ISO Certification Audit
1
Stage 1 Audit
The auditor will review your organization's documented information on its management system, evaluate the conditions at the site, and hold discussions with personnel during the Stage 1 ISO audit.
2
Stage 2 Audit
The purpose of a Certification or Stage 2 Audit is to confirm that the Management System of a business meets all of the requirements of their chosen ISO Standard.
If the assessment is successful, certification is granted.
This initial audit only occurs once for each Standard. Afterward, the business enters the certification cycle.
3
Surveillance Audit
A Surveillance Audit is an annual onsite review of an organization’s Management System. This forms an important part of the certification cycle, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the standard – as confirmed in the Recertification Audit at the beginning of the next cycle.
A Surveillance Audit usually focuses on a few sections of the Management System each year, aiming to cover the entire system during the certification cycle.
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4
Recertification Audit
A Recertification Audit is an important part of maintaining your ISO certification. It ensures that you are compliant with all relevant ISO standards and that your documented procedures are up to date.
This type of audit is in-depth and will examine all aspects of your business.
If you are looking to maintain your certification, you must sit a Recertification Audit as it is a requirement of certified bodies such as QMS.
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ISO Certification is
More Than Just a Certificate, It's a Journey to Quality.
Think of ISO Certification like a gym membership. The card shows you're a member, but it's the workout that builds muscle!"
ISO Consultancy Process
ISO certification signifies a company's commitment to a globally accepted set of guidelines related to quality, safety, and efficiency. Consultancies guiding companies through this process typically follow a structured approach, which includes:
Initial Discussion
Understanding the company's needs, choosing the appropriate ISO standard, and creating a project plan that outlines the steps, timelines, and costs involved in the certification process.
Implementation of Changes
After identifying areas for improvement, the consultancy helps implement changes. This could involve revising documents, changing practices, or introducing new protocols.
Internal Audit
The consultancy conducts a preliminary internal audit to simulate the final certification audit. The goal is to assess the organization's readiness and identify any areas of non-compliance.
Analysis of Current Practices
Examining the organization's existing processes and systems to identify areas that need improvement or alignment with the chosen ISO standard.
Employee Training
It's essential for all employees to understand the changes and how to maintain the ISO standards in their daily work. Therefore, the consultancy usually provides training sessions to ensure compliance.
Certification Audit
An external auditor, typically from an independent ISO certification body, conducts the certification audit. This process involves two stages: reviewing the company's documentation and ensuring that actual activities align with ISO standards.
Post-Certification and Maintenance
After passing the audit, the company receives the ISO certification. The consultancy then provides support for post-certification requirements, which usually involve regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance with the standard.
Embark on the ISO Journey with Synesis Consulting®
Navigating the ISO certification process can be complex. Synesis Consulting® is here to simplify it. We offer top-notch training and implementation of ISO standards, helping you overcome challenges and unlock the true benefits of ISO certification.
Ready to transform your business with ISO certification?
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Exploring the Landscape of
ISO Standards
This section provides a comprehensive exploration of the ISO standards that our consultancy covers. Each standard serves a unique purpose and offers distinct benefits to organizations that implement them.
ISO 9001:2015
Quality Management System
ISO 9001:2015 is the most recognized standard in the ISO 9000 series. It provides a framework for companies to ensure that their products and services consistently meet customer’s requirements and that quality is consistently improved.
This standard is applicable to any organization, regardless of its size or the nature of its work, and is seen as a powerful business improvement tool.
ISO 14001:2015
Environmental Management System
ISO 14001:2015 sets out the criteria for an environmental management system. It maps out a framework that a company or organization can follow to set up an effective environmental management system. It can be used by any organization regardless of its activity or sector.
Using ISO 14001:2015 can provide assurance to company management and employees as well as external stakeholders that environmental impact is being measured and improved.
Integrated Management System
An Integrated Management System (IMS) integrates all of an organization’s systems and processes into one complete framework, enabling an organization to work as a single unit with unified objectives.
With an IMS, an organization can streamline its processes and align them with the organization's strategic objectives.
ISO 45001:2018
Occupational Health & Safety
ISO 45001:2018 specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system, and gives guidance for its use, to enable organizations to provide safe and healthy workplaces by preventing work-related injury and ill health, as well as by proactively improving its OH&S performance.
ISO 21001:2018
Educational Organizations Management System
ISO 21001:2018 specifies requirements for a management system for educational organizations (EOMS) when such an organization needs to demonstrate its ability to support the acquisition and development of competence through teaching, learning or research.
Benefits of ISO Certification
ISO Certification, issued by the International Organization for Standardization, offers a host of benefits to businesses across various sectors. It validates a company's commitment to international standards in areas like product quality, environmental responsibility, information security, and workplace safety. Here are the key benefits
Quality Excellence
ISO certification aids in elevating the quality of a company's products or services. It promotes uniform processes, leading to increased efficiency, reduced mistakes, and higher customer satisfaction.
Increased Efficiency
ISO certifications help streamline processes and establish clear operational guidelines, leading to increased productivity and efficiency, which can result in cost savings.
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Regulatory Compliance
Some industries require companies to obtain specific ISO certifications to comply with regulations. Even when not mandatory, these certifications demonstrate a company's commitment to industry best practices.
Environmental Responsibility
Certifications like ISO 14001, which focus on environmental management systems, help organizations reduce their environmental impact, contributing to sustainability goals.
Continual Improvement
The philosophy of ISO standards is based on continual improvement, ensuring that certified companies regularly review and update their processes, always striving for better performance.
Enhanced Market Reputation
An ISO certification enhances a company's credibility and image, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high standards. This can give a company a competitive advantage in the market.
Risk Management
ISO standards provide a strong framework for identifying, managing, and reducing risks in various areas, from quality assurance to environmental impact to data security.
Employee Engagement
Involving employees in the process of improving and standardizing operations can lead to increased employee engagement and satisfaction.
Global Recognition
ISO standards are recognized worldwide, making these certifications beneficial for companies doing business internationally or planning to expand globally.
Trust and Assurance
Lastly, ISO certification builds trust and confidence among clients and stakeholders by assuring them of the organization's robust and compliant operational systems.
Do you know about IS 14489:2018?
IS 14489:2018 is a crucial standard that outlines the best practices for Occupational Safety and Health Audits in a factory setup. It sets the objectives, criteria, and practices for audits, offering guidelines for establishing, planning, conducting, and documenting audits on occupational safety and health systems at workplaces. This standard is instrumental in ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.
Ready to delve deeper into IS 14489:2018 and its implications for your workplace?
Frequently Asked Questions
A section addressing common questions about ISO certification. This can help clarify any misconceptions or confusion readers may have.
01.
What is ISO certification?
ISO certification is a seal of approval from a third party body that a company runs to one of the internationally recognized ISO management systems. The certification can be used to tender for business as a proof of a company’s credibility but also to install confidence in the potential client that you will keep your promises.
02.
What are the benefits of ISO certification?
ISO certification provides numerous benefits, including improved efficiency and cost savings, better customer service, and a stronger stakeholder relationship. It also helps businesses gain greater access to new markets, both domestically and internationally.
03.
How long does it take to become ISO certified?
The time it takes to earn ISO certification can vary depending on the size and complexity of your organization. Generally, the process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
04.
What is the process of getting ISO certified?
The process involves a two-stage external audit, conducted by an ISO certification body. The first stage assesses your current practices against the requirements of the ISO standard, and the second stage verifies that the documented practices are being carried out.
05.
What is the role of an ISO consultant?
An ISO consultant provides guidance through the process of achieving ISO certification. They help you understand the requirements of the ISO standard, assist in the development of necessary documentation, provide training to your staff, and offer support during the external audit.
06.
How often are ISO certifications renewed?
ISO certifications are typically valid for three years, after which they need to be renewed. However, certification bodies conduct surveillance audits either annually or semi-annually to ensure ongoing compliance.
07.
What is the difference between ISO 9001 and ISO 14001?
ISO 9001 is a Quality Management System (QMS) standard that focuses on improving overall performance and providing a sound basis for sustainable development initiatives. ISO 14001 is an Environmental Management System (EMS) standard that helps organizations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste.
08.
Can a small business get ISO certified?
Yes, businesses of all sizes can get ISO certified. The process and benefits are the same for small businesses as they are for large organizations.
09.
What happens if a company fails an ISO audit?
If a company fails an ISO audit, the certification body will provide a list of non-conformities that need to be addressed. The company will then have a certain period to correct these issues and request a follow-up audit.
10.
Is ISO certification worth it?
While it requires an investment of time and resources, ISO certification can provide significant benefits, including improved operations, increased customer satisfaction, and access to new markets. It can also provide a competitive advantage, as many clients and customers prefer or even require their suppliers to be ISO certified.