ISO Accreditation: Is It Really A Good Investment?

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If your company has not yet invested in ISO certification of any kind, then you may be wondering whether it is truly worth the money and time that it requires. You may have heard of the benefits of ISO compliance in indicating to customers, employees and suppliers that your organisation has a certain standard of management systems in place. However, you may wonder how much of a concrete difference all of this makes to your firm’s bottom line.
ISO stands for the International Organization of Standardization, which has long been developing International Standards with proven benefits to not only your company, but also wider society. In an age in which more and more potential stakeholders are only choosing to get involved with companies that practice a high level of social responsibility, these interests can go hand in hand.
ISO certified companies are more efficient and save costs
With implications for technology, economy and society, ISO standards help companies to be more lean and efficient in their operations. This means that in a world in which the wider economy is uncertain and funds can be scarce, resources are only devoted to the tasks for which they are most necessary. Compliance with an ISO standard places an organisation in a better position to reduce costly mistakes, courtesy of the implementation of the right structures and procedures.
Employees of companies that have achieved ISO accreditation tend to be better used and spend less time on less beneficial tasks. This means that they can make a more active contribution to management efforts and the core business. Such more streamlined operations infuse staff members with a greater sense of purpose and morale. The resulting boost in productivity and saved costs even allow more staff members to be retained at a time when many are being made redundant in cash-deficient organisations around the world.
However, any successful company must undoubtedly place the greatest emphasis on the most positive possible experience for the end customer. Again, the reduced costs that ISO certification assists in achieving can be instrumental in this, equating to lower prices. In addition, better-deployed employees can be more readily available to answer customer queries and improve widespread perceptions of your business. This increases the chances of repeat sales, which in turn assists business growth.
Choose ISO accreditation for greater corporate opportunity
International Standards are recognised across the world, with certification achieved by companies of a wide range of sizes and industry sectors. However, for all of these differences, ISO accreditation communicates the same consistent message of competence to the customers that may do business with you. This is especially so given that ISO does not carry out certification itself, instead entrusting the task to various largely private assessment bodies.
Companies that have achieved ISO certification have long spoken of how it has created new opportunities for them. The all-encompassing reassurance that International Standards provide to stakeholders of the quality, reliability and safety of your products or services helps to prevent trade barriers and create possibilities for your company in the global market. The boost in productivity that ISO certification can help to bring can also give your firm an enhanced competitive advantage and market share. These are all benefits that can even assist your company – whether it is presently large or small – to recruit the most ambitious talent.
Benefits for society at large
Such new recruits are also increasingly likely to be wooed by an organisation that practices a high level of social responsibility. Information Standards indicate a positive attitude to the development and treatment of your workforce, as an alternative to merely working disengaged employees to the absolute limit. It is a measure that can impact on all areas of an organisation, allowing a company to provide their valued staff members with the best remuneration.
The assistance that ISO standards provide for companies wishing to minimise their damage to the environment is now especially valued. Today, more and more customers are likely to base buying decisions on a company’s level of compliance with international environmental law. The widely respected ISO 14001 standard has been designed to assist organisations in this regard. It communicates your company’s commitment to environmental protection in the short term, as well as a willingness to work within the guidelines of future international environmental law.
The ISO 14001 standard, too, brings you a real return on investment in reduced waste and energy costs. Like other standards such as ISO 9001, it plays a key role in streamlining your business operations and improving your firm’s financial standing and reputation as a result.