Have you ever thought about the stealthy wizardry that keeps our modern world running? How a credit card from a little bank in one part of the world can slide effortlessly into the ATM on the other side of the globe?
Or how a team in Japan can design a car engine and have parts for it manufactured in Germany and Mexico, knowing with absolute certainty that they will all fit together perfectly? This incredible harmony isn’t an accident. It’s the result of international standards.
These are the unseen heroes of the world economy, the tiny details that make sure that products, services, and systems are safe, dependable and of good quality.
They create a common language for industries, so companies, wherever and whoever they are in the world, can trade, innovate, and cooperate freely across any borders. Without them, our interconnected world would be a chaotic mosh pit of frivolity and danger.
In this blog post, we will explore the landscape of the International Organisation for Standardisation, more commonly known as ISO.
We’ll unpack what an ISO standard really is, explore the history and structure of this vital organisation, look at some of the most important standards for the manufacturing industry in detail, and discuss the powerful, transformative benefits that come with achieving an ISO certification.
What Is the ISO Standard?
An ISO standard is simply a document that contains requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose. Consider this a template that outlines the most effective method to accomplish something.
ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organisation and the world’s largest developer of voluntary International Standards.
ISO has 169 members that are national Standards Organisations from around the world, and it operates with a secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, overseeing thousands of experts across a vast network. Together, the experts are sharing knowledge and developing consensus-based market-related standards.
The word “ISO” is a great place to begin to appreciate its philosophy. It’s not an acronym. It is derived from the Greek term “isos”, which means “equal.” ISO’s founders made a wise decision in using a shortened form that would be consistent in all languages, so there is no confusion if it was called IOS for International Organisation for Standardisation in English or OIN for Organisation internationale de normalisation in French. The name emphasises the goal of treating everyone equally.
The standards development process represents a model of global collaboration. People of the world are working together on behalf of their governments and sectors, with one country member body per member nation.
For example, countries like the US and the UK have national Standards Organisations that are not government entities within the ISO (e.g. ASTM and BSI). The experts are organised into thousands of technical committees (TC) and subcommittees to develop standards for globally relevant topics, such as information technology or screw threads.
Before an international standard is published, it must complete a formal, multi-stage process.
It involves a Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) phase, where all ISO members can vote on the final text. The consensus-based process is important; it assures that the final standard represents the best global expertise, is usable, and is largely accepted by participating members. ISO is a standard organisation and publishes thousands of standards, which are designed to encompass nearly all facets of technology and business, such as medical devices, information security, food safety, agriculture, and even graphical symbols.
Types of ISO Standards for Manufacturing
There are over 24,000 ISO standards, but some are particularly important for the manufacturing sector, as they provide the frameworks for companies to maintain a higher level of quality, control their impact on the environment and keep workers safe. An iso standard certification can be a valuable tool for these processes.
ISO 10204
This technical specification is highly relevant to any manufacturer supplying metallic products. It defines the types of inspection documents that the seller can supply to a buyer.
For example, a “3.1 certificate” is a certificate issued by a manufacturer stating that the products supplied meet the requirements the buyer ordered and stating that the manufacturer supplied test results. This standard concerns traceability and proof; it gives the customer the confidence that the material received is precisely what was ordered.
ISO 9013
This standard requires precision in metal cutting. It provides reference documents on default geometric tolerances and quality tolerances for materials cut via thermal processes – plasma cutting, laser cutting, and oxy-fuel cutting.
It references tolerances for the perpendicularity and angularity of the part surface. If the manufacturer follows the referenced standard, they can confidently assure that the produced parts will exhibit enough accuracy to fit properly in the final assembly.
ISO 9001
This standard is possibly the most recognisable and broadest of all popular ISO standards. ISO 9001 specifies the requirements of a quality management system (QMS). It is not a standard for products; it is a standard for processes. It helps an organisation take control of their processes to ensure it can consistently produce products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.
It is based on several quality management principles such as strong customer focus, the involvement of top management, a process approach and continual improvement. Certification to ISO 9001 shows a company can manage quality. Certification to the ISO 9001 standard is often a key requirement for doing business with larger organisations. It serves as a basis for many other norms and standards that apply to specific industries.
EN 1090
Although this is a European Standard (EN), it has far-reaching requirements for any manufacturer that produces steel and aluminium structures planning to sell to Europe and legally provide the CE mark.
Now these products must have a CE mark. To obtain a CE mark, the organisation must have a certified Factory Production Control (FPC) system that meets the requirements of EN 1090. Every piece of this production, from raw materials to welding and assembly, has to meet strict safety and quality requirements.
ISO 14001
This standard is the internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems (EMS). It provides a framework that organisations can follow, but it does not set requirements for environmental performance.
It provides organisations with a means to manage their environmental responsibilities and supports a business to be systematic about contributing to the environmental pillar of sustainability.
It covers areas such as resource use, energy consumption, waste management, and pollution prevention, which can allow businesses to improve their image, reduce costs and positively contribute to meeting certain areas of environmental law.
ISO 13485
This standard is essential for organisations working within the lifecycle of medical devices. It provides specific requirements for a quality management system to consistently deliver medical devices and related services that meet customer needs and regulatory requirements.
It is highly risk-focused, primarily focusing on processes that must be effective to ensure product safety and efficacy; this standard can even be the difference between life and death!
AS9100D
This standard is the organisation’s QMS that relates to aviation, space, and defence. It incorporates over 100 additional requirements tailored to the unique needs of the aviation, space, and defence sectors, building upon the foundation of ISO 9001.
It focuses significantly on minimising risks that threaten the safety, reliability, and integrity of parts. Compliance with AS9100D is not just an opportunity for consideration; it is obligatory for any organisation that wishes to seek trusted supplier status in the aerospace supply chain.
What Are the Benefits of International Standards Certification?
Getting an ISO certification is a big job that requires everyone in the organisation to be committed. But the long-term benefits are huge. It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s a promise to do things better that changes the way a business works, its culture, and its reputation.
1. Better consistency and efficiency
Writing down its most important processes is one of the first things a business needs to do to meet ISO standards. When you map out workflows using ISO, you often find inefficiencies, redundancies, and bottlenecks that you didn’t see before. A business can greatly increase its efficiency and output by standardising and streamlining these tasks.
This means fewer mistakes, less rework, and lower operational costs right away. Also, this consistency makes training employees more effective and ensures that the quality of work doesn’t depend on just a few key people. Regular internal audits are needed to make sure that these improvements last over time.
2. More trust and satisfaction from customers
Trust is the most important thing in a crowded market. When customers, partners, and other interested parties see that a company has an ISO standard certification, they know right away that the company is trustworthy. It’s proof from a third party that the organisation is dedicated to high quality and follows best practices that are known around the world.
This makes people feel very safe and trusted. For instance, a business that has an ISO standard certification for information security management, such as ISO 27001, is letting its customers know that it cares about keeping their private information safe. This dedication to quality and safety leads to happier customers and long-term loyalty.
3. Getting into new markets
An ISO certification can open up new doors in our economy, which is becoming increasingly globalised. Many large businesses and government agencies in the US and other countries require their suppliers to be ISO compliant.
A company might not even be able to bid on a contract if it doesn’t have the right certification. Getting an ISO standard certification removes these trade barriers, letting small and medium-sized businesses compete on a global level and reach markets that would otherwise be completely out of reach.
4. Competitive advantage
Getting an ISO standard certification is a great way to stand out. It makes a company stand out from its competitors, who aren’t certified. It can be a strong sign of a commitment to excellence when it is prominently displayed in marketing materials, on a website, and in sales pitches. An outside auditor has confirmed that this is not just a claim. This could be the thing that makes a potential client choose one supplier over another that is otherwise similar.
It shows that the company is proactive about quality management, risk management, and continuous improvement, which makes the brand more appealing and makes the company a better partner.
Conclusion
ISO standards are the most important building blocks for success in a world that is complicated and depends on trust, reliability, and quality.
They are the foundation of international standardisation, enabling businesses of all sizes and in all fields to enhance their operations, mitigate risks effectively, and consistently deliver high-quality goods and services.
These guidelines are a global agreement on the best ways to do things, from the basic rules of quality management in ISO 9001 to the most important needs of environmental management, information security, and occupational health and safety. Getting an ISO standard certification is a clear and strong sign that a business is really committed to doing things well.
This strong commitment to following industry best practices does more than just make things run more smoothly and earn customers’ trust; it opens up a whole new world of growth and innovation. It is a long-term investment in a company’s future that will pay off for years to come.
FAQs
Q: Is ISO a personal standard?
A: No, ISO is not a standard for people. ISO certification can cover an entire organisation, its management systems, or its processes. It shows that the whole business follows international standards for quality, safety, and other parts of its operations, not just the qualifications of one employee.
Q: How can an organisation obtain ISO certification?
A: First, a company needs to set up a management system that meets all the requirements of a certain ISO standard, such as ISO 9001. This involves documenting processes, providing extensive training to employees, and conducting regular audits of the company’s own work. When they are ready, they hire a third-party, accredited certification body to conduct an external audit to ensure they are following the rules, and, if everything goes well, give them the certification.
Q: What are some other certifications that are common in manufacturing?
A: Manufacturers often seek additional certifications beyond the well-known ones from ISO. IATF 16949 is a requirement for the automotive industry, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) is for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, and there are different welding certifications from groups like the American Welding Society (AWS).