The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) establishes global standards for everything from safety protocols to environmental management, ensuring organizations follow best practices across various industries. Achieving ISO certification can improve internal processes, enhance market competitiveness and build customer trust.
For print solution providers, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 offer tangible benefits, boosting credibility and reliability in the competitive field of end-to-end printing solutions. They assure clients that they are partnering with a supplier that adheres to rigorous quality management practices and strives for continuous improvement.
ISO certification is an official recognition that verifies that a company’s processes, services and products meet international standards. These standards cover a range of industries and set benchmarks for efficiency, safety, quality and sustainability. Certification is granted by an accredited third-party body following an in-depth audit to verify that the organization meets the specific requirements of a particular ISO standard. Common standards include:
An ISO certification offers organizations a wealth of advantages by demonstrating their commitment to efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction. These standards emphasize clear processes and defined roles and responsibilities, helping enhance employee engagement and productivity.
Certifications like ISO 9001 for quality management systems help organizations streamline their processes to ensure consistent quality. By implementing a robust QMS, companies can identify and address issues before they impact the customer. This continuous improvement cycle also encourages employees to maintain high standards, which reduces variability in products and services and leads to greater customer satisfaction.
This practice is critical in the print industry, where even minor inconsistencies can impact brand representation and client satisfaction. The certification signals that the supplier maintains a controlled, consistent approach across all stages, from design and prepress to production and distribution.
ISO standards encourage organizations to optimize resources, reduce waste and eliminate inefficiencies. For example, ISO 14001 focuses on Environmental Management, which helps organizations assess and improve their environmental impact, often resulting in lower energy use and waste. By adhering to such standards, companies decrease their environmental footprint and enjoy significant cost savings, as more efficient processes generally require fewer resources.
Customers often look for ISO certification as an assurance that an organization is reliable and meets recognized safety and quality standards. An ISO-certified organization signals that it values quality and is committed to meeting or exceeding customer expectations. This assurance builds trust, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and a stronger reputation in the market.
ISO certification can be a powerful tool for accessing new markets. Many countries and industries require suppliers to be ISO certified to ensure they follow global standards. Achieving certification can provide a competitive edge, as customers may prefer or even require certified suppliers, especially in industries with high regulatory standards like health care, aerospace and automotive. It can also open doors to partnerships, as certification often serves as a testament to a company’s reliability and commitment to quality.
Many standards, like ISO 31000 for risk management, provide structured frameworks for identifying, assessing and managing potential risks. These standards help organizations minimize threats to their operations, whether reputational, financial or operational. ISO standards are also built on a cycle of continuous improvement, known as Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA). This cycle encourages organizations to routinely evaluate and improve their processes. Through regular audits and reviews, companies can identify opportunities for improvement, allowing them to adapt to changing market conditions.
While pursuing ISO certification requires an initial time and resource investment, the long-term benefits often outweigh the costs. Additionally, ISO certifications are globally recognized, giving certified organizations credibility on the international stage. For businesses looking to expand or operate internationally, ISO certification can be a crucial asset, as it assures potential partners and customers that they adhere to internationally respected standards. This recognition can accelerate growth in new regions and foster cross-border trade and collaboration.
Each ISO certification has its own set of requirements and standards. However, at the core, common requirements for achieving this certification include:
The ISO certification process involves a systematic process that ensures an organization’s management systems, services or products meet the high standards set by the ISO. While specific steps vary depending on the ISO standard being pursued, the overall process is generally consistent.
Organizations must develop a management system that aligns with the specific requirements of the ISO standard being pursued. It should include policies, processes and documented procedures that govern daily operations. Key steps include:
Once the management system is developed, the organization must put it into action. This involves employee training, following document procedures and making adjustments as needed to ensure the system operates effectively. Implementation follows the following steps:
Verification ensures the management system meets ISO requirements and operates as intended. This is done through a combination of internal audits, management reviews and corrective actions to address any opportunities for improvement:
The final step is to register the management system by undergoing an external audit from a certification body. This audit verifies that the system complies with the ISO standard and is implemented effectively. Registration steps include:
Getting an ISO certification has substantial benefits, but the process comes with some challenges, including understanding the complex requirements and managing costs, time constraints and internal resistance.
ISO standards often include detailed requirements and technical language that may be difficult to interpret without a strong background in quality management or regulatory compliance. Determining the specific scope of the certification also requires careful planning and clear understanding. Each standard has unique criteria which must be tailored to the organization’s structure and needs.
Solution: Invest in ISO training for key team members or hire a consultant to help interpret the requirements. Use industry-specific ISO guides and resources to clarify how the standard applies in each operational setup.
Creating the documentation for the new management system is time-consuming, especially if the organization has limited experience with structured management systems. Process mapping may also be challenging in organizations with varied or informal practices. As a result, organizations will need to allocate significant resources, including personnel, time and funds. In small and medium enterprises, this can strain other operational areas.
Solution: Create a project plan that breaks down the management system development into practical steps. Use templates for documentation to streamline the process and assign roles for documentation and system monitoring early on.
Implementing an ISO management system often means introducing new procedures and increasing accountability. Employees may resist these changes. Changing a company’s culture to align with ISO principles can be difficult, where the corporate culture is more informal or relies on flexible procedures.
Solution: Communicate the long-term benefits of ISO certification to employees and involve them in the process to create a sense of ownership. Garner visible support for leadership to show organizational commitment.
For some industries, ISO standards may have additional requirements due to regulatory or market demands. ISO 13485, for example, requires compliance with stringent regulatory guidelines, which may mean making adjustments beyond the ISO standard. In regulated industries, ISO certification must align with relevant laws and regulations. Ensuring compliance with these standards alongside ISO can be complex and requires careful management and thorough understanding.
Solution: Stay updated on new developments and relevant regulations and integrate them with ISO requirements. Assign a regulatory compliance officer or work with an industry-specializing consultant to ensure alignment with both legal and ISO standards.
Choosing the right certification body ensures the certification process is credible and professional and aligns with the organization’s needs. The method of selecting the right party includes:
Securing ISO certification requires commitment, thorough planning and continuous improvement. Organizations can achieve and maintain their certification by developing a robust management system, gaining employee buy-in, conducting internal audits and partnering with an accredited certification body. This will enhance their reputation and offer an opportunity for sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Fujifilm offers end-to-end printing solutions, including toner production printing, wide format and superwide printing, and color management software. Our legacy in color science stands out through our Graphic Communication Division and products that help you stay ahead of printing technology evolution. With various ISO certifications and others like Energy Star and paper sourcing standards, our clients are assured of exceptional quality and care in customer service.
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