WHAT ARE ISO MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is independent, whose members consists of the standards organisations of 164 member countries. It develops voluntary international standards using a ‘consensus model’ of international experts in global management, leadership strategies, and efficient and effective processes and practices.
The principle behind the use of these standards is to help ensure that safe, reliable and high quality products and services can be delivered by organisations who, at the same time, can increase their productivity and decrease errors and waste. At the same time they ensure that consumers and end-users receive products and services to these internationally-operated standards.
The principle behind the use of these standards is to help ensure that safe, reliable and high quality products and services can be delivered by organisations who, at the same time, can increase their productivity and decrease errors and waste. At the same time they ensure that consumers and end-users receive products and services to these internationally-operated standards.
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When a company is ISO certified to, for example, ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 or 27001, it means that the company has passed a physical certification audit which ensures the quality, environmental, health & safety or information security management of that business. The terms 'standards' and 'management systems' become almost interchangeable, as you essentially build a system around the standards which contain 'requirements', or things that you should do.
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It's important to note, however, that you can manage your company using ISO standards and you don't have to get certified.
Indeed, the only problem with ISO standards is that they're a seriously underused, mainly because of all of the unnecessary bureaucracy, costs and generally poor implementation which have become associated with the certification of them. But this does not have to be the case. If done correctly they can be, simply put, the most effective way of improving your business.
Indeed, the only problem with ISO standards is that they're a seriously underused, mainly because of all of the unnecessary bureaucracy, costs and generally poor implementation which have become associated with the certification of them. But this does not have to be the case. If done correctly they can be, simply put, the most effective way of improving your business.
The benefits of ISO management systems
The Ideas Distillery helps businesses develop management systems, and secure ISO certification if required, and in the process improve the way they do business.
If you’re looking to win tender business then it’s undeniable that ISO certification is an important consideration when bidding for tenders with either central government or local government. It’s important to recognise that if your competitors hold ISO certification then you will always be fighting with one arm tied behind your back! For example, for many years now, both central and local government have stipulated quality management systems in their tenders. ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised standard, with certification ensuring organisations meet a high level of quality. |
By asking for ISO 9001 from contractors, the public sector can prove it is spending taxpayers’ money wisely, whilst not having to spend time extensively checking an organisation’s credentials. With ISO 9001 certification from an accredited body, the certificate does the talking!
But don’t underestimate an ISO business management system as a genuine way to improve your business. After all, to paraphrase the International Organization for Standardization themselves, the whole point of ISO management systems is about increasing efficiency, improving management of risks to your organisation, and delivering consistent products or services using a system you continually improve.
But don’t underestimate an ISO business management system as a genuine way to improve your business. After all, to paraphrase the International Organization for Standardization themselves, the whole point of ISO management systems is about increasing efficiency, improving management of risks to your organisation, and delivering consistent products or services using a system you continually improve.
Find out how you could get one or more ISO standards with a completely free, no obligation, totally tailored ISO Gap Analysis for your business...
Find out more in our ISOs eBook
Find out more in our ISOs eBook
Grab your copy of this fantastic eBook by the MD of The Ideas Distillery, Russell Lawson...
In this eBook we look at how ISO management systems put you on the road to continuous and genuine business improvement and innovation, and how you can implement them without breaking the bank. “The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.” – Helmut Schmidt, German politician Buy it directly here for just £12.99 - and start your ISO journey! |