ISO Certification
An ISO registration enhances the reputation of your service or product. It is given by the ISO, an independent organisation that facilitates innovation and development.
An ISO certified product or service brings credibility to your brand and it endures that your product meets the quality expectations of your customer. An ISO certification only certifies that your business meets all the requirements for standardization and quality management set by the ISO. It does not act as a license or permit.
The Benefits of an ISO Registration
- ISO Registration is proof that your business pays deep attention to quality.
- Because you have quality procedures in check, it ensures high- operating efficiency.
- An ISO certified system ensures a clear and structural management process.
- An ISO system helps you detect problems in your operational system and make the necessary corrections ahead of time
Prerequisites for ISO Registration
The first thing you need to do is to find out the right ISO certification for your business. There are many different certifications, so it is important to know which one is right. At Vakilsearch, we can help you pick the right one.
The second step is to find a good ISO registrar. These agencies are third party companies that test your business standards for an ISO certification. They are certified by the ISO and are permitted to conduct tests on their behalf. While choosing an ISO Registrar, you must ensure that the agency follows the CASCO standards.
The ISO Certification Process
- SIGN A CONTRACT
The first step is to sign a legal contract with the ISO Registrar. This documents contains rights and liabilities of both parties. It also has confidentiality and access rights.
- REVIEW OF YOUR QUALITY DOCUMENTS
The next step is to get your quality documents and procedures audited. The auditor will find gaps in the document and procedures of the company and then prescribe ways to close these gaps. These suggestions are in tune with ISO standards.
- PREPARE AN ACTION PLAN
Once you are aware of the gaps in procedures and documents, it is your job to close these gaps. Make an action plan based on the suggestions by the auditor and strive to improve procedures so that you reach your goal of being ISO compliant.
- FIRST STAGE CERTIFICATION AUDIT
At this stage, the auditor will check to see if you have implemented all his suggestions for being ISO compliant. He or She will then see if all the non-conformities in your system match the desired standard of an ISO certification. The non-conformities are divided into two parts, minor and major. After the auditor’s report, you must then ensure that the non-conformities in your procedures and processes match the desired ISO standard.
The auditor will check to see for the second time if the non-conformities are up to the mark. If they are, he will proceed to prepare the final audit and send his report to the registrar.
After the registrar receives the report, they will grant you the ISO certification.
- REGULAR SURVEILLANCE AUDITS
Even after you have got your certification, the auditor will, from time to time, audit your systems, procedures and non-conformances to check if they are ISO compliant.
- REGULAR SURVEILLANCE AUDITS
The time frame for ISO certifications depends on the type of organization.
- For Small Companies: 6-8 months
- For Large Companies: 8-12 months
- For Big Companies: 12-15 months
