8 Reasons Why You Should Be ISO Certified

I’m sure that you’ve heard of ISO 9001 or perhaps 14001, but do you know why companies work hard to gain the certification?

Easy. They make more money.

First, let’s clarify what ISO certification is. The International Organisation Standards (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental worldwide organization. There are 162 global members. Quite simply; “International Standards make things work. They give world-class specifications for products, services and systems, to ensure quality, safety and efficiency. They are instrumental in facilitating international trade.”

ISO has published more than 21000 international standards covering virtually every industry. There is no doubt that ISO International Standards have a very positive impact on everyone, everywhere. Holders of ISO certificates outperform their competitors; winning more business and making more money. Wouldn’t you like to achieve the same?

The most common, and the most beneficial standards are:

• ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS)
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS)
• ISO 27001 Information Security Management (ISMS)
• OSHAS 18001 (soon to be ISO 45001) Health and Safety

Right now ISO 27001 is in demand most because it deals with information security – a particularly hot topic right now with information security breaches at some high profile companies

There’s fantastic business benefits for those that pass the test:

1. Satisfies customers’ demands for proof that you have reached a standard acceptable to them
2. Helps you win more business: opening doors to public sector contracts as well as those from large private companies
3. Because it improves your internal processes too, you experience
   • Reduced waste and so your costs fall
   • Less duplication, no gaps in service and less wasted effort, such as double handling
4. Quality improves and errors reduce, so less re-work is required and fewer complaints to resolve
5. Your workforce knows what to do, when and how and, of course, why. That means you have lower staff turnover and a happier workforce
6. Independent endorsement of your standards. Success means you are part of an elite group of businesses
7. Certainly makes international trading much easier
8. A great addition to the marketing tool kit; it gives you lots to shout about especially with potential customers.

Happier employees make happier customers, who buy again and again, and recommend you to others too.

If you’d like more information, you’ll find some great guides from the British Assessment Bureau.