Obtaining ISO-certification is something you should think about if you want to win your customer’s trust and enjoy continuous improvement in your organisation, whether you are a big or small organisation.
The industry you exist in and how important it is to you, your clients, and your business partners will determine what set of guidelines is appropriate for your company. To determine the suitable certification, the initial step involves a gap assessment. This assessment centres on your processes, including appropriate requirement and control per standard, risk management. By thoroughly assessing both specific details and the broader business landscape, you can identify strengths and areas needing improvement and create structure in your organisation.
So, which Standard are the best to get certified on?
Over the duration of its existence, ISO has developed tens of thousands of standards, which are organised into families based on the specific aspect they address. You may already be familiar with some of the most well-known families of ISO standards, including the following:
ISO 9001
Any industry can use the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system (QMS), which was developed for businesses (both small and large companies). The standard focusses on a set of processes that allow your organisation to provide consistent products and services that meet and exceed client expectations.
ISO 27001
ISO/IEC 27001:2022, which is widely used today, addresses information security, cyber security and privacy protection or any company that gathers or maintains information about its clients, staff members, business partners, and relevant interested parties.
ISO 14001
With climate change affecting the entire world, a continuous international effort is required to lessen our impact on the environment. ISO 14001:2015 outlines appropriate corporate procedures regarding environmental concerns and comply to the necessary legal requirements with a focus on waste management.
ISO 45001
With the help of the ISO 45001:2018 standard, companies may provide their employees improved and safer working conditions whilst complying to the relevant legislations.
These are only a few examples of ISO standards that have gained the most traction over the years because they are sufficiently general to be followed by organisations in many industries. Industries occasionally modify their systems to fit their industries.
Obtaining ISO certification brings numerous benefits to organisations across many different industries.
Why is it beneficial to attain ISO Certification?
- You receive a well-grounded reputation – ISO certification is like a global stamp of approval that says, “Hey, we’re top-notch!” It gives your reputation a serious boost.
- Streamline processes all over – ISO standards hand you the keys to super-efficient operations. Imagine your workflow as a well-oiled machine.
- You ensure customer satisfaction – When you wave that ISO badge, customers know you’re the real deal. It’s like a trust magnet.
- Worldwide reach – ISO certification is your ticket to global markets. You’ll stand out in the crowd, no matter where you go.
- You save costs – ISO means reducing the number of defects, whilst improving the efficacy of your processes with continuous improvement strategies. Fewer hiccups, less waste – and that means more money in your pocket.
- You stay ahead of trouble – ISO standards help you spot risks from a mile away. It’s like having a superhero sense for potential problems.
- Rule the legal jungle – ISO often aligns with the law, so you’re not just playing by the rules – you’re acing them.
- Happy staff – Clear processes mean a happy team. When they know what’s what, they’re like a dream team.
- Partner power – ISO says you’re a trustworthy partner. Suppliers are all about teaming up with winners.
- Hero status – ISO 14001 is like a green badge of honor. You’re not just creating waves in business – you’re saving the planet, too.
Several prominent companies in South Africa have obtained ISO certifications across various standards. Here are a few examples:
- Anglo American
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management Systems
- ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management
- Sasol
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management Systems
- ISO 14064-1:2018 Greenhouse Gas Management Systems
- ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management
- Nedbank
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
- ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management Systems
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- ISO 22301:2012 Business Continuity Management Systems
- ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems
- Shoprite
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
- ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management Systems
- Toyota South Africa
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management Systems
- Pick n Pay
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
- ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management Systems
- ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management Systems
- Standard Bank
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
- ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management Systems
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- ISO 22301:2012 Business Continuity Management Systems
- DHL Express
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- ISO 22301:2012 Business Continuity Management Systems
- ABSA
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
- ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management Systems
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- MTN South Africa
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
- ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information Security Management Systems
- ISO 20 000-1:2018 IT Security Management Systems
- ArcelorMittal South Africa
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- SA Breweries
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
- ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management Systems
- PepsiCo South Africa
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
- ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management Systems
These are just a few examples, but they highlight the diverse industries and companies in South Africa that recognise the value of ISO certifications in enhancing their operations, quality, and sustainability efforts.
WWISE can assist you to prepare your organisation for ISO certification, after determining which set of standards would be most beneficial for you.
Contact us today at 086 109 9473 (Head Office) or 021 525 9159 (Cape Town) to learn more about the certification process and how we can help.