What does ISO certification mean to a company?
An ISO certification means that a company can apply and bid for contracts that ask for certification for quality management programs. If the company has the certification, they can become the certified suppliers or vendors. The ISO certification is a powerful tool for a typical business operation and gives advantages over competitors.
Impact of ISO Certification on process & product improvement for the industries
Studies have shown that when one implements relevant standards in their company, they help improve processes, product quality and positively impact customers. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) implementation in organizations stands for quality assurance to be achieved by improvement in operations.
What are the requirements of ISO certification?
The ISO quality management program has many advantages as they improve the internal procedures of a company. The certification gives a documented compliance of the quality controls to their customers.
For implementing such a program, a company appoints key quality compliance personnel who report to the top management. An external third-party certification company that carries out the certification process conducts training for key personnel. The quality program manager ensures that the documented training procedure is administered to the employees and guidelines for material quality used in manufacturing. The manager document and report the deviations from the standards set for certification. The manager will take remedial actions and find solutions to prevent the deviations from recurring.
Third-party companies who issue certifications for ISO standards first evaluate whether the organization has complied with the standard procedures and acts as registrars. Once the external audit clears all the deviations, certification will then be granted to the company.
Implementation
The first step towards a quality management program is to create an operating manual focusing on quality assurance. This manual consists of principles, quality policies, and procedures to ensure quality control. The manual has exhaustive detailing regarding the quality and specifications of materials required for production, material inspection procedures, training, and certification of employees to carry out specialized tasks. Once the operating manual is complete, it can apply the standards and ensure that the compliance is documented and readily available for audits.
Quality
ISO standards are defined in terms of product quality required as per customer specifications. To achieve the desired quality, the employees must have the relevant qualification for the technical tasks. The vendors need to comply with quality material supplies, an inspection of materials, and testing procedures.
Process controls
Implementing internal controls ensures that the process is documented for every activity, implemented in the production stage, and carried out as per norms. All deviations are monitored, and discrepancies are ironed out. The process standardization is to help the company increase its efficiency and consistency. When there are strict standards for consistent quality product output, the effect percolates down to other departments such as human resources and finance.
Competition
Implementing ISO standards enables a company to compete effectively as the quality of the products is higher and consistent. As an ISO-certified company, one has the advantage of bidding for contracts that require ISO certification. The standardized and efficient internal manufacturing procedures enable the company to have a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Customer satisfaction
The quality assurance of the ISO program ensures that the products are checked for quality as per the specifications mentioned in the operating manual. Quality products increase customer satisfaction and lead to their retention. The standards also ensure that operations are efficient, leading to better customer service. A higher-quality product results in lower customer complaints and service calls. The ISO standards also have clear rules, training, and documented procedure regarding customer service. When a company has improved customer service levels, it further increases customer satisfaction.
Employees
The ISO Standards ask for verifiable training for employees and establish the required work procedures under ISO protocols. The training ensures that responsibility and authority are clearly defined in the operating manual and are consistent. When employees are well-trained, they go about their work with confidence, follow standards, and produce high-quality products. The employees’ competency in the production process is subjected to internal audits. They must possess the skills, knowledge, and experience to ensure product quality as ISO standards.
Conclusion
The ISO standards are international standards that are applicable for Quality management systems or QMS of a company. The ISO quality management has eight principles which specifically include Human Resource management. Thus, it indicates how crucial employees are for quality products and services.
