In today’s highly competitive business landscape, delivering an exceptional customer experience is not just important, it’s essential. Research indicates that delivering a subpar customer experience can have dire consequences, including losing customers and damaging a company’s reputation. In fact, studies show that 82% of customers will stop doing business with a company after a negative experience, and nearly 80% of dissatisfied customers will share their experience with others. That’s why it’s crucial for businesses to prioritize customer experience as a key component of their overall strategy.
One way to ensure consistency, quality and credibility in customer experience is through ISO certification. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of ISO certification for businesses and how to choose the right ISO certification body.
What Is ISO Certification?
ISO certification is a prestigious achievement for any business, indicating that their management system, manufacturing process, service, or documentation procedure meets all the necessary standards for quality and standardization. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), an independent and non-governmental organization, develops these standards to ensure that products, services, and systems adhere to strict criteria for quality, safety, and efficiency. It’s a symbol of credibility and competence to stakeholders and customers, making it a valuable asset for any business seeking to establish trust and integrity.
Why Your Business Need ISO Certification?
Achieving certification to ISO or British standards can be a game-changer for any organization. It demonstrates that a business is operating to international or national best practices, making it more credible and competent in the eyes of customers and stakeholders. Some industries even legally require certification, while others include it as a requirement in tender submissions.
The guidelines provided by ISO standards are universal, applicable to all types and sizes of businesses, regardless of their industry, risk exposure, or geographic reach. By implementing these systems and obtaining certification through an ISO certification body, a company undergoes a surveillance audit and certification audit, ensuring adherence to the minimum requirements mentioned in ISO. Upon successful completion of the audit, the organization is ISO certified by the certification body.
The certification cycle is repeated every three years to ensure the system’s continued effectiveness, with an annual surveillance audit. Obtaining certification to ISO standards is a valuable investment for any organization, contributing to improved quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems.
How To Choose ISO Certification Body?
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certification is a globally recognized symbol of quality and adherence to best practices. Choosing the right ISO certification body is essential to ensure that your organization meets the required standards and boosts its profile in the market. Here are 10 key factors to consider when selecting an ISO certification body.
Accreditation
ISO certification bodies should be accredited by recognized organizations such as IAF (International Accreditation Forum) or ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board). Accreditation confirms that the certification body has been independently evaluated and meets specific criteria for competence and impartiality.
Industry Expertise
Select an ISO certification body with industry-specific expertise to ensure that they understand your organization’s unique needs and challenges. A body that specializes in your industry will be better equipped to conduct an effective audit and provide relevant recommendations.
Auditor Qualifications
Ensure that the certification body employs competent auditors. The auditors’ qualifications, experience, and training should match your organization’s requirements. Look for certifications such as IRCA (International Register of Certificated Auditors) or equivalent.
Reputation
Research the certification body’s reputation through online reviews, industry reports, and customer references. An organization with a solid reputation for quality, impartiality, and excellent customer service is more likely to provide an effective ISO certification process.
Customer Service
An ISO certification process requires close collaboration between your organization and the certification body. Thus, carefully evaluate customer service levels provided by the certification body. Look for responsiveness, professionalism, and the ability to handle any issues that may arise during the process.
Cost
ISO certification costs vary by certification body. Therefore, compare quotes from different certification bodies to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. However, ensure that you are not sacrificing quality for a cheaper price.
Turnaround Time
The certification process can be time-consuming. Thus, select a certification body that can provide a realistic timeline for the certification process. A body that offers a shorter turnaround time may come at the cost of thoroughness, and a longer timeline may not meet your organization’s needs.
Accessibility
Consider the certification body’s location, language capabilities, and other accessibility factors. Having ISO certification providers in close proximity may be beneficial to conducting site visits and regular audits. Ensure that the certification body communicates fluently in a language your organization is comfortable with.
Scope of Certification
Ensure that the certification body provides certification for the ISO standard(s) that your organization requires. Select a certification body that can certify all your organization’s required standards and can provide integrated audits if required.
Flexibility
Select a certification body that can adapt to your organization’s unique circumstances. An organization that can handle complex processes, customized services, and unique challenges is essential. Flexibility ensures that the certification process meets your organization’s needs and achieves a successful outcome.
Benefits of ISO Certification
ISO certification offers numerous benefits to businesses, including:
- Improved Reputation
ISO certification provides a significant boost to a business’s reputation by demonstrating their commitment to quality, safety, and ethical practices. This frequently results in increased customer loyalty and trust.
- Greater Cost-Efficiency:
ISO certification identifies new areas for process improvement, leading to cost reductions, minimizing waste, and increasing operational efficiency.
- Increased Customer Satisfaction
ISO certification requires implementing effective risk management protocols and quality measures, which results in meeting customer expectations, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Higher Competitiveness
With the focus on quality, safety, and ethical standards, businesses with ISO certification have a competitive edge when bidding for lucrative contracts.
Choose ABAC™ For ISO Certification
Are you looking for a trusted certification body that can provide you with ISO certifications for your business? Look no further than ABAC™. ABAC™ is a trusted and reliable certification body with years of experience and a commitment to transparency and customer service. Here are some reasons why you should choose ABAC™ for your ISO certification needs:
- Accredited by UKAS
ABAC™ is proud to be accredited by UKAS for ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS). This accreditation ensures that our certification process is reliable, impartial, and follows the strictest standards.
- No Hidden Fees
At ABAC™, we believe in transparency. That’s why we don’t charge hidden fees such as expenses or management fees. You can trust that the price you are quoted is the price you will pay.
- Friendly and Experienced Auditors
Our auditors are not only experienced, but also friendly and efficient. They work to minimize downtime and write reports in plain language, making the process as smooth as possible for your business.
- 30+ Years of Experience
With over 30 years of experience, ABAC™ is a trusted name in the certification industry. Our offices are located worldwide, ensuring that we can provide certification services to clients of all industries, sizes, and organization types.
- Multi-Standard Auditors
ABAC™’s auditors are multi-standard, which means they can provide certification services for multiple ISO standards. This saves you time and money, as you only need to work with one certification body for all your ISO certification needs.
- Prove Your Business is Ethical
ABAC™ provides a valuable resource for businesses seeking to evaluate and improve their compliance programs. The Highest Ethical Business Assessment (HEBA) is offered free of charge, providing an opportunity to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your existing Corporate Compliance Program. Our experienced experts can provide you with valuable insights into how your program measures up to the “adequate procedures” requirements outlined by the UK Bribery Act, DOJ’s Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs Guidance, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
ISO Certification Services Offered by ABAC™
When it comes to ISO certification, it’s important to choose a reliable and experienced ISO certification body. ABAC™ is a leading certification body with over 30 years of experience and a global presence. Here are the ISO certification services offered by ABAC™.
-
ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS) Certification
ABAC™ specializes in ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS) certification. This certification demonstrates that your organization has implemented an effective anti-bribery management system that complies with international standards. With ABAC™’s expertise, you can ensure that your organization is equipped to prevent, detect, and address bribery.
-
ISO 37301 Compliance Management System Certification
ABAC™ can also provide you with training and certification for ISO 37301 Compliance Management System. This certification demonstrates that your organization has implemented an effective compliance management system that meets international standards. With ABAC™’s assistance, you can ensure that your organization is equipped to identify, assess, manage, and monitor compliance risks.
-
ISO 31000 Risk Management Certification
ABAC™ can assist you with training and certification for ISO 31000 Risk Management. This certification demonstrates that your organization has implemented an effective risk management system that complies with international standards. With ABAC™’s guidance, you can ensure that your organization has a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risks.
-
ISO 37002 Whistleblowing Management System Certification
ABAC™ can help you with training and certification for ISO 37002 Whistleblowing Management System. This certification demonstrates that your organization has implemented an effective whistleblowing management system that complies with international standards. With ABAC™’s support, you can ensure that your organization has a robust system in place for reporting and addressing wrongdoing.
-
ISO 37000 Governance of Organizations Certification
ABAC™ can provide you with training and certification for ISO 37000 Governance of Organizations. This certification demonstrates that your organization has implemented an effective governance system that complies with international standards. With ABAC™’s assistance, you can ensure that your organization has a structured approach to decision-making, accountability, and responsibility.
Ready to take your business to the next level with ISO certification? Contact ABAC® today to learn more about our ISO certification services and start the process of improving your organization’s credibility, reputation, and ethical standards. Let our experienced auditors and trainers guide you through the process and help you achieve compliance with international standards. Don’t wait – take the first step towards a brighter future for your business today.
