Which ISO certification is the best?
We understand that you want “best ISO certification” for your organisation and are eager to find a one-stop solution for all your problems. Unfortunately, this is not the case. There is no such thing as the “best ISO certification” rather, there exists a certification that is a perfect fit for your organisation. You have to understand that the basis of all ISO certifications is the same, they all cater to streamlining your processes, reducing waste and increasing cost savings.
The difference lies in the specific domain in which the management system focuses on. For example, ISO 9001 focuses on quality management. Hence, irrespective of ISO certificate that you choose, you will enjoy certain benefits. It is then important to select ISO certificate that is utilised by the peers of your industry, so that you gain industry-specific and domain-specific advantages.
In this article, we will outline some factors that you should consider when selecting ISO certificate for your organisation, going on to list some popular ISO certifications and delineate the general benefits of ISO certification.
ISO certifications benefits in general
As mentioned above, the foundation of ISO standards is similar. ISO standards require organisations to conduct a “Plan-Do-Check-Act” ( PDCA) cycle that allows them to continuously evaluate their operations. ISO consultants in australia help you to implement this cycle according to a schedule. The benefits that are created, are a consequence of this PDCA cycle. Some of the benefits include:
Reduced wastage
The PDCA cycle allows for the mindful allocation and utilisation of resources, thereby leading to less wastage.
Leaner processes
As the PDCA cycle requires organisations to evaluate their processes and the documentations, overlaps and redundancies are removed, thereby streamlining processes and increasing their efficiency.
Enhanced opportunities
The PDCA cycle helps the organisation recognise and explore areas of growth as well as opportunities, helping the organisation enter into newer markets and test new products/services.
Better brand recognition
As ISO certificate, irrespective of the specific standard that you apply to, is internationally recognised, it automatically enhances your brand credibility and recognition, helping you access domestic and international markets.
Enhanced productivity
As a consequence of integrating the PDCA cycle, redundancies in the processes are removed and work instructions become clear. Additionally, ISO standards require organisations to conduct training to eliminate any existing skills-gaps. With better role clarity and newer skills, productivity increases.
Some popular ISO certifications
Here is a list of some of the more popular and widely appreciated ISO certifications that are applicable to different industries:
ISO 9001: Most popular ISO certificattion
This standard focuses on quality management and provides organisations with a set of recommendations that would help in the development of a robust, sustainable and effective Quality Management System (QMS). The advantage of implementing a QMS is that organisations are able to consistently deliver goods or services that are of superior quality and meet the expectations of their customers.
ISO 14001: Environmental Management System
The focus of ISO 14001 is on enhancing environmental performance and it provides recommendations to build an effective Environmental Management System (EMS). The benefit of implementing an EMS within your organisation is that it helps to manage your environmental impacts, reduce wastage, helps you adhere to various regulatory obligations and enhance your image in the eyes of environmentally-conscious clients.
ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management
The focus of ISO 45001 is on enhancing work-place safety by providing recommendations to build a robust Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). The advantage of implementing OHSMS within your organisation is that you are not only able to enhance the safety of your workplace, but you are also able to save due to reduced downtime and absenteeism.
ISO 27001: Information Security Management System
The focus of this standard is to enhance the information security of your organisation by providing recommendations to build an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS). The advantage of building an ISMS is that it protects your data from breaches, phishing attacks, data threats or unauthorised usage, thereby helping to enhance stakeholder confidence.
How to select the ISO certification that is the most appropriate for your organisation
This is an extremely personal choice. Selecting an ISO certificate depends upon your individual organisational goals, values, ethics and future aspirations. Having said that, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 are the most popular of the standards. In fact, many organisations choose to acquire them as a bundle. If you choose to get the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001
bundle, you would be seen as a company that delivers safe, reliable, high-quality and environmentally sustainable products or services. This trifecta addresses all the stakeholder demands.
If you are hesitant to get three ISO certifications together, or if funds are limited, we would recommend you to hire an ISO consultant. Hiring an ISO consultant is a great investment as the customised advice that they provide will help you decide which ISO certification will reap the maximum amount of benefits for you and allow you to clear your certification audit in the first go.
Obtaining the best ISO certification with The ISO Council
Instead of focusing on acquiring the “best ISO certificate,” your focus should be on acquiring a certificate that aligns with your organisation’s unique goals, aspirations, ethics and values. Professional consultants at The ISOCouncil will help you choose the best ISO certification based on your business needs and will be with you from the first step to the issuance of ISO certification.