefits of ISO accreditations collectively enhance an organization's reputation, competitiveness, and ability to sustainably grow while meeting the expectations of stakeholders. Management system certifications are not just about meeting a set of requirements; they are about embedding a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the organization's DNA.

Benefits of working with an ISO certified company

ISO certifications and standards are not just badges of honor, they are a testament to a company's dedication to excellence and continuous improvement. Moreover, the certification is a continuous cycle where companies need to maintain their certification. A certified company is subject to annual audits and a re-certification every 3 years. The benefits of ISO certification are not limited to the organization that has been certified but can also accrue to other organizations working with them.

Working with an ISO certified company, especially one that has a management system certification, offers several benefits that can significantly impact on the operational efficiency and reputation of the company. This can lead to:

• Consistent and Reliable Service: Assurance of uniformity in the quality of products and services that are being received. This can reduce the need for contingency plans and seeking alternative products and services at short notice.
• Risk Mitigation: Certified companies have processes in place to assess and mitigate potential risks.
• Compliance with Regulations: ISO certified companies are more likely to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. This reduces the risk of legal action being taken against partnering organizations for areas outside of their control.
• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to continuous improvement means that certified companies are always looking for ways to enhance their processes and customer service.

These benefits highlight the value of working with an ISO certified company and the positive impact it can have on various aspects of business operations.