Who Needs ISO Certification?​

Let’s take a look at who Needs ISO Certification.  When it comes to who needs ISO 9001 certification, it will depend on what that company is looking to do.  No company actually needs it, as if it is required by law to run your company.  It is recognized in all kinds of industries as being a measurement of quality.  Because of this, many countries, as well as a significant number of companies, employ the ISO practices.  They want their company to be known as the outstanding company they know it to be.   This has to do with their quality systems and how those systems are documented.  It further allows their clients to ensure they will get the same product that meets their qualifications each and every time.  Because ISO companies have processes and procedures in place, they will have a better workflow and thus better output.  

ISO 9001 is a quality management system that is recognized by companies around the globe.  This quality management system is a system that is over the companies quality of standards but not of the actual product that is sold.  Some of the standards that are expected to be met by using the ISO 9001 standards are:

• Process Approach
• Relationship Management
• Decision Making
• Improvement
• Engagement
• Leadership
• Customer-driven outlook

Keeping your ISO 9001 Certification

The ISO 9001 certification will help companies maintain the proper documents of their procedure.  In order to keep their certifications, they will have to undergo an audit from time to time.  

These audits are done by outsiders that will come in and test the procedures and ensure everyone is following them.  While nobody needs to be ISO 9001 certified in order to conduct business, many businesses find it helpful in getting business and maintaining business practices. 

Types of businesses that benefit from ISO 9001 

There are all kinds of areas of business that could benefit from ISO 9001 across a vast selection of industries.  ISO 9001 is beneficial in:

• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Technology
• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Construction
• More

Industries that are full service based as well as those that offer products.  ISO 9001 helps all kinds of businesses in a variety of ways.  But, the most important thing that it does do is organize and structure the way that the any does business.  With proper adherence, ll companies that are ISO 9001 certified will have a better workflow, need less management, and work like a well-oiled machine.  There are a policy and procedure for everything that is done within that company.  This means there is less time needed for training new people, as they will have an instruction book to help them.  

We see it specifically help with businesses that make their own products.  This will put quality checks in place to ensure the outcome is the same each and every time.  This will put more confidence in their customers’ minds as well as help with fallout.  

How to get started implementing ISO 9001

While you don’t have to have a certification for ISO 9001 to conduct business.  Many businesses will only do business with companies that are certified.  Because of this, we are seeing more and more certification requests.  But, how do you even get started with getting your own ISO 9001 certification?

First, you will need to decide as a business owner that it is important enough to you.  This is a process in which you will need to be involved from time to time.  While you are excited to get started, keep in mind, this is a quality procedure, so at times, it can be difficult to get excited over. However, when you have the final product, it will be glorious and you will reap the benefits of your labor.  While most business owners do appoint someone to implement and execute the certification process, others want to be that person.  It really is up to you and the resources you have available to you.  Typically however there is one person that does the meetings and management reviews to ensure everything is being documented properly and the project is moving along.

Keep in mind as you go through this process you might find areas of improvement that you or others didn’t realize until now.  Sometimes this change can be a threat to management or other employees.  However, this can be combated with a simple explanation as to why you are implementing the change.  Reasons why it is better for everyone helps to the tension.  Just because you have done something a certain way forever, doesn’t make it the right way.  After the explanation and give it some time to sink in and offer support where needed.