The Small Business Guide to ISO Certification

Although we focus on selling flags rather than pursuing these certifications ourselves, as ISO flag retailers, we’ve worked with 1,000s of already certified clients. By becoming ISO certified, you can improve your business operations and gain a competitive edge in the market. Are you looking to get started on your ISO certification journey? We'll walk you through some basics, and if you achieve your certification after reading this blog, we'll send you a 25% off coupon for your first ISO flag!

What Does ISO Mean?

Are ISO Standards Mandatory?

Which ISO Certification is Best?

How ISO Certification Works

Why are ISO Standards Important?

Why is ISO Certification Important?

What Does ISO Mean?

ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization, an international collaborative effort composed of standards bodies from participating countries. The ISO develops best practices and recommended standards for various industries, including product manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, and healthcare.

Are ISO Standards Mandatory?

Following the ISO standards and obtaining accreditation is voluntary. It is not legally required in most cases, but some organizations or contracts may specifically require ISO certification as a condition for bidding, especially in industries like manufacturing, construction, or IT.

Although not mandatory in most cases, it is still beneficial. It shows customers and partners that your company values its processes and the products or services it produces. ISO accreditation is a great way to show your company’s commitment to protecting the health of your employees, customers, and the environment or the high quality of your products or services.

ISO certification isn't limited to large corporations. It's about meeting globally recognized standards set by the International Organization for Standardization for different aspects of your business, such as quality management (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001), information security management (ISO 27001), and more.

Which ISO Certification is Best?

There isn’t a ranking for whether one ISO certification is ‘better’ than another; instead, the usefulness of an ISO certification is tied to its relevance to your business.

Here's a table that outlines the industry focus of the specified certifications:

This table includes general industries to which these certifications apply. Some certifications, like ISO 9001:15 and ISO 14001:15, are versatile and can be used across various industries. In contrast, others are more specific, such as IATF 16949:16 for automotive quality management or AS 9100:16 for aerospace.

How ISO Certification Works

Before you prepare the company for compliance, secure the commitment of upper management. Their support is vital for successfully integrating and realizing the ISO program's benefits.

1. Preparation: Begin with understanding the requirements of the chosen standard and preparing your organization accordingly. This includes educating the team about the importance and benefits of the certification.
2. Gap Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive gap analysis to identify the differences between the current organizational processes and the standard's requirements. This helps identify areas that need improvement.
3. Documentation: Develop and document the processes, policies, and procedures that align with the standard's requirements. This step is crucial as it forms the foundation of your compliance efforts.
4. Implementation: Implement the documented processes and procedures throughout the organization. This involves training employees, making necessary changes to workflows, and ensuring all aspects of the organization comply with the documented standards.
5. Internal Audit: Conduct internal audits to assess the implemented system's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. This helps in preparing for the external audit.
6. Training: Provide comprehensive training to all employees, project managers, team leaders, and internal auditors on the relevant standards, their requirements, and the specific roles they play in achieving compliance.
7. Choosing an Audit Team: Select a competent and certified audit team or registrar that aligns with your business values and objectives. Their expertise will guide you through the compliance process and help identify areas that need more focus.
8. Registration Audit Preparation: Prepare your organization for the registration audit by ensuring all documentation is in order, the facility is audit-ready, and all employees are informed and prepared.
9. Certification Audit: Go through the certification audit conducted by the chosen audit team. This involves demonstrating compliance with the standard's requirements through evidence and records.
10. Continuous Improvement: After achieving certification, continuously improve the processes and system by addressing the audit findings, improving, and staying up-to-date with the standard's revisions.
11. Celebrate and Promote: Once certified, celebrate this achievement within your organization and promote your compliance to build trust and recognition among clients and suppliers, as well as win bids!

Why are ISO Standards Important?

The International Organization for Standardization aims to inform governmental policy worldwide and protect the health and safety of all people and their environment. ISO standards are based on decades of research and provide scientifically backed recommendations to governments and companies alike. By following your organization’s relevant ISO standards, you can be confident that you adhere to the most up-to-date knowledge and practices to benefit your employees and customers.

Why is ISO Certification Important?

It's not just about the certificate; it's about the improvements you will make along the way, such as improving process efficiency and enhancing customer satisfaction. A competitive advantage and meeting regulatory requirements doesn't hurt either.

The process and investment involved in obtaining ISO certification can vary depending on the size of the company and the specific standard it aims to achieve. However, plenty of consulting services and resources are tailored to help small businesses through the process. There are many different ISO certification organizations to choose from, though we recommend selecting one that the International Accreditation Forum recognizes.

The process of becoming ISO-certified may seem intimidating, but it’s well worth the effort. Plus, once you get your business certified, don’t forget to contact us at customerservice@flags.com or 800-858-8776 to receive a coupon for 25% off your first ISO flag so you can proudly display your accomplishment!