Introduction

In today's competitive business world, maintaining high-quality standards, efficient processes, and customer satisfaction is essential for long-term success. One of the most recognized ways to ensure this is by achieving ISO certification. But what exactly is ISO certification, and how can your organization benefit from it? In this blog, we will walk you through the process of getting ISO certified, its benefits, and how it can take your business to new heights.

What is ISO Certification?

ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization, an independent, non-governmental international organization that develops standards to ensure the quality, safety, efficiency, and interoperability of products and services across various industries. ISO certification confirms that a business meets these international standards, demonstrating a commitment to quality and best practices.

Common ISO standards include:

• ISO 9001 (Quality Management)

• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)

• ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety)

• ISO 27001 (Information Security Management)

ISO certification can apply to both products and services, offering businesses the chance to standardize their practices and gain global recognition.

Why Should Your Business Get ISO Certified?

Achieving ISO certification brings numerous benefits:

1. Improved Quality and Consistency: ISO standards help businesses streamline processes and reduce errors, ensuring better product quality and customer satisfaction. In other words, “Say what you do and do what you Say”

2. Enhanced Reputation: ISO certification signals to customers, partners, and stakeholders that your business follows the highest standards of quality.

3. Access to Global Markets: Many international clients require ISO-certified suppliers, so obtaining ISO certification opens doors to new business opportunities.

4. Regulatory Compliance: ISO standards help businesses comply with legal, regulatory, and environmental requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

5. Continuous Improvement: The ISO certification process encourages a culture of ongoing improvement within your business, leading to better efficiency and innovation.

6. Customer Trust and Satisfaction: Being ISO-certified reassures your customers that you are committed to quality and consistency.

The Process of Getting ISO Certified

Achieving ISO certification can seem daunting, but the process can be broken down into manageable steps. Here’s a general outline of the journey to ISO certification:

1. Choose the Right ISO Standard for Your Business

The first step is to decide which ISO standard best aligns with your company’s goals. For example, if your business is focused on product quality, ISO 9001 might be the best choice, while ISO 14001 would be ideal for organizations looking to improve their environmental practices.

2. Conduct a Gap Analysis

Perform a gap analysis to assess your current processes, policies, and practices. This analysis will help identify areas that need improvement in order to meet ISO standards. Based on my experience, performing Gap Analysis is a crucial step in embracing a continuous improvement culture.

3. Develop and Implement Necessary Procedures

Based on the gap analysis, your organization should develop and implement the necessary procedures, processes, and documentation to align with ISO standards. This might involve updating current practices or creating new ones.

4. Train Your Team

Ensure that your employees are trained in ISO standards and the changes to be implemented. This is crucial for fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement within your business.

5. Conduct an Internal Audit

Before applying for certification, conduct an internal audit to evaluate whether your business meets the requirements of the ISO standard. This will give you a clear picture of where you stand and what areas need further attention. 

6. Choose a Certification Body

Select an accredited third-party certification body to audit your business. It’s important to choose an organization with experience in your industry and with the appropriate accreditation. Many auditors specialize in different ISO standards. Recently one of our customers required us to gain ISO 13485 (medical version of ISO 9001) at one of our manufacturing sites. After completing our own internal audit, we then used the certification body to conduct an on-site pre-audit (a readiness audit). This allowed my team to validate any changes that were made and served as a sanity check as to compliance to the new standard, as seen in the eyes of the auditor. Though this is an extra step, it makes the certification process quicker and more predictable when obtaining certification.

7. Certification Audit

The certification body will conduct a detailed audit of your processes, practices, and procedures to determine if they align with ISO standards. If everything is in place, the certifying body will issue the certification.

8. Maintain Compliance and Continuous Improvement

Once certified, you’ll need to ensure that your processes continue to meet ISO standards. Regular audits and continual improvements are essential to maintain your certification. It is highly recommended that the entire ISO Documentation Package, commonly referred to as ISO Command Media, be internally audited annually and subsequently audited annually by the third-party certification body.

Common Challenges in Getting ISO Certified

While the process of ISO certification is straightforward, it can be challenging for some businesses. Here are some common obstacles:

• Resource Constraints: Small businesses may find it challenging to dedicate time and resources to the certification process.

• Resistance to Change: Employees and management might resist changes to existing processes or systems.

• Understanding Requirements: ISO standards can be complex, and understanding the requirements thoroughly is crucial for successful certification.

However, these challenges are not insurmountable. With proper planning, training, and external support, businesses can overcome these obstacles and reap the benefits of ISO certification.

How Long Does It Take to Get ISO Certified?

The timeline to achieve ISO certification varies depending on the size of your organization, the complexity of your processes, and the ISO standard being pursued. On average, the process can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year on average.

Conclusion

ISO certification is a powerful tool for businesses aiming to improve their operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve global recognition. While the certification process requires careful planning, training, and resources, the long-term benefits make it a valuable investment for any business looking to enhance its reputation and operations.

By following the outlined steps, you can make your journey to ISO certification a smooth and successful one. Remember, certification is not just about meeting standards—it's about committing to continuous improvement and providing the best value to your customers.

Take Your Business to the Next Level with ISO Certification

Ready to enhance your business’s quality, efficiency, and overall success? ISO certification is the key to unlocking new opportunities and achieving long-term growth. By partnering with an accredited certification body, you can begin the process of ISO certification and take the first step toward a more streamlined and successful business operation.

At Hoagland Management & Consulting LLC, our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the journey. Reach out today and let us help you elevate your business through ISO certification.

Contact us now and start your certification journey with HMC!

About the Author

Rick Mangone is a highly accomplished global leader with 40 years of expertise in Quality, Continuous Improvement, Facilities, and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). As a certified Six Sigma Black Belt with extensive experience across Aerospace, Automotive, Renewables, and Commercial industries, he has led transformative initiatives at Fortune 500 companies including GM, Honeywell, UTC, Doosan, and Ametek. Most recently, as Vice President of Quality, Facilities, EH&S, and OPEX at AMETEK (Zygo), Rick was recognized with the Dr. Lux Award in 2024 for establishing a multi-site EH&S program and implementing an exceptional Operational Excellence program.

Read Rick’s full bio to learn more about his background and expertise.