How ISO certification works: Tips in getting certified
How does ISO certification work?
ISO certification is a third-party seal that confirms a company runs its systems and processes to a recognized international standard.
In short, an outside body checks your operations and grants the mark once you comply. Here is what the process involves:
- A review of your systems, equipment, and security
- Months of checks before full compliance
- An ongoing effort to keep the standard over time
Global companies must keep checks and balances in place often. On top of that, they need to face the risks in their industry to stay afloat and keep running.
Even in the past, signs showed that processes can turn business to fail. So several bodies built international standards to fix this.
Getting an ISO certification takes time, effort, resources, and patience. However, it can improve your operations and solve real problems. But how does ISO certification actually work?
Outsourced.ph CEO and founder Mike Larcher digs into this with Outsource Accelerator CEO and podcast host Derek Gallimore.
What is an ISO certification?
An ISO certification is a third-party seal of approval. It goes to an organization that runs systems in line with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). You can find it across many fields, such as healthcare, financial services, and outsourcing.
Each certification has its own standards and criteria. In addition, each one carries a number. The goal is to help firms grow and profit by improving how they work.
An ISO certification also sends a clear message. In short, it shows a firm is set on better products and services.
How do ISO certifications work?
Per Mike, getting an ISO certification “is an in-depth process” that firms go through.
The ISO does not issue the certificates itself. Instead, a firm that wants one contacts a body that issues the standard it needs.
Mike explains that the body will “come to the office and take a look at every process and system” a business runs. In some cases, they even review equipment and security to check that it meets the standards.
Some of the parts they may review include:
- Network infrastructure
- Webcams and their positioning
- Desktops and laptops used at work and their protection, and
- Security checks that are done on the employees
According to him, some reviews run for months. Only then does a company meet every standard and earn the mark. Strong data security in outsourcing often makes that review far smoother.
Why you should get ISO-certified
Firms get an ISO certification for many reasons. Still, those reasons vary with the standard they choose.
Ensure data security
At Outsourced, a full-time employee and “a talented team of IT support staff” handle the ISO work. As a result, “the data security and information management systems are the most robust and constantly improving.”
An ISO 27001 certification guards firms from breaches and attacks at the base level. In fact, it pairs well with cybersecurity best practices and the related ISO 27002 compliance controls.
Define other risks and prevent them
Other risks can hurt a business too. Through an ISO 9001 certification, a firm can spot these risks and past problems. So it can learn the causes and stop them from returning. Sound enterprise risk management supports this work.
Ensure operational continuity
The ISO 22301 certification supports business continuity management during disasters and outages.
This one can be optional for fields with no need for contingency plans. However, firms that hold it build better BCM systems. As a result, they keep serving customers when it matters most.
Satisfy customers
Finally, ISO certification helps keep customers happy over time. With organized processes and secure data, firms serve people better and faster.
To do this, they must keep their processes and services in top shape. Clear quality assurance standards make that far easier.
Tips in getting ISO-certified
- Document processes beforehand. First, write down and organize your processes in advance.
- Keep the entire organization informed. Everyone should help improve the systems. So tell the whole team about the plan, from management down to staff.
- Review customer surveys and feedback. Customer surveys are the best way to learn what to improve next.
- Help teams run internal audits. Finally, train staff to run their own audits. As a result, they learn how to improve and what to fix.
How Outsourced uses ISO certification for their clients’ advantage
Outsourced.ph holds ISO 9001 and 27001 certifications. So the firm aims to give clients the best possible service.
Outsourced calls itself “a company that invests in quality staff, systems, and information security.” In addition, it keeps improving its service and security. It updates processes when needed and adapts to change.
So listen to episode 366 of the OA podcast now. At the same time, check out Outsourced’s website at https://outsourced.ph.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ISO certification take?
It varies by company size and standard. Most firms need several months to prepare and pass the audit. Larger or complex firms may need even longer.
How much does ISO certification cost?
The cost depends on your size, scope, and chosen standard. It covers the audit fee plus any process changes. So it helps to budget for both parts upfront.
Which ISO certification does an outsourcing firm need?
Many BPO firms start with ISO 9001 and ISO 27001. The first covers quality, and the second covers data security. Together, they build strong client trust.
Does ISO certification expire?
Yes. Most ISO certificates run for three years. However, the body runs regular checks in between. So a firm must keep the standard the whole time.
Is ISO certification worth it for small businesses?
It often is. The mark builds trust and opens doors with bigger clients. Still, a small firm should weigh the cost against the likely gain first.
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