- Posted by pbadam
- On April 26, 2016
- 0 Comments
- ISO certification
The concept of quality:
Quality is the buzzword today that rings from politicians to businessmen to common people. Yet, few people understand the true meaning of quality and fewer still take into account the changing concept of quality in the age of globalization and liberalization.. There were times when quality of a product implied that the product meets certain specifications. Today, the focus has shifted from product to consumer; quality is that which fulfils the expectations of consumers and gives them satisfaction. A customer not only expects quality in goods and services that he pays for, but the customer insists that the quality should remain unhampered through years. So the new definition of quality is “Total and continuous satisfaction” while using a product or service. This is a holistic concept of quality that is universally accepted. It benefits the customer because he is the focus throughout in the design/manufacture/ sale/distribution chain. How can the customer or client be sure that that he is getting quality products? If there I someone to recommend, someone to certify, then the consumer is happy. A product that is manufactured according to set standards possesses quality. ISO is one such organization that carries out research and surveys and defines the standards for a product. If a company procures ISO certification, it can assure the customers that it follows quality standards. Remember, ISO does not perform certification; ISO defines the international standards and certification is the task of external bodies. These external bodies make a detailed study of all the factors in a business unit and match them with the standards. They provide support and guidance so that the products meet the necessary standards, before issuing certificates.
The process of ISO certification
In order to remain strong in the competitive market, every company tries to get ISO certification. Certification means a written assurance from an independent body that your product or service meets specific requirements. The process of ISO certification involves the following steps:
- Finding an ISO Registrar: Select a reliable Registrar, preferably one who has knowledge about your products and services. The registrar must have sufficient experience in your sector. Discuss the terms, conditions and payments before starting work to avoid problems later.
- Understanding the objectives: The employees must be aware of the goals and objectives of a company. Conduct awareness sessions wherein you brief employees about the concept and significance of ISO certification, how it will be conducted, what is expected from them and what will be its benefits.
- Set up a quality management system (QMS): It is the company’s responsibility to establish a QMS and its policies. The company should provide detailed information about the system to the registrar. Several companies conduct separate training programmes for juniors, seniors and top management personnel regarding ISO certification.
- Quality review: The registrar will check the quality manual prepared by the company to see if it fulfils all necessary conditions according to ISO standards. The registrar will also see that the documents maintained by the company are complete and as per needs of ISO. This step may require 2 to 3 weeks. No step in the process should be hurried through. Sufficient time must be given to do justice to every part of the procedure.
- Pre–assessment needs: This step is important because as an initial review, it helps to identify weaknesses or omissions. It allows time to rectify problems and overcome weaknesses.
- ISO audit: During this phase, the ISO team will carry out a physical onsite audit and also offsite audit. The team members may interview employees and get details from them. After close examination of all issues, the ISO team conducts a closure meeting in which it summarizes a report of findings. The findings are generally nonconformity issues. The minor nonconformity issues report deals with minor failures in the procedures or system. The major nonconformity report deals with serious issues related to the quality of the product and may obstruct the registration process.
- Audit and registration: Auditors collect evidence regarding effectiveness of QMS of the company or absence thereof. It submits recommendations to the Registrar. The ultimate decision lies with the Registrar. After completing the final report and addressing nonconformities, the company can apply for ISO certification and get a certificate.
Advantages of ISO Certification
One may wonder, is it worthwhile to spend valuable time, money and energy on ISO certification? Especially those companies who are honest and sure about the quality of their products and services feel that customer feedback and word of mouth is enough to establish their quality. Yet, getting a regular ISO certification has a number of benefits.
- ISO certified goods and services meet international standards. It assures the customers that the goods are safe and efficient. ISO standards are based on global expert opinion.
- Attaining ISO Certification works as a powerful marketing tool. A company that seeks suppliers demands that the supplier must have ISO certification for quality assurance.
- It is a basis for creating a QMS across the world. ISO standards are developed by technical experts from all over the world. The experts address each and every aspect of standard related to the product or service. This ensures that there is no compromise with quality.
- The standards are set by technical experts in the industry in consensus with other elements like consumers, academia, NGOs and government officials. It follows a consensus-based approach thus taking into account all stakeholders.
- ISO standards are developed according to market needs. The standardizing committee does not decide when they are going to develop new standards; the need for modification is decided by needs in the society.
- ISO benefits apply to business organizations in several ways. The benefits include cost savings, improvement in quality, and access to new markets, increased market share and environment benefits. International Standards on air, water and soil quality, on emissions of gases and radiation and environmental aspects of products contribute to efforts to preserve the environment and the health of citizens. They improve the credibility of a company’s image.
- Business operations become efficient. ISO guidelines enable companies to tackle some demanding challenges of modern business.
- The benefits of ISO certification for society and consumers are unmatched. Consumers can be sure that they are getting standard quality goods and services. They understand that they are safe and reliable. ISO involves the support of consumers in the standard development process. It improves customer satisfaction.
- The expertise and experience involved in ISO standards serve as a vital resource for government while deciding policies. ISO standards facilitate export, import, exchange of ideas across countries and aid the government in promoting world trade.
- It helps in creating a continuous improvement culture. Once an effective QMS is accepted and implemented, employees get used to the QMS and continue to pursue the procedure, thus ensuring improvement continually.
- The procedure involves participation of all employees across all levels of hierarchy and builds team work and integration of efforts.
- It is a foundation for establishing other certification standards. It is a good starting point towards quality issues.
- We can conclude that the benefits of ISO Certification cannot be overstated.
Contact Envizigroup, based in Pune, India to know more about how to get ISO Certified.