The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is a globally recognised and independent organisation that develops international standards for various industries. These standards cover areas such as quality, safety, and procedures.

In the steel industry, an ISO certification serves as proof that a company's management systems, manufacturing processes, services, or documentation procedures adhere to global quality assurance standards.

Continue reading to understand the significance of ISO certification and the distinctions between ISO certifications - 9000 and 9001.

 What does an ISO certification mean?

The ISO plays a crucial role in establishing operational procedures across a wide range of industries. But what does this actually entail?

ISO guidelines assist businesses and organisations in effectively meeting the needs of their customers and stakeholders by ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements related to their products and services.

Essentially, ISO standards help companies assess whether they are conducting their operations correctly. It's important to note that the ISO solely focuses on creating and defining standards. To maintain objectivity, they engage third-party organisations to assess and evaluate companies seeking certifications.

In other words, while the ISO sets the standards, it is third-party groups that assess companies to determine if they have met the ISO guidelines necessary for obtaining ISO certifications.

The four major families of ISO Standards are-

1.      ISO 9000: Quality management systems

2.      ISO 14000: Environmental management systems

3.      ISO 26000: Guidance on social responsibility

4.      ISO 31000: Risk management principles and guidelines

What is ISO 9000?

ISO 9000 is a set of quality management standards widely applied in industries such as manufacturing and construction. It offers a comprehensive framework for its various subgroups by defining the fundamental principles and terminologies related to quality management systems. The ISO 9000 standards revolve around seven key principles of quality management, including customer focus, leadership, employee engagement, process-oriented approach, continual improvement, evidence-based decision-making, and relationship management.

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001, which is the primary subgroup of the ISO 9000 family and the sole provider of certification, establishes the criteria for achieving quality management standards across various aspects of an organisation. These encompass management functions, manufacturing processes, services, and documentation procedures. To fulfill these requirements, an organisation must-

1.  Exhibit a consistent ability to deliver products and services that meet the defined customer, statutory, and regulatory requirements.

2.  Continuously enhance customer satisfaction through ongoing process improvement and adherence to customer, statutory, and regulatory obligations.

This standard incorporates various principles of quality management, including prioritising customer satisfaction, engaging top management in the process, adopting a systematic approach to operations, and striving for continuous improvement.

Key differences between ISO 9000 and ISO 9001

1. Scope: ISO 9000 provides guidelines and principles for quality management, whereas ISO 9001 sets specific requirements for a quality management system.

2. Certification: ISO 9000 cannot be certified, as it is not a specific standard. On the other hand, ISO 9001 certification demonstrates that an organisation has met the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard and has implemented an effective quality management system.

3. Focus: ISO 9000 focuses on providing a common understanding and language for quality management, while ISO 9001 emphasiSes the implementation of quality management systems to meet customer and regulatory requirements.

Relevance to Manufacturing MSMEs in India

 For manufacturing MSMEs in India, ISO 9001 certification is highly relevant and beneficial. Here's why:

1. Improved Processes: ISO 9001 helps MSMEs establish robust quality management systems, which leads to improved processes, reduced errors, and increased efficiency in manufacturing operations.

2. Compliance: ISO 9001 ensures that MSMEs comply with relevant quality standards and regulations, both in India and internationally. This is crucial for accessing domestic and global markets and meeting customer expectations.

 3. Enhanced Reputation: ISO 9001 certification enhances the reputation of MSMEs, demonstrating their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. It instills confidence in customers, partners, and stakeholders, leading to increased business opportunities and competitiveness.

4. Operational Excellence: By implementing ISO 9001, MSMEs can drive a culture of continuous improvement, identify areas for enhancement, and implement corrective actions. This results in enhanced operational excellence and increased customer satisfaction.

 5. Market Access: ISO 9001 certification is often a prerequisite for participating in government tenders, government-sponsored projects, and supply chains of large organisations. It opens doors to new business opportunities and partnerships.

How to become ISO certified?

Individuals cannot obtain ISO certification themselves; it is only available to businesses and organisations. Certification is not provided directly by ISO but is instead conducted by third-party organisations.

The Committee on Conformity Assessment (CASCO) within ISO manages the qualifications of the certification process. When selecting a certification body, it is important to assess multiple agencies to find the most suitable one for your organisation.

One consideration is whether the agency follows the latest CASCO standards and is accredited. The duration of certification training varies depending on factors such as understanding the requirements, the organisation's level of preparedness, and the size and complexity of the organisation. Typically, certification is achieved within three to six months.

Tips for successfully completing your ISO Certification –

An ISO certification offers manufacturers a competitive advantage and ensures adherence to the highest compliance standards. Here are some helpful tips to facilitate the certification process:

1. Be Prepared - Thorough preparation is essential for a successful certification. Meet with relevant members of your organisation to determine the starting point for documentation, employee training on new compliance requirements, and other necessary tasks. Setting SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) during this phase will help keep everyone on track.

2. Implement Changes in Your QMS - Once your business has developed a documented Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with ISO 9001 requirements, you can begin implementing ISO quality measures. This step involves putting plans into action, including providing relevant training to all employees and communicating updated expectations for their roles. The participation of staff, especially those responsible for overseeing or managing processes, is crucial during this implementation phase.

3. Consider Internal Auditing - Conducting an internal audit can be done by a team of quality representatives within your organisation or by professional auditors from a quality assurance agency. They will assess the effectiveness of your newly implemented QMS and ensure its alignment with the ISO 9001 standard. This process helps identify any discrepancies or areas for improvement in the QMS, allowing you to address them before certification.

The ISO 9000 series of standards is beneficial for companies aiming to uphold a higher level of quality assurance. It serves as a valuable resource for businesses seeking to comprehend specific terminology and standards. Conversely, ISO 9001 is implemented to ensure that a company places a strong focus on customer satisfaction and continual improvement. By adopting these widely recognised standards, businesses can effectively meet the requirements and expectations of all stakeholders involved.