If you want to strengthen your business, boost profits or increase your overall customer satisfaction, it may be worth becoming ISO certified. ISO standards are recognised internationally which helps create a safe and consistent way of doing things, which can benefit everyone in a supply chain.
Keep reading to find out more about ISO standards and how your organisation can become ISO standard-certified.
Understanding ISO Standards
‘ISO’ stands for International Standards Organisation and is an independent body that ensures all products, services, and processes are reliable, of excellent quality and safe for use. The ISO standards cover a wide range of practices and activities, to help keep everyone who is involved safe.
International standards help companies across the globe to facilitate new trade and access new markets. This body is a network made up of expert individuals who specialise in different areas.
ISO standards help to reduce costs, limit waste, and minimise errors within a company, all whilst increasing the productivity of a business as a whole.
What Are the Different Types of ISO Standards?
Now that you have a better understanding of what ISO standards are, let's explore the different types. ISO has developed a wide range of standards that cover different aspects of business operations and industry practices.
Here are some of the key ISO standards:
- Quality management standards: ISO 9001 focuses on quality management systems, also referred to as QMS, to make sure all organisations are meeting customer and regulatory requirements at all times. 1.1 million companies in 178 countries have become ISO 9001 certified. This is the most widely adopted ISO certification.
- Environmental management: ISO 14000 addresses environmental management systems (EMS) in order to help organisations comply with regulations and achieve sustainability goals.
- Occupational Health and Safety Standards: ISO 45000 is used to address occupational health and safety management systems to prevent accidents and establish safe work environments.
- Energy Management Standards: ISO 50000 focuses on energy management systems to help improve energy efficiency, minimise environmental footprint and reduce costs.
These are some of the many standards that allow organisations and businesses to demonstrate a commitment to international best practices, achieve compliance and improve operational efficiency.
Did you know, there are over 24,000 international standards that the ISO has developed! These standards cover a wide range of topics and industries providing guidelines and best practices for environmental management, quality management, information security and much more.
The Key Benefits of ISO Standards
There are a number of key benefits of attaining certification for ISO standards, whether that be efficiency, customer and employee satisfaction or increased productivity. Below are some benefits of implementing the ISO standards.
Helps to Identify Risks
Prevention is the best way to deal with any potential risks and issues from occurring. Identifying potential risks within a business helps to control them.
Did you know that proper risk prevention measures can reduce accidents at work by up to 50%? This way of operating leads to fewer accidents results in better planning and helps to form better relationships across businesses, suppliers, employees and customers too.
Helps Prevent Problems
ISO standards help businesses avoid making and repeating previous mistakes. ISO requires keeping records of problems which helps to find the root causes, solve problems and create lasting improvements.
It provides organisations with the tools for best practices in every area of their operations. Often businesses with ISO standards demonstrate better quality practices in all areas of the business. They also have less waste and lower costs.
Helps to Improve Control
ISO standards require companies to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of their business management systems. This will generate performance metrics which help to judge where their business needs to improve and these insights can help make better decisions.
ISO can Help to Boost a Company
Having an ISO certification can provide new marketing and advertising opportunities. It demonstrates the quality and safety levels to potential customers and ensures that you are a trustworthy company, which can influence sales.
Many large organisations that trade overseas require their suppliers to have ISO certifications. The international nature of ISO means that the standard is universally recognised, making it easy for others to work with your business, wherever in the world.
Employee Performances
For employees, ISO can provide them with the confidence that their workplace offers high-quality products and/or services. The ISO certification can also highlight any skill gaps within the business whilst communicating quality policies to staff. Overall, having ISO standards in place can help boost employee morale.
Key Takeaways
ISO is important to help businesses avoid making and repeating previous mistakes as well as demonstrate better quality practices in all areas of your business. Here are some key takeaways for you to remember:
- ISO stands for International Standards Organisation
- Becoming ISO-certified can strengthen your business and boost profits
- ISO standards help to reduce costs and minimise errors within a business
Get Your ISO Certification Today With BeaconBMS
We have outlined the importance of ISO and the benefits of ISO standards. You should now be aware that these standards can help you improve your efficiency and productivity as a company.
It is important to reassure your customers, clients and suppliers that you are always doing things in the right way.
By choosing BeaconBMS to help get your ISO certification, BeaconBMS can help you with this time-consuming process which can cost a business time and profits. Our expert knowledge means you will feel the benefit of our services and our lead auditors will be there to support you throughout the process.
If you need any advice when it comes to obtaining the Constructionline Accreditation or becoming an SSIP member, contact Beaconrisk at 0151 647 8658. Beaconrisk offers support with a range of SSIP and Constructionline accreditations.
Contact Beaconrisk today for more information, or if you need any of Beaconrisk's expert advice. All of our contact details can be found on our website.