Streamline Business Operations via the ISO 9001 Certification Process (Demo)

Nathalie Gosset’s article for Ehow.com discusses the importance of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in streamlining today’s quickly developing industries. Gosset provides a cursory view of the different ISO certifications available, as well as the standards and processes involved.

ISO 9001, a quality management set of standards, has become one of the most adopted set of guidelines and ISO 9001 certification frequently becomes a prerequisite to business partnerships. With modern emphasis on environmental protection, ISO 14001 has emerged as popular set of principles that standardizes corporate practices for the safeguard of the environment. ISO 13485 provides a framework for the medical industry and aims at protecting the safety of the patient.

Before taking on any standardization or ISO 9001 certification process, it is crucial to understand how it all works. For instance, one does not go directly to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to be certified; rather, companies need to go through certifying bodies or registrars that are authorized to perform the relevant assessments. Aside from complying with the various documentary requirements, companies should undergo pre-assessment and auditing procedures to address areas of weakness and thereby ensure conformance to global standards.

ISO certification requires periodic audits of a company’s facilities to monitor compliance with ISO standards. Management reviews outcomes from the examinations and implements corrective actions to maintain alignment with the standards.

ISO certification also indirectly advertises a business to consumers and clients who are very particular about quality, especially since strict observation of ISO standards can help organizations steer clear of the risks involved with transactions or deals at the global level. ISO 9001 also serves as proof that an organization has undergone thorough documentation and auditing procedures to ensure compliance with the highest industry standards. The mere fact that a company has been awarded such a certificate can inspire confidence among potential clients and business partners. In any case, the ultimate goal of standardization is to ensure that an organization consistently provides products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Companies who wish to become ISO-certified can count on qualified auditors from trusted certification bodies like the International Standards Authority, Inc. for a smooth and thorough audit experience. (From: Importance of an ISO Certificate, Ehow.com)