If you operate an international company or a company working within a specialized industry such as the automotive, aerospace, medical or food industries, you may have considered becoming ISO certified. There is even a possibility you are required to have an ISO certification. So what are the ISO certification basics? What does it mean to be ISO certified? Here are some of those answers.



ISO stands for International Standard Organization. It is recognized as an international standard, and it is accepted globally. ISO standards were developed as a generic layout of requirements. Every company can use those standards as a basis to build a quality management system or business management system resulting in creating a quality product or service. However, ISO doesn't tell a company how to operate, or how to run its operations. It helps you organize and structure your company so it will run effectively. It can also help save money by preventing returned products, or, in the service industry, to help maintain good service. ISO is a documented system focusing on consistency, reliability, and improving the way your business operates. It focuses on process, the customer, and improvement. As an example of how these kinds of standards can work, consider McDonald's. They have thousands of restaurant chains around the world. In order for them to maintain quality and consistency, they have implemented processes for all employees to follow. They also buy from only certain suppliers in order to maintain the taste of their product worldwide.

Knowing which ISO certification applies to your company is a big first step toward deciding whether or not to pursue that certification. Here is a list of the most common certifications:

ISO 9000 is the most recognized certification. ISO 9000:2000 is the most current revision, and it addresses quality management systems. Everyone can use this system, from manufacturers to the service industry. It is the most commonly known standard and also the foundation for most of the other standards.

ISO 14000 is for an Environmental Management System. This pertains to the environmental aspects of your business. ISO 14000 helps companies when they want to show a positive environmental control over their operations. Even though there are many laws and regulations to protect the environment, not knowing about them or obeying them can mean financial and legal repercussions for you. ISO 14000 requires evidence of maintaining compliance with those regulations. They can save you time, money, and possibly keep you from going to court later on.

We'll cover the additional ISO standards in my next article ? Be on the lookout for Part 2!