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June 2023

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Streamline your success: the advantages of integrating ISO standards

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Are you a business owner or leader who has already implemented multiple ISO standards in your organisation? If so, you’ll know that it can be challenging to manage them all with the same focus and approach. But did you know that you can streamline your standards into an integrated management system (IMS)? So, in this article, we’ll explore the advantages of integrating ISO standards and how this will help you to streamline your success and experience a boost to your business.

Enhance efficiency:

By integrating your ISO standards, you can draw together how to approach your management systems. So instead of juggling separate processes and documentation for each standard you can use a unified framework. By doing this, you can optimise how you allocate resources, avoid duplication of effort, and increased efficiency in how you implement and maintain compliance across your business.

Create synergy:

Teamwork makes the dream work, right? And integrating your ISO standards helps you to develop closer working between your colleagues. Across your ISO standards, such as, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, or ISO 22301 (to name a few), there are common elements or similar themes which you can organise into a comprehensive and harmonised system. Everyone pulling in the same direction brings with it fewer conflicting requirements, improved consistency and more effective communication and collaboration across your teams.

Save time and money:

Although the benefits of ISO certification are not in question, some businesses find that managing multiple ISO standards individually can be time-consuming and costly. Did you know that, by integrating ISO standards, you can simplify the overarching management process and make significant savings on operational downtime? This is because that there’s no need to conduct separate audits for each standard. You can also slim down the number of records and documentation you need to maintain. Plus, you can train your staff more quickly on an integrated management system than on several individual standards.

Reduce risks:

Integrating ISO standards enables you to identify and mitigate risks more effectively. Through joined-up thinking, your teams can work together to evaluate potential risks across your whole organisation. This can lead to much faster identification and more strategic risk management, which delivers greater protection for your business.

Encourage continual improvement:

At their core, ISO standards aim to support ongoing, continual improvement. Integrating your ISO standards supports the leaders in your business to think along the same lines when identifying areas of improvement, monitoring performance, and implementing corrective actions. This, in turn, encourages a common sense of approach, which can be calibrated across different teams, to continual improvement, advancing innovation and improving your overall business performance.

“Where appropriate, we always recommend that our clients consider integrating their management systems. It makes sense to work from a single manual rather than having to refer to multiple sets of documentation. And the benefits go far beyond simple efficiency, with clients reporting fundamental improvements in teamwork which have significantly improved morale and their bottom line!”

Claire Howard, Director of ISO-Cert Online Ltd

Next steps

At ISO-Cert Online Ltd, we specialise in helping businesses to achieve an integrated management system with ease. For more information on our services or to discuss your requirements please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

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Article

How ISO certification helps ensure product safety

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Over the last hundred years, and at an ever-increasing speed of late, advancements in technology have helped the manufacturing industry become safer, faster, and more cost-efficient. And whether you’re a manufacturer, retailer or consumer, product safety will be high on your agenda. In this article, we will consider the risks of failing to ensure product safety. And we will look at how ISO certification helps ensure product safety.

As a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, it’s your responsibility to make sure that products are safe. Both for consumers to use, and for following the legal requirements in relation to packaging and labelling.

What are the potential risks associated with unsafe products?

Consumer harm and injuries: The most critical risk is the potential harm and injuries caused to consumers. Unsafe products can lead to accidents, injuries, illnesses, or even fatalities.

Manufacturer liability: Manufacturers which fall short in their duty of care to customers are frequently held responsible for injuries, damages or losses caused by their unsafe products. This can result in legal consequences, financial penalties, and direct compensation claims. Where these occur in the public eye, considerable damage can be done to their reputation. In the most serious cases, businesses have even faced bankruptcy.

Regulatory penalties: Regulatory bodies, for example the Health and Safety Executive or the Food Standards Agency, have the authority to impose penalties, fines, and sanctions on both manufacturers and retailers who fail to meet product safety standards. Depending on the severity to consumers of the case, these can be significant. And can not only impact a company’s financial stability and credibility, but also its ability to operate in the market. The internet provides plenty of examples of businesses which have failed in their duty of care to customers and paid a hefty price.

Loss of consumer trust: Where products are purchased via a retailer, a safety breach can negatively impact on more than one business – the manufacturer and the retailer. If confidence in a brand is damaged then the knock-on effects can be significant. They can include decreased sales, loss of market share, and long-term harm to the company’s reputation. Increasingly, consumers are aware of their power to influence others. And it has been known for them to air their grievances with businesses publicly. Often, most effectively on social media, in a bid to make companies accountable for their failings.

Product recalls and replacements: In cases where safety hazards are identified, manufacturers and retailers may need to work together to initiate product recalls or replacements. This process is costly and time-consuming. It can result in financial losses due to product retrieval and disposal, as well as potential reputational damage.

Employee wellbeing: No legitimate business sets outs with the intention of harming the public. Where serious failings occur, the impact on its own staff can be profound. It is essential for businesses to be transparent with their employees. They should explain learnings and communicate improvements which will mitigate the risk of a similar incident happening again. Similarly, businesses may wish to arm staff with advice on how to manage negative publicity.

So how can ISO certification help ensure product safety?

The International Organization for Standardization has developed a range of standards regarding product safety. These include ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 22000 (food safety management) and ISO 13485 (medical device quality management). These standards give detailed rules on how to ensure product safety through risk assessment, hazard identification, as well as control measures.

Businesses are able to acquire ISO certification once they have established an appropriate management system and have been successfully audited. Thus demonstrating that their products are safe for use or consumption. How ISO certification helps ensure product safety requires the following:

Risk assessment and hazard identification through ISO certification

Using ISO certification companies need to conduct risk assessments and identify potential hazards in relation to their products. This should involve evaluating the potential dangers that might arise. Typically these are found in design inconsistencies, production processes, packaging techniques, labelling and usage instructions, and during distribution. With the information obtained from the assessment process, companies then implement effective countermeasures geared towards reducing such risks. Thereby ensuring that their products are safe for use or consumption.

Effective control measures using ISO certification

As part of ISO certification, businesses must implement control measures aimed at mitigating the potential risks associated with their products. These measures may encompass implementing quality control processes, introducing testing procedures, and also involve committing to regular inspection routines. All resulting in ensuring that products meet safety standards and comply with regulatory requirements.

Continuous improvement with ISO certification

One of the main benefits of ISO certification lies in its purpose to drive ongoing and continuous improvement. So, the journey doesn’t end when you receive your certificate! To maintain certification, businesses should conduct regular audits. These will evaluate whether their management systems are still effective. In so doing, companies can be confident that their processes and procedures are robust, relevant, and always improving to ensure ongoing product safety for consumers.

“Many of our clients come to us because they are looking for a straightforward, common-sense approach to how ISO certification can help ensure product safety. When nothing short of excellence will do, ISO certification provides that framework they need. Helping them to demonstrate their commitment to the rigorous standards that build trust, safeguard their customers, and keep their reputation intact.”

Claire Howard, Director of ISO-Cert Online Ltd

Not yet ISO certified?

For more information on ISO-Cert Online’s services or to discuss your requirements please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

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The importance of ISO standards in the food industry

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Globally, the food and drink manufacturing industry is one of the most strictly controlled industries. It has regulations governing everything from food safety and production processes through to labelling and packaging. What’s more, quality and safety levels must be maintained at all times across supply chains. ISO certification provides those in the food industry with a comprehensive framework to make meeting these requirements more manageable. So, in this article, we’ll explore the importance of ISO certification in the food industry.

ISO 22000 and food safety management systems:

Regardless of the size of an organisation or its product, all food producers and distributors have a responsibility to manage the safety of their products and the well-being of their consumers. Compliance with current food safety standards, potentially across different continents of the world, is essential but can be complex. So the International Organization for Standardization developed ISO 22000 for use within the global food supply chain. Its aim was to bring people food that they can trust.

The consequences of unsafe food can be serious. So implementing a food safety management system (FSMS), such as ISO 22000, is essential. It guides you through how to make careful risk assessments as well as manage hazards, monitor processes, and apply controls. By achieving certification, firms clearly establish themselves as advocates for sustainability and safe practices. Also significantly reducing the likelihood of foodborne illness outbreaks – e.g. Norovirus, Salmonella and Listeria. Such outbreaks are not only unpleasant for consumers. They can lead to product recalls, reputational damage, the risk of penalties and fines. Moreover, in very serious instances, company closure.

Other ISO standards in the food industry:

Although ISO 22000 is specifically relevant to the food industry, there are a range of other ISO standards which are popular and appropriate for the sector.

ISO 9001: The most common ISO standard supports businesses in improving their quality management processes. This leads to food products being high quality and meeting customer requirements.

ISO 14001: Consumers are placing greater value on the provenance of what they eat and how it’s packaged. So implementing an environmental management system encourages businesses to improve their environmental impact and operate sustainably.

ISO 45001: Regardless of your industry, you should want to provide a safe workplace for your staff. In food manufacturing specifically, heavy machinery used in the production process can pose a risk if not used correctly or safely. An occupational health and safety management system provides a framework for managing safety at work. This improves the protection of your staff in their day-to-day roles.

“Food is essential in our lives – not just for sustenance but for socialising and cultural identity. Whether your company is involved in the production, processing, and distribution of food products, or you supply ingredients or packaging materials to the food industry, ISO standards enable you to uphold the highest standards, demonstrating your commitment to delivering reliable and trustworthy products to consumers.”

Claire Howard, Director of ISO-Cert Online Ltd

Not yet ISO certified?

For more information on ISO-Cert Online’s services or to discuss your requirements please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

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Celebrating your company’s ISO certification: how to inspire and motivate your team

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You’ve just received your ISO certification – congratulations!  Your achievement signifies your business’s commitment to delivering quality services, processes, and customer satisfaction. But how involved are your staff? Do they understand the importance of ISO, beyond celebrating your certification? In this article, we will look at practical ways to inspire your team and motivate them by fostering a culture of pride, engagement and continuous development.

Convey the value of ISO certification:

Educate your team members about the reasons for and benefits of obtaining an ISO certificate. Moreover, demonstrate how it aligns with your organisation’s goals and values. Bring to life its merits, such as enhanced processes, better customer satisfaction and a boost to your brand’s reputation. Also, highlight how your ISO standard(s) will go hand-in-hand with creating a better work environment while contributing towards the success of your business as a whole.

Train and involve your employees:

Invest in employee training programs related to ISO standards, which will enable everyone to understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining compliance. Encourage active participation by empowering staff to contribute to process improvement initiatives, internal audits, and ISO-related activities. Inevitably, this involvement will build a sense of ownership and collaboration, making your people feel valued and integral to the company’s ISO certification journey and overall success.

Give recognition and rewards:

Do any of your staff consistently contribute to maintaining your ISO standard(s)? If so, make sure to acknowledge individual members’ efforts. Where employees regularly suggest innovative ideas for improving processes or actively participate in audits, recognise them. Perhaps consider adding these activities as objectives within employee performance frameworks to reinforce how important they are to your business. Also, you could implement an employee recognition program, rewarding valuable contributions towards maintaining a healthy workplace and supporting regulatory compliance.

Use internal communication channels:

Nobody likes to feel in the dark. In fact, businesses with an open and transparent culture have measurably lower staff turnover. So, keep employees informed through effective internal communication channels. By providing clear updates about ongoing improvements or developments your teams will feel more invested in your success. And, importantly, by encouraging employees to ask questions, give feedback and share their experiences you can track staff engagement and sentiment, to support you in building your culture of collaboration and growth.

“Celebrating your company’s ISO certification goes well beyond simply displaying a certificate on a wall. It’s a great opportunity to generate engagement, understanding and participation from your entire team so that it becomes a cornerstone of your business’ continued success.”

Claire Howard, Director of ISO-Cert Online Ltd

Not yet ISO certified?

For more information on ISO-Cert Online’s services or to discuss your requirements please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

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Article

Driving operational excellence: how ISO standards empower SMEs

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Every day, small and medium size businesses (SMEs) face a range of operational challenges that can hinder growth and success. Often, the fundamental areas of concern include process efficiency, health and safety, information security, environmental responsibilities, and business continuity. So, in this blog, we’ll highlight how ISO standards can provide a solution for getting over these hurdles and enhancing your competitive edge.

ISO standards can be implemented in businesses of any size and across all industries and sectors. They have been developed to make life easier, safer and better. So how exactly can they help you?

ISO 9001: Enhancing quality management

If you’re looking to improve the quality of your products or services, ISO 9001 can help you to develop your process management. It offers guidance-based solutions. And provides insights on documented workflows, specific directions, and standardised operation procedures. Thereby leading to quality delivery while ensuring efficiency with your resources. This standard enables SMEs to identify areas for improvement and achieve consistent quality. In so doing, companies can meet customer expectations, resulting in enhanced credibility and customer loyalty.

ISO 14001: Driving environmental sustainability

Embracing environmental responsibilities is not only the right thing to do for the planet. Also, it brings many benefits to companies. As a result, environmental sustainability is an increasingly important consideration for businesses. ISO 14001 provides SMEs with guidelines for implementing effective environmental management systems. By adopting ISO 14001, SMEs can minimise their environmental impact, reduce waste generation, conserve resources, and comply with environmental regulations. So this not only demonstrates their commitment to sustainability, but also opens doors to eco-conscious customers and business opportunities.

ISO 50001: Optimising energy management

Effective energy management is crucial for SMEs seeking to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. ISO 50001 offers a systematic approach to optimising energy use. By implementing ISO 50001, SMEs can identify energy-saving opportunities. Also, it helps them to establish effective energy management systems. And it can support them in reducing their carbon footprint. Furthermore, this results in significant cost savings, enhanced environmental performance, and a competitive edge in a sustainability-focused market.

ISO 45001: Ensuring occupational health and safety

Ensuring the health and safety of employees is a top priority for SMEs. So ISO 45001 assists SMEs in establishing robust occupational health and safety management systems. By adopting ISO 45001, SMEs can identify potential hazards, mitigate risks, and create a safe working environment. Indeed, this leads to a reduction in accidents and reduced unforeseen stoppage time. Additionally, it results in improved employee morale and increased productivity, while also ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

ISO 27001: Safeguarding information security

Information security is essential in today’s rapidly changing digital age. ISO 27001 provides a comprehensive framework for managing information security risks. By implementing ISO 27001, SMEs can identify vulnerabilities, establish information security policies and procedures, and protect sensitive data. This helps build customer trust, prevents data breaches, and ensures compliance with data protection regulations.

ISO 22301: Enabling business continuity

When it comes to continuously meeting customer expectations, the challenge of maintaining business continuity through unpredictable standalone events could be daunting. ISO 22301 provides businesses with actionable strategies to proactively establish comprehensive plans that help minimise downtime, discouraging bottom-line losses while continuity of service remains unaffected by situational disruptions. This promotes the stability of critical functions, safeguards customer relationships, and enables rapid recovery.

“Implementing ISO standards is like putting your business in a suit of armour. It shields you from risks, fortifies your processes, and defends your reputation. With any of these standards, or a selection, your business becomes a formidable force, empowered to conquer challenges and withstand competition.”

Claire Howard, Director of ISO-Cert Online Ltd

For more information on ISO-Cert Online’s services or to discuss your requirements please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

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