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Are you seeking an ISO certification? That’s great, but the process might be trickier than you anticipate!

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has announced multiple certifications over the past two decades. These certifications mainly keep businesses in check when it comes to quality control. Based on the industry your business is operating in, it might need to comply with certain quality standards for the sake of improving its customer satisfaction and bottom line.

However, obtaining an ISO certification is tricky. This makes it important for you to work with a reliable and experienced ISO consulting firm. The right ISO consultants can make the certification process much simpler.

Here are some questions you should ask ISO consultants to gauge their compatibility with your business before hiring them.

1.   What experience do you have as an ISO consultant?

Experience is often a critical aspect in determining a company’s reliability. ISO consulting firms that have been operating for years can only maintain that longevity through good service quality. So, look for ISO consultants who work with well-established consulting firms. Certain ISO certifications, like the ISO 45001 certification, were introduced within the last 5 years.

This makes it impossible for your ISO consultants to have too much experience providing this particular service. However, your ISO consultants should have a thorough understanding of general quality standards introduced in older certifications like the ISO 9001 certification.

2.   Have you worked with a business like ours before?

There are estimated to be over 21,000 large businesses and 32.5 million small businesses in the US. Every one of these businesses has specialized inner workings depending on the industry it operates in. This makes it necessary to find an ISO consultant who has experience working with businesses that operate similarly to yours.

Keep in mind that ISO certification processes typically require substantial time and commitment from everyone involved. To provide tailored services, your ISO consultant should have experience catering to the unique needs of a business like yours.

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3.   Which type of ISO certification does my company need?

Typically, your ISO consulting firm will conduct an initial assessment of your company’s existing quality management system. This way, the ISO consultants will be able to determine where your company stands quality control-wise. They will be able to decide which ISO certification your business requires based on the industry it operates in and its daily functions.

Although ISO certifications are not legally required, having one can still give your business a competitive edge. So, be sure to ask your ISO consultancy whether your business needs an ISO 9001 certification, ISO 45001 certification, or ISO 13485 certification. Other industry-specific options include AS9100 and API Q1 certification.

4.   What will the ISO certification process be like?

Knowing how your ISO certification process will proceed is crucial. Since the project can take a substantial amount of time, you will need to manage it accordingly. So, make sure to confirm the stages and steps involved in the process with your ISO consultants.

Typically, ISO certification consultancies start by reviewing your current quality management system. They conduct an audit which gives them insight into your business functions. During the assessment process, the ISO consultants might interview your employees. If your company passes the audit, the firm will recommend you for the ISO certification you require.

5.   What happens after my company becomes ISO certified?

Lastly, it’s important for you to know what comes after obtaining the certification. You can ask your ISO consultants to recommend guidelines for future quality management. This way, you will be able to utilize your certification well. Since you might need to get your ISO certification renewed every few years, maintaining operational quality standards is essential.

Renewal is also only possible after your quality management system undergoes further audits. So, make sure to discuss how to pass future audits with your ISO consultants.

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Looking for an ISO Consultancy?

If you are struggling to find an ISO consulting firm that you can rely on, get in touch with BCS.

BCS is a consultancy that helps US businesses in many industries obtain various types of ISO certifications. Their experienced consultants guide clients through the entire certification process and provide guidance for upholding quality standards after certification. Their services include the following:

  • ISO 9001
  • ISO 13485
  • ISO 14001
  • ISO 45001
  • AS9100
  • API Q1

Take advantage of their expert services by contacting them today!