What is ISO?
ISO is the abbreviation for the International Organisation for Standardisation, a global organisation with 167 member countries. South Africa is represented by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). When it comes to international standard adoption, approvals or changes, each country has one equal vote. The South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) is in charge of accrediting organisations such as the SABS, verifying that it is a competent certification body.
Why ISO certification is vital
Owning a business entails ensuring that the quality checks for the products or services offered has been properly verified. This is to ensure that the public gains confidence in your products or services and that people are safe. When you want to ensure a more prosperous future for your organisation, an ISO 9001:2015 certification comes highly recommended. ISO 9001:2015 is a Quality Management System (QMS).
ISO certification is important for small, medium or large businesses because it allows them to implement growth, profitability, and cost savings. Reduced waste also allows an organisation’s workforce to be more efficient and establish ongoing QMS standards for improvement and long-term success.
ISO certification offers other advantages including increased product quality, increased business efficiency, increased international credibility, and increased marketability, to name a few. Here is a list of additional advantages of becoming ISO certified:
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- Improved Customer Satisfaction
ISO 9001:2015 places a premium on customer satisfaction. The standard requires that your organisation not only determines whether customer requirements have been met but also monitors your customers’ subjective perceptions of it. This almost always guarantees that a properly implemented quality management system will provide customer satisfaction.
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- High credibility and recognition
Because the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is globally accepted, an organisation’s products or services’ dependability and integrity will improve. The company’s brand has the potential to be known all over the world. This will boost your professional standing among other markets as well as the public.
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- Improved Consistency
ISO 9001:2015 increases control over your business processes. The more you have control over your business, the more consistent it will be. Increased consistency means customers receive the same high-quality services or products every time they do business with your organisation.
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- Enhanced revenue
People will return to an organisation if there is a guarantee of quality.
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- Easier Access to International Markets
ISO adds value to your organisation, and its 4products and services. This can be used as a marketing tool. You can market your products more successfully if you obtain an international quality certification. Because ISO certification is recognised globally, trade between countries is simplified. Your trading processes will be legally accepted with fewer restrictions and documentation issues.
Breaking into new markets is never easy, especially if your company or brand is unknown outside of its home country. Uncertainties about your products and services, as well as doubts about your ability to deliver on time, may all be barriers to entry. ISO 9001:2015 certification overcomes these and other obstacles by serving as a globally recognised quality seal. It conveys to potential customers that your company can be trusted and that your products or services are among the best on the market. Similarly, the ISO certificate is always concerned about internal factors such as efficiency, waste reduction, and ethical hiring practices.
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- Empowered employees
By obtaining ISO certification, employees will be empowered as they will learn to work systematically. Furthermore, working for an ISO certified company, their knowledge of their work will be enhanced.
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- Enhanced and Effective Operations
The processes, tasks, procedures, measures, and dealings will be simplified and distributed evenly among the employees. Furthermore, operations will be improved and made more efficient. This method of conducting business will reduce employee complaints and complications.
Obtaining ISO certification also benefits your products and your business in a variety of ways. Obtaining certification is not as simple as it may appear. Obtaining professional assistance in getting your organisation ISO certified, is recommended.
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- Better understanding
The ISO standard’s emphasis on customers and their needs helps employees to better understand how their actions affect the product or service, and how their actions can help pave the way for improvements.
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- Safety and better quality of the products/ services are guaranteed.
Better quality is commonly associated with – and expected from – ISO 9001:2015 certified businesses. It is, in fact, one of the primary advantages of implementing the standard. When an organisation is ISO certified, quality is guaranteed. This ensures the safety of the products or services used by the public.
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- Increased Efficiency, Fewer Mistakes, and Less Wasted Time
Several of the Standard’s requirements result in improvements to operational processes, both in terms of efficiency and reliability, both directly and indirectly. Employee competence requirements, updated documentation, and supplier controls, for example, all play a role in achieving less scrap, waste, and rework. The process approach and risk-based thinking, both fundamental ISO 9001:2015 concepts, contribute to better and more efficient integration of operational processes with less room for error.
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- Reduced Overall Risks
A requirement for risk-based thinking is included in the ISO 9001:2015 Standard. According to Standard risk-based thinking enables an organisation to identify the factors that may cause its processes and quality management system to deviate from the planned results, to implement preventive controls to minimise negative effects, and to maximise the use of opportunities as they arise.
The Standard emphasises the importance of identifying and mitigating risk throughout the organisation. It is not just top management who is accountable; all employees must be involved. Organisations will benefit from reduced overall risks once a culture of risk awareness has been established and the necessary controls are in place.
Furthermore, if your organisation experiences difficulty in differentiating itself, ISO may be the key factor that will help sustain your organisation in the market. Obtaining an ISO certificate boosts your company’s credibility and authority, as well as its overall efficiency. There are numerous benefits to having your company ISO certified. WWISE can assist with getting you certified, contact us now on 0861099473 or email admin@wwise.co.za