ISO standards are an important part of many companies’ operations. But why are there standards that cannot be certified? Here we take a deeper look at this and why they can still be valuable to your business.
What are ISO standards?
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) develops and publishes international standards aimed at ensuring quality, safety and efficiency. Many of these standards organizations can certify against, but there are also those that are not certifiable.
Examples of standards that are not certifiable
- BIG 9000: This standard provides guidance and definitions for quality management systems but does not contain any certifiable requirements.
- ISO 9004: The focus is on long-term success and sustainability, with no certification requirements.
- ISO 31000: Guidance for risk management, not intended for certification.
Why use non-certifiable standards?
Internal efficiency and quality improvement
These standards can help your company develop better processes and increase quality, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction. By following the guidelines, you can identify and remedy inefficiencies.
Learning and Development
Non-certifiable standards offer a structured approach to learning about industry best practices. They provide concrete advice for improvement and can help identify areas of development.
Risk management
By complying with relevant standards, your company can minimize risks and ensure that you meet legal and customer requirements. This can protect you from potential problems and improve your reputation.
Sustainability
Some standards, such as ISO 9004, focus on sustainability and long-term success. Adhering to these can make the company more sustainable both financially and environmentally.
Why invest in non-certifiable standards?
What’s the point?
Although certification is not possible, these standards provide structured guidelines for improving operations. They can help create a solid foundation for quality leadership and continuous improvement.
Valuable guidance
The standards offer a framework for navigating complex business environments. They can be a tool to drive innovation and change, even without certification.
Who uses these standards?
Many different types of companies use non-certifiable standards, including:
- SMEs: To improve internal processes without having to invest in certification.
- Large companies: To maintain a competitive advantage through improved processes and risk management.
- Public organizations: To ensure quality and efficiency in service delivery.
Closing
Are you interested in streamlining your business and making leadership easier? Contact us to discover how AmpliFlow can help you implement the right standards and improve your management system. Together we can find the solutions that suit your business.