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What is an ISO Certification?
ISO certification means compliance with a set of rules called a standard in a specific area that has been prepared by ISO (International Organization for Standardization). ISO is an international standardization body that began its operations in 1947 and is today used by companies and organizations in virtually all countries globally.
Being certified within a standard is proof that they comply with the requirements set in a standard. Some requirements permeate all standards, such as the requirement that the work in the business must be systematized through organization and planning of its activities and that evaluations must be made on an ongoing basis on how compliance is going and how their work is improved.
Why ISO Certification Matters
- Quality Assurance: ISO certification assures customers that the company's products and services meet consistent quality standards. It also signifies that the organization is committed to maintaining these standards through continuous improvement.
- Customer Satisfaction: By adhering to ISO standards, companies can enhance customer satisfaction through improved efficiency and effectiveness in their processes, which leads to higher quality products and services.
- Market Competitiveness: ISO certification can provide a competitive edge in the market by demonstrating a commitment to quality and efficiency, which can be a deciding factor for potential clients when choosing suppliers.
The Purpose of ISO Certification
The primary aim of ISO certification is to ensure that a company continuously improves its operations and fully complies with all relevant laws and requirements. This involves several key responsibilities:
- Continuous Improvement: Companies must constantly refine their processes to enhance efficiency and quality.
- Legal Compliance: Organizations need to be aware of the laws that impact them and stay updated on any legislative changes. This includes adhering to laws that affect their operations and ensuring compliance with the requirements set by their partners and internal documents.
- Documentation and Monitoring: ISO-certified companies are required to maintain a comprehensive legal list that includes all documents and regulations they need to follow. They must also perform regular self-inspections to verify compliance with these laws and requirements.
- Audit and Evaluation: All compliance activities must be documented and evaluated regularly. During an audit, companies need to demonstrate that they meet all the standards' requirements.
- Employee Involvement: It’s crucial for employees to be involved in understanding and adhering to legal compliance. Merely hiring an external consultant is not enough; employees must be educated and engaged in the compliance process.
By adhering to these principles, companies can ensure they meet the high standards required for ISO certification, thereby improving their operations and maintaining compliance with relevant regulations.
The goal of an ISO certification
The goal is for the company to constantly improve its operations and ensure that they genuinely comply with all the laws and requirements that they must comply with. Companies are also responsible for knowing which laws affect them and keeping up to date when there are changes in the legislation. They must also ensure that they comply with other requirements, e.g., their partners and their governing documents. To keep track of all these different requirements, ISO-certified companies and organizations must draw up a legal list with all the documents that affect them. It is also required that the business performs self-inspections in the form of, e.g., compliance laws to ensure that they comply with applicable laws and requirements. This must be documented, evaluated, and be able to be presented at an audit. The audit ensures that the company or organization meets all the requirements contained in the standard. If a company wants to be ISO certified, it is not enough to hire an external consultant who oversees laws and requirements for the business. Still, it is obligatory to involve the employees in the company to understand and know its legal compliance.