Definition of the term („What does ISO certification mean?“)
The ISO certification is a process designed to prove the compliance with certain requirements. For example, ISO 9001 specifies the requirements applying when implementing a globally accepted quality management in a company. This serves as a generally accepted proof for customers and suppliers that the company’s existing internal quality management based on the ISO certification was successfully and fully implemented.
How do you obtain an ISO certification?
The ISO certification is performed by an autonomous certification authority to ensure an independent proof of the comprehensive execution of all requirements. Moreover, the certification is performed based on an audit specifically analyzing all affected departments.
The typical procedure of an ISO 9001 certification looks like this:
- In the first step of the certification audit, a comprehensive document review and assessment of the company location takes place in order to determine the degree of compliance with the standard and the potential need for optimization prior to the actual audit.
- In a second step, it is checked if all documents comply with ISO 9001… and the individual requirements. Finally, the results of the certification audit are recorded in an audit report listing possible nonconformities and the audit procedure.
Once the ISO 9001 certification was successfully completed, a certificate is issued, allowing to prove the conformity of the QM system at any time.
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Which advantages does an ISO certification have?
The ISO certification serves as a proof that the quality management system is up-to-date and meets all requirements. Moreover, it improves the competitiveness of a company and additionally sets a minimum standard.
Additional advantages include:
- Creating legal compliance
- Implementing a quality management system creating controlled processes, defining roles and responsibilities and requiring the company to improve the processes and increase the process performance
- Provides transparency for the customer
- Audit results may give you a advantage over competitors when customers compare potential suppliers
- It is often financially subsidized by the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (“Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle”) in Germany