ISO certification can seem like a dauting task, given all the requirements. There is a process and general steps every company should take to become certified to a given standard. But with the right partner, those steps can be simplified to make for a much better overall experience.
Below we've outlined the four general steps every company should take to become ISO certified, including why it matters and how ISOP does it better for you.
4 Steps for ISO Certification
Step 1 - Gap Analysis
What it is: A checklist of items that if satisfied, you can become certified to ISO.
Why it matters: It surfaces the missing items needed (or those that are not applicable) for you to become ISO certified.
How we simplify: We conduct a Gap Analysis in a live meeting with an Audit Coordinator and Lead Auditor to provide guidance on each item. This guidance is crucial because it helps determine whether an item is truly missing, satisfied or applicable. This ensures the analysis is done correctly and the scope of the audit is correctly determined.
Step 2 - Creating the necessary manuals and policies
What it is: The company seeking certification creates the needed/missing manuals, policies and procedures based on the results of the Gap Analysis.
Why it matters: Every ISO standard has requirements that need to be met for certification. This includes all the necessary documentation needed for a specific standard.
How we simplify: ISOP's team works with clients to develop the necessary documentation and has a robust library of templates for just about any manual, policy or procedure needed for a given standard. We also provide full support and guidance throughout the creation process.
Step 3 - Education and training
What it is: Educating and training all applicable staff on the finalized ISO documentation, risks and objectives.
Why it matters: This ensures applicable employees are following the requirements of the ISO documentation.
How we simplify: ISOP provides an online platform to store documentation and a learning management system (LMS) which is used to train staff. ISOP's LMS can help with employee turnover by training new additions on the ISO expectations.
Step 4 - Auditing
What it is: This includes conducting a Stage 1 and Stage 2 Audit with an accredited certification body/registrar.
Why it matters: The Stage 1 audit helps clean up any loose ends before handing over things to the certification body/registrar to complete the Stage 2 (certification) audit.
How we simplify: Typically for audits, companies have to do business with multiple entities. With ISOP, we facilitate access to auditors and a certification body/registrar. Additionally, we only work with ACCREDITED (verified) auditors and certification bodies/registrars.
Following through with these steps will help companies become certified to their needed ISO standards. ISOP makes each step simpler by providing guidance and support throughout. If you're looking to start ISO or get a better partner, contact us today!