A common mistake is to think that certification is about describing the business in an extremely detailed way. Often it is believed that the more detailed the description, the easier the certification will be - but the fact is that often it is just the opposite.
If we are similar to certification in sports, then it is not about winning the World Cup, but rather about obtaining a competition license.
The bar does not have to be high
The ISO standards for management systems leave much open for the organization itself to decide. Many people mistakenly believe that they have to perform at the top to be certified - but in fact, basic qualifications are enough.
Like the high jump, you don’t have to jump over 2.30 m straight away - a performance of 1.49 m with tremors on the crossbar is enough to get your competition license.
Lower the bar for faster success
Setting the bar low at the beginning of the process will help you reach your goal faster. After certification, you can gradually raise the bar and strive for greater success - whether you are aiming for the world record or just want to become the best in the region.
Everything doesn’t have to be perfect
Many consultants mistakenly believe that everything must be perfect before one can be certified. The result is often an abundance of documentation that is barely used and costs the company both time and money.
Instead, the focus should be on work that contributes to the development and success of the company.
Certification - an investment more than a cost
For many companies, ISO certification is seen only as an expense instead of an investment. However, with the right approach and methods, certification can provide you with a solid foundation for continued development and success.
Practical tips and advice from reality
So, how should you go about streamlining the certification process and making it an investment instead of a cost? Here are some concrete tips from reality:
- Hold process mapping on an overall level: Do not try to describe each small step in detail. Instead, focus on the most important parts of each process.
- Use standard templates: Why reinvent the wheel when there are already templates that comply with ISO standards? Use these as a starting point and adapt them to your specific needs.
- Prioritize key processes: Not all processes are equally important for certification. Focus on those that really matter to your business and quality management system.
- Internal audit** should not be a burden:** Internal auditing is a requirement, but it doesn’t have to be a burden. Make it part of your ongoing improvement work instead of seeing it as a separate project.
- Use smart IT systems: By using smart IT systems built from the ground up to streamline your business while meeting ISO certification requirements, you can save both time and money.
Closing
ISO certification does not have to be a heavy and costly process. With the right approach, tools and methods, certification work can become an investment that gives you a solid foundation for continued development and success.
Remember to focus on the big picture, prioritize the most important processes, use standard templates, integrate internal auditing as part of your ongoing improvement efforts, and take advantage of smart IT systems.
Want to know more about how a certification project can go twice as fast with us at AmpliFlow than doing it yourself? Contact us today to schedule an appointment! We look forward to helping you on your way to ISO certification.