What are ISO standards?
ISO standards are internationally agreed-upon guidelines and specifications designed to ensure products, services, and systems are safe, reliable, and of high quality. They are developed by experts from around the world and cover a wide range of industries and applications.
24 000+ standards and counting!
The fact that there are over 24 000 ISO standards highlights the International Organization for Standardization’s global impact. These standards are not limited to one sector but span across virtually every industry, including:
- Food Safety (e.g., ISO 22000): Ensures the safety and quality of food products from farm to fork.
- Technology (e.g., ISO/IEC 27001): Provides guidelines for information security management.
- Healthcare (e.g., ISO 13485): Sets standards for medical devices and quality management in healthcare.
- Environmental Management (e.g., ISO 14001): Assists organisations in reducing environmental impact.
- Manufacturing (e.g., ISO 9001): Focuses on quality management systems to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Energy (e.g., ISO 50001): Promotes energy efficiency and sustainability.
Why ISO standards matter
- ISO standards create a common language and framework, enabling seamless international trade and collaboration.
- They ensure products and services meet high-quality benchmarks, boosting consumer trust.
- By providing best practices, ISO standards drive innovation and streamline processes.
- Many standards focus on safety, environmental protection, and social responsibility.
ISO in everyday life
The statement mentions how ISO standards impact “the food on your plate” and “the tech in your pocket.” ISO standards ensure the food you eat is safe, from production to packaging. Standards like ISO/IEC 27001 protect your data, while others ensure the reliability of your devices.
Mind blown!
The sheer scale of ISO’s influence—24 000+ standards—is indeed mind-blowing. It reflects the organisation’s role in shaping modern industries and improving quality of life globally. Whether you know it or not, ISO standards are quietly working behind the scenes to make the world safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
WWISE is your trusted partner in mastering ISO standards, providing expert implementation, customised consultation, in-depth training, and ongoing maintenance to ensure your organisation achieves and sustains excellence.
Contact us today at: admin@wwise.co.za or visit our website for more information on www.wwise.co.za