Leveraging ISO Certification to Achieve Business Goals

In the fast-paced business environment, achieving and maintaining focus on strategic goals can be daunting, especially for small and medium businesses facing numerous challenges and competing priorities. However, implementing an ISO Management System Standard can help businesses do just that.

By providing a structured framework to align business objectives, improve operational efficiency, and drive growth, the four main ISO Management System Standards – ISO 9001 for Quality, ISO 45001 for OHS (or WHS), ISO 14001 for Environmental, and ISO 27001 for Information Security – become valuable tools for meeting business goals effectively and sustainably.

Using Your ISO Certification For Business Success

This article explores how implementing and achieving Certification to an ISO Standard can help meet six important business objectives. Read on to learn more!

If the business goal is to… Increase profit margins

Implementing a standard such as ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems can help businesses improve efficiency, minimise risks, and gain access to larger projects and contracts.

By achieving Certification to an ISO Standard, the company states its commitment to enhancing process efficiency, mitigating risks and reducing costs, hence being able to access profitable opportunities like government tenders or substantial contracts. Moreover, it builds trust among customers through the delivery of products and/or services adhering to globally recognised standards.
Organisations certified to ISO Standards often experience remarkable financial benefits, contributing to higher profit margins and increased revenue. Many case studies demonstrate this, such as a construction company that doubled its business size in three years by implementing ISO Standards and achieving Certification, while also achieving improved project delivery and greater client satisfaction.

In summary:

If the business goal is to… Qualify for government tenders

For businesses of every scale, securing government tenders can mark a pivotal moment in expanding their operations and generating a secure and sustainable revenue stream. In numerous cases, particularly for higher-value tenders, buyers outline mandatory criteria to narrow down potential suppliers/contractors, often including Certification to ISO Management Systems Standards as one of these requirements. This means that while you may satisfy all other tender prerequisites, lacking Certification would exclude you from the tender process.

Achieving Certification to one or more ISO Standards not only meets tender criteria but also organises business documentation, structure, and operational systems, enhancing competitiveness. Also note that planning ahead is crucial — preparing for Certification may take several months; therefore, aligning with tender submission timelines is essential.

In summary:

If the business goal is to… Reduce costs and promote planned growth

Adhering to ISO Management Systems enhances a company’s internal operations (for example, via implementing effective Internal Audits as a tool for continual improvement), leading to streamlined processes and reduced time required for various business activities. This, in turn, decreases waste, lowers procurement expenses, promotes fewer daily risks and errors, and boosts productivity – all resulting in cost minimisation.

Numerous businesses are concerned about how their documentation is outdated as they evolve. Implementing a management system which meets the requirements of one or more ISO Standards helps to organise documentation and processes to adjust to new demands. Tools like the feedback process, issues register, and regular internal audits create a monitoring cycle, enabling swift identification of errors and improvement opportunities. The Internal Audit process is particularly crucial for keeping everything up to date, as it ensures the Management System is reviewed regularly and highlights actions that need to be taken. This high level of accountability pushes the business to address the resulting actions, ensuring currency.

In summary:

If the business goal is to… Widen market potential

Upon achieving certification to one or more ISO Management Systems Standards, your business communicates to the global community its adherence to universally acknowledged benchmarks. Whether targeting local bigger contracts or expanding globally, certification qualifies businesses to access previously inaccessible marketplaces.

Furthermore, certification serves as evidence of your organisation’s commitment to customer satisfaction and the delivery of top-tier products or services. Consequently, customers are more likely to engage with your business. These happy customers often act as advocates, attracting new clients and expanding your consumer base, thereby increasing profitability.

In summary:

If the business goal is to…  Reduce staff turnover

Talent retention has emerged as a pressing concern for businesses striving to maintain smooth and competitive operations. Implementing an ISO Management Systems Standard not only improves profitability and efficiencies but also benefits its employees directly by fostering more efficient processes that facilitate communication and clarity regarding roles and responsibilities. 

This alignment of business goals and clear processes ensures that managers and employees work together towards common objectives, resulting in lower turnover rates, enhanced job satisfaction, increased worker motivation, and improved management-employee interaction, ultimately bolstering productivity and driving profits.

Adopting a Management System, particularly to fulfil the requirements of the ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Standard, emphasises the business’ commitment to employee wellbeing, enabling the retention of skilled workers who feel valued and the attraction of new talent.

In summary:

If the business goal is to… Promote sustainable growth

Overarching all these business goals, there’s the ultimate one: Business growth. Increasing profit margins, minimising costs, optimising operations, expanding market potential and talent retention are all integral components of this formula.

Implementing and achieving Certification to an ISO Standard is an investment that enhances the business performance, providing a structure for ongoing improvement and growth. Beyond obtaining a Certificate, it’s about embedding processes and systems that guide everyday operations towards sustainable growth.

In summary:

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Achieving certification to ISO Management Systems Standards is a strategic investment for businesses of any size seeking to achieve their goals and drive sustainable growth. Implementing a management system can enhance credibility, efficiency, and competitiveness, making it easier to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and chart a path towards long-term success and prosperity.

Our Management System Internal Auditor Training is a practical eLearning course that teaches how to conduct effective Internal Audits of the main ISO Management System Standards, ensuring all components are aligned to drive business success. With our course, you can achieve three levels of internationally recognised certificates, giving you the skills and tools needed to perform effective Internal Audits.

Click here to learn more about our internationally certified online course that combines theory and practical real-life examples and templates.

Erica Smith

Managing Director at ICExperts Academy and ISO Certification Experts

Erica is the Managing Director of ISO Certification Experts and ICExperts Academy. She has been helping businesses with their ISO Certification needs for over 20 years. Erica is also a Certified trainer, implementer and auditor for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 standards. Erica primarily heads up the day-to-day operations of the businesses, and is also a current member of the Australian Organisation for Quality and Brand Integrity Committee.

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