ISO 17025:2017
Competence of Testing and
Calibration Laboratories

What is ISO 17025:2017?

The objective of this standard is to promote confidence in the operation of laboratories. It places an obligation on laboratories to plan and implement actions in order to address identified risks and opportunities. By addressing both risks and opportunities, laboratories can establish a basis for increasing the effectiveness of the management system, achieving improved results and preventing negative effects.

For the purpose of the ISO 17025:2017 standard, laboratory equipment may include:

• the main measurement instruments,
• measurement software,
• auxiliary measurement modules and equipment,
• reagents,
• consumables,
• certified reference materials needed for the correct performance of the measurement procedure.

ISO 17025:2017 has strict guidelines and requires laboratories to carefully monitor results.

Why does an Organisation need ISO 17025:2017?

ISO 17025:2017 is advantageous for any organisation that performs testing, sampling or calibration. This includes all types of laboratories, whether they are state-owned or owned by non-governmental institutions. The standard is also useful to universities, research centres, inspection bodies, regulators, product certification organisations as well as other conformity assessment bodies that conduct testing, sampling or calibration.

ISO 17025:2017 takes into consideration the more modern procedures of laboratories today. This standard covers all laboratory activities, and includes calibration and testing, as well as the sampling thereof. ISO 17025:2017 has a strong focus on information technology and incorporates the use of computer systems, electronic records and reports.

What are the Benefits of Implementing ISO 17025:2017?

1. Assessment of risks/opportunities
   The ISO 17025:2017 standard encourages laboratories to assess the risks of operations and the risks of achieving inaccurate results, all with the aim of achieving customer satisfaction.
2. Customer satisfaction
   Conformance to the ISO 17025:2017 standard inspires confidence in customers that products tested abides to international requirements. Furthermore, the standard’s confidentiality requirements ensure that a laboratory is committed to confidentiality and does not share information with the public unless the customer agrees to information being shared.
3. Defined Processes and Procedures
   The standard creates parameters to bring control over laboratory operations and therefore drives the operational costs down. ISO 17025:2017 also follows a systematic approach which ensures that laboratory protocols are in place. As a result, the laboratory will have better control over its operations.
4. International accreditation
   Test reports and certificates from accredited laboratories can be accepted by different countries without the need for further testing and the standard is highly regarded both nationally and internationally as a reliable indicator of technical competence.
5. Reduced costs of re-testing
   Accredited laboratories achieving accurate and precise results, which in turn assists the clients to reduce costs by eliminating the need for retesting.
6. Reduction in operational costs
   A laboratory’s proficient capability to provide reliable and technically valid results will result in a reduction in operational costs and an increase in revenues and profits.

How do I implement ISO 17025:2017 in an organisation?

ISO Consulting & Implementation:

We have a range of professional consultants, engineers, and registered auditors to assist in implementing and maintaining any ISO management system. Our industry expertise includes services, telecommunication, manufacturing, construction, engineering services, fast-moving consumer goods, mining, power generation, state owned companies, and government-run organisations. A good consultant takes the time to truly understand the processes of your company.

Therefore, they can approach the implementation of ISO requirements accordingly. The cost of hiring a consultant and the time spent to implement your ISO management system will definitely pay off in the long run.

WWISE has a 4-Phase Approach:

• Phase 1: Gap Analysis Audit and Information Gathering
• Phase 2: ISO Documentation, Risk Assessment, and Process Mapping
• Phase 3: Implementation and Coaching
• Phase 4: Certification

WWISE provides a turnkey solution which includes templates, 1-on-1 coaching, on-the-job training, and mentorship. As a consulting firm, we do not provide certification services. However, we will guide you through the certification process and ensure that your business becomes certified.

Why Choose WWISE to assist your organisation?

An organisation can implement the relevant ISO standard and can get accredited by an accreditation body like. SANAS, UKAS, DAKKS etc.