ISO Standard Explained | What is ISO | Benefits of getting ISO certified | How to get ISO certified?

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive overview of ISO standards, highlighting their significance in ensuring product quality, safety, and efficiency across various industries. It explains the roles of ISO as a global standard-setting body, the benefits of certification, and the distinction between accreditation and certification. The step-by-step process for obtaining ISO certification is outlined, emphasizing the importance of selecting a credible certification body and the ongoing maintenance of standards. The video serves as a valuable resource for organizations seeking to understand ISO standards and navigate the certification process effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent body that develops international standards to ensure quality and safety in products and services.
• 🌍 ISO operates in 164 countries and has three membership categories: member bodies, correspondent members, and subscriber members.
• 🔍 Popular ISO standards include ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 22000 for food safety, and ISO 27001 for information security.
• 📈 ISO standards help businesses increase productivity, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction while ensuring product safety and reliability.
• ⚖️ Accreditation by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) confirms that certification bodies meet the required ISO standards without conflicts of interest.
• 📝 The certification process involves several steps, including choosing the right ISO certification, selecting a credible certification body, and conducting document reviews and audits.
• 🔄 The initial certification audit consists of two stages: assessing changes made by the company and final auditing for compliance with ISO standards.
• 📅 ISO certifications are typically valid for three years and require annual surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
• 💰 The cost of ISO certification varies based on the organization's size, complexity, and specific requirements, not a fixed amount.
• ❗ Common misconceptions include the belief that ISO certification requires excessive documentation; however, it emphasizes following existing documented procedures.

Q & A

What is ISO?

ISO is an international standard-setting body founded in 1947, promoting worldwide industrial and commercial standards.

Why is ISO certification important for companies?

ISO certification helps companies enhance product quality, increase efficiency, minimize errors and waste, and gain consumer trust.

What are the main categories of ISO membership?

ISO has three membership categories: member bodies, correspondent members, and subscriber members, each with different rights and responsibilities.

Can ISO directly provide certification?

No, ISO develops standards but does not provide certification; this is done by external certification bodies.

What is the difference between accreditation and certification?

Accreditation is the process by which certification bodies are recognized to perform certification. Certification is the actual confirmation that a company complies with specific ISO standards.

What are some popular ISO standards?

Popular ISO standards include ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, and ISO 22000 for food safety management.

What are the initial steps to obtain ISO certification?

The initial steps include choosing the type of ISO certification needed, selecting a recognized certification body, and creating an application with the certification body.

What is the PDCA cycle mentioned in the script?

The PDCA cycle, which stands for Plan-Do-Check-Act, is a continuous improvement model that organizations should follow to achieve ISO certification.

How long is an ISO certificate valid?

An ISO certificate is typically valid for three years, with annual surveillance audits to ensure compliance.

What are the costs associated with ISO certification?

The cost of ISO certification varies based on factors such as the number of employees, processes involved, risk levels, and the complexity of the management system.