How International Standardisation Supports Global Expansion
©Jan Andersen 2002
(Article written for Certification International (UK) Ltd: www.cionline.net)
With the Internet having removed time and geographical constraints, trade is becoming progressively global, with an increasing number of companies expanding their businesses to target the international marketplace. Not only does this increase the market competition, but it raises the issues of establishing precise criteria to be used consistently, such as rules, guidelines or definitions of characteristics to facilitate the international exchange of goods and to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose. This highlights the enormous significance of ISO certification.
With emphasis on the need for level playing fields to be maintained across national and international boundaries, companies without internationally recognised accredited certification are finding themselves on uneven ground. Some companies may even refuse to do business with you if you do not have the relevant ISO accreditation. Being ISO certified not only demonstrates to your customers that your company values quality, but also increases their trust and confidence, knowing that your quality management system is periodically validated by external professionals.
The standards provide a foundation on which companies can build improved quality management and assurance systems to achieve higher levels of international competitiveness in quality, price and delivery. The need for any potential or existing customers to conduct quality system audits of your company can be also removed by achieving ISO certification through a professional accredited certification body.
Some companies may view ISO certification as bureaucratic and of limited value and would not value any "intrusion" into their business, which they may incorrectly believe is an effectively operating enterprise. However, the message that lack of ISO certification conveys to customers is your QMS is not up-to-scratch and that you maybe reluctant to make the effort to implement the changes and improvements required to meet national and international acceptance.
The ISO certification process provides companies with an excellent internal communications' tool, improving employee interaction and motivation, enabling effective interpretation of customers' needs, improving documentation, increasing productivity and, consequently, enhancing inter-company relations. The structure of ISO 9000 has changed from individual department management to linked process management, enabling employees to view the whole picture for satisfying the customer. As a result, companies with ISO certification are more likely to be innovative and profitable, competing more successfully in the international marketplace and demonstrating their ability to satisfy the customer.
Whether it be Quality, Environment or Health and Safety, would you like to implement your chosen management system for less than the cost of a days consultancy? By taking advantage of Certification International's unique, self-paced e-learning programmes, you can acquire ISO certification and develop a system that is tailored to your business.
