7 great benefits of gaining an ISO Management System

1. Improved Business Management ISO Management Systems put a framework in place for the effective and efficient management of an organisation.

2. Increased Productivity Management Systems put processes in place to help you identify trends and improve productivity.

3. Cost Savings Through internal audits and by using the Plan-Do-Check Act principle of ISO Standards, you will find it easier to identify opportunities for cost savings.

4. Boost Customer Satisfaction ISO Standards focus on your customers’ needs and by gathering feedback you will be able to improve processes, which in turn can help to improve customer satisfaction and retention.

5. Access New Markets ISO Standards are written by industry experts from around the world, whose best practice requirements are recognised worldwide, making them very credible and giving you access to new markets.

6. Win More Business ISO standards are known for their ability to drive efficiency and ensure the consistent delivery of service/products. That is why they are often an essential requirement when it comes to tenders, contracts and supply chains.

7. Boost Staff Morale You are required to communicate the Management System to all staff and as a result of this staff gain a better understanding of the business, and the roles of others. Combining this knowledge with improved processes is proven to have a positive impact on staff.

Which ISO Accreditation route is best?

There are two main routes to gain ISO accreditation, UKAS or IRQAO.

UKAS, or the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, is the sole national accreditation body recognised by the British government. It is responsible for assessing and accrediting organizations that provide services such as certification, testing, inspection, calibration, and verification against nationally and internationally agreed standards. UKAS accreditation is a mark of quality and reliability, ensuring that accredited organizations are competent and can be trusted to perform their services to the highest standards. This accreditation is crucial for maintaining confidence in the quality and safety of products and services, both domestically and in global trade

IRQAO, or the International Register of Quality Assessed Organisations, was established in 1997 and serves as it's only awarding body. It is essential to understand that although accreditation standards are similar, IRQAO is not an internationally recognised ISO accreditation body, however it still servers as a quality standard for your organisation.

There are vast differences in pricing structures between the two awarding bodies, and business owners need to establish which route is best for them, the last thing that we want to happen is a company gains IRQAO accreditation, but still fails a Tender application due to the ISO standard not being recognised.

As an SME, which ISO standard should I attain?

There are over 22,000 different ISO standards, applicable to a wide range of industries, and applicable business of all sizes. Most of which are hyper specific to that product or industry. However, below are the most common ones, with ISO 9001, by far being the most popular and will truly unlock doors for your business.

ISO 9001 - Quality

This is a quality Management System that demonstrates your organisations commitment to quality and meeting customers' needs. A certified business will have processes and practices in place for the purpose of improving productivity, reducing costs and increasing customer satisfaction.

ISO 14001 - Environmental

This standard enables you to reduce your organisation's environmental impact, ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, reducing costs associated with resource, energy and waste management, as well as demonstrating your environmental commitment to customers and stakeholders.

ISO 45001 - Occupational Health and Safety

This standard is a Health and Safety Management System. It is a process that will help you and your business identify and control Health and Safety risks. It allows you to demonstrate your business is committed to keeping risks and hazards to employees, customers and visitors as low as possible by having accident prevention processes in place.

ISO 27001 - Information Security

This is an an Information Security Management System that demonstrates your commitment to protecting data and corporate information. ISO 72001 proves that your organisation has been independently assess, and that effective information security controls are in place.

What are the benefits for my customers?

• Increase on time delivery of service/product.

• Reduced need for returns /objections because issues are identified and resolved quicker, often without the customer knowing.

• Proof that you provide consistent, reliable and fit for purpose solutions.

• Improves relationships with customers & suppliers because they are working with an organisation that responds proactively to customer feedback.

• Provides assurance of the services delivered by demonstrating that you are regularly audited by a third party.