What is ISO? A Beginner's Guide

Have you ever wondered how different companies, from toy manufacturers to medical device producers, ensure their products meet a certain quality standard?  The answer might lie in a concept called ISO. But What is ISO exactly? 

ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization. It sets a wide range of international standards that ensure products, services, and processes are safe, reliable, and efficient.  In a world of diverse products and global markets, ISO bridges the gap, creating a common framework for quality across industries and countries. 

Curious to learn more about how ISO works and how it benefits businesses and consumers alike? Dive deeper into this blog on What is ISO to unravel the mysteries of this essential standard-setting organisation. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is ISO? 

2) ISO Standards Types 

3) How are ISO Standards developed? 

4) ISO Standards benefits 

5) How to manage ISO Standard compliance 

6) How can ISO have a positive impact? 

7) How to get ISO Certified? 

8) Conclusion 

What is ISO? 

ISO is the abbreviation form of the International Organization for Standardization, a non-governmental organisation committed to developing and publishing standards worldwide. Established in 1947, ISO promotes cross-border business and provides support to the development of new products and services with the sole aim of helping to make companies better. An organisation that takes the memberships from more than one hundred and sixty countries has drafted thousands of standards. The general standards cover almost every industry, from food safety to technology. ISO work engaging technical specifications will be based globally for consumers and business to access them conveniently and safely.
 

ISO Standard Types 

The ISO Standards are split up into different types of standards to examine various aspects of the quality, safety, and efficiency of industries in-depth. The main types include: 

a) Quality Management Standards such as ISO 9001 focus on processing improvement and customer satisfaction enhancement. 

b) Environmental Management Standards, like ISO 14001, are designed for the purpose of managing sustainably and decreasing the negative impact on the environment. 

c) Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems like ISO 45001, the world class standard which guarantees the safety and health of workers. 

d) Information Security Standards, especially the ISO 27001, provide a uniform set of a well-practiced best practice in international trade and build trust between consumers. 

How are ISO Standards developed?  

The organisation conducts a systematic process by bringing together experts from a wide range of industrial and regional countries. Key stages in the development of ISO Standards include stages such as: 

a) Proposal stage: Industry organisations, consumer associations, governments, and other stakeholders may suggest new regulation. A proponent of a standard sets out what the standard is to address and for what supposed purpose. 

b) Preparatory stage: When the project has been officially authorised, a specialist team is designated. This working group prepares the outline of the first standard text. Members from the expert group will be nominated from all countries in agreement with all concerned stakeholders including, consumers, business and government. 

c) Committee stage: The draft standard is presented and tested by a group of specialists who approve and renew the document. Committee members move amendments, edit whatever is needed and then cast the votes in support or against the document. Numerous times of consultation, and refinements have to be made in order to appease everybody. 

d) Enquiry stage: All ISO member bodies conduct voting on the proposed standard and providing comments as well. It may get the prescribed percentage of affirmative votes or may be accompanied by negative affirmative votes in order to proceed. 

e) Approval stage: The successful accomplishment of this stage of enquiry will result in the passage on to the final approval stage which involves a final vote by the ISO national bodies. 

Another step involves revision. ISO Standard becomes more meaningful, as it follows current technological development and social trends. Thus, the ISO, being reviewed on relevance, accuracy and timeliness, is updated after five years at the maximum. If the new version is better, the standard is changed. If there is no reason of adjustment, the ISO Standard is canceled and replaced by a new, up to date, standard. 

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ISO Standards benefits 

a) Better efficiency and improved quality: ISO Standards allow organisations to make their operations more streamlined for better efficiency and quality in delivering their products and services. 

b) Greater customer satisfaction: The standards verify the quality and reliability of the product, and thereby increase customers' trust. 

c) Market access: Compliance with ISO Standards allows an organisation to easily enter foreign markets, as most countries require or prefer that the requirements be adhered to. 

d) Risk Management: ISO Standards detail a framework for operations and business settings, from identifying to managing and reducing risk. 

e) Environmental impact: Many of the ISO Standards allow for companies to implement Environmental Management in an effort to reduce their environmental footprint and meet the regulatory requirements. 

How to manage ISO Standard compliance? 

Managing ISO Standard compliance involves several key steps: 

a) Be familiar with the targeted ISO Standard that is applicable to your organisation and make a detailed assessment of current processes in your organisation in respect of these standards. 

b) Make necessary changes to bring in conformity with the standard, and train employees and processes accordingly.  

c) Audit internal practice on a regular basis for compliance and further improvement.  

d) Engage certified external auditors to validate the claimed practice through a certification process.  

e) Finally, commit to continuous improvement by being sensitive to any changes in the standard and constantly revising processes based on audit feedback. 

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How can ISO have a positive impact? 

The ISO Standards provide a positive impact to the industry as they help unify processing rules, improve product and services quality, and so increase safety and efficiency. They are doing this by streamlining international trade and guaranteeing that new and existing products and services are compatible at the global level. Using ISO Standards offers organisations a way to mitigate risks, better their performance and increase customer satisfaction through the fulfillment of customer’s expectations.  

The environmental ISO Standards also give a boost sustainability by holding reduction of any negative influence on environment, resource use efficiency enhancement and waste management improvement. A resonating effect of that influence builds trust not only among consumers and businesses, but also among governmental regulating institutions at global level. 

How to get ISO Certified? 

Follow the following steps to obtain your ISO Certification:
 

a) Select the standard: Determine which ISO Standard applies to your organisation. It might be ISO 9001 for Quality Management or ISO 14001 for Environmental Management. 

b) Understand requirements: Study the chosen standard to understand what it entails. 

c) Gap analysis: Conduct a gap analysis to identify those aspects that need to be done within your organisation to bring it to the standard. 

d) Develop changes: Develop a change plan and implement a plan to get the organisation's processes in line with the ISO requirements. This can involve training staff, updating processes, and making changes to documentation. 

e) Internal audit: Conduct an internal audit to ensure all parts of your organisation meet the ISO Standard. 

f) Choose a Certification body: Select a certification body that is ISO-accredited to conduct the audit of your organisation. 

g) Certification audit: Your selected body will carry out an audit on your processes; if you meet the criteria, then they will issue an ISO certificate. 

h) Continuous compliance: Keep compliant through ongoing internal audits and re-certification audits, if necessary, to meet the standard. 

Conclusion  

In conclusion, ISO plays a vital role in shaping a world of trust and quality. From ensuring product safety to streamlining processes, its impact is undeniable.  This blog just scratched the surface of what ISO is. Keep reading to explore the different ISO Standards, their benefits, and how they impact your everyday life! 

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