If you are unfamiliar with ISO standards or possess limited experience, you may encounter negativity and unfavorable experiences upon further investigation.
This is a common occurrence, is it not? Such negativity typically stems from a singular source: individuals who have either misapplied ISO standards or have taken them to an extreme. Therefore, do not be discouraged!
Myth 1 – We are too small. This is a prevalent concern among small businesses:
‘Is our size a barrier to obtaining ISO certification?’
The response is negative. Initially, the standard was designed as a universal requirement, which posed challenges for smaller enterprises. However, this is no longer the case, as the standards have been intentionally developed to accommodate various business sizes.
Organizations differ, and so do their sectors. A company with fewer than 10 employees does not require the same level of oversight as one with over 100 employees. The principle of proportionality is crucial, and the standards promote this concept.
When effectively implemented, ISO standards can be tailored to suit your organization and its resources, thereby enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
Myth 2 – Will ISO Certification Take Too Much Time?
How long will it take? The honest answer is – that it depends. Every business is unique and has its own requirements.
Many years ago, ISO certification could take over a year, however, with the use of an outsourced specialist like me, technology, and the latest revision of the standard, typically to become ISO certified takes 3-5 months. It can also be done much more quickly if needed.
Myth 3 – ISO Certification is excessively costly. If your business’s future relies on collaborating with clients who mandate ISO certification, can you truly afford to forgo becoming an ISO-certified organization? Costs will differ based on your specific needs, which may include:
– One or multiple standards.
– The scale of your business.
– The level of support you require.
– The industry in which you function.
Call us to know more about the implementation, audit, and certification of ISO Quality Certification.
Myth 4 – ISO is exclusively for manufacturing. It is a prevalent misconception that ISO pertains solely to manufacturing; this was indeed true when the standard was initially introduced. The first adopters were large organizations that required a standard to guarantee the reliability of their suppliers. As time has progressed, both the application and the requirements of the standard have evolved. Currently, more than half of the certifications granted are to service providers rather than product-oriented businesses. The standard has been revised to accommodate both product and service providers, allowing certification for individuals in any industry.
Myth 5 – We are not prepared yet. “I believe we are not prepared yet; we lack organization and do not have procedures in place for every aspect.
” Numerous businesses believe that everything must be flawless and thoroughly documented before embarking on their ISO journey” – this is a misconception.
There is no obligation to document every detail; in fact, the requirements for documentation have been considerably lessened, particularly for smaller enterprises. The starting point is irrelevant as long as the fundamental elements are established and a commitment to continual improvement can be shown.
Myth 6 – ISO will merely obstruct our efforts. Establishing a management system aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness might appear to impede your progress at first. However, it will soon enable you to work more intelligently rather than with greater effort, allowing you to achieve more with fewer resources. ISO certification will only pose a challenge if it is poorly executed without the guidance of a qualified individual.
Myth 7 – The belief that a full-time manager is required to manage ISO For small businesses, the perception that they lack the time and resources to establish and sustain an ISO management system in the long run can appear to be a significant barrier, but this is not necessarily true.
Implementing ISO standards requires considerable initial effort, which is why many small businesses choose to outsource this task, ensuring that it is executed correctly.
Once certification is achieved, the management team can oversee all aspects necessary for maintaining that certification; however, it may still be beneficial to outsource certain elements to a company like ours, as we provide ongoing support plans for businesses that require further assistance.
There are two ways by which we can assist you:
# If you are seeking to embark on your journey towards the implementation of one or several ISO standards, you may discover additional details regarding our ISO Quality Certification services here.
# If your organization is already certified in ISO, yet you find it challenging to sustain, alleviate some pressure, or feel that you are not fully benefiting from it, we offer adaptable ISO support plans. More information can be found here.