APP Blog: Debunking ISO Myths: Unlocking Real Business Benefits

Myth #1: It’s Just a Tick-Box Exercise

One of the most prevalent misunderstandings is that ISO certification is just a tick-box exercise completed to help win business. In reality, ISO standards are designed to foster continuous improvement within an organisation.

By embracing these standards at a leadership level, businesses can enhance all aspects from strategic direction, risk management, operational delivery and performance review, leading to better quality products and services, business efficiency, and customer and employee satisfaction.

A consultant can be a valuable resource to guide a business through the implementation process, ensuring that the standards are integrated into daily operations and contribute to long-term growth.

Myth #2: It’s too much work

Another common misconception is that implementing ISO standards is an overly complex and time-consuming process. While it does require commitment and effort, the process is not as daunting as it may seem.

With the right approach and support, businesses can achieve certification without overwhelming resources. 

At Ley Hill Solutions, we are passionate about providing real business benefits to our clients. We provide expert advice and practical solutions to streamline the implementation process.

Acting as a ‘translation’ service, we break down the standards to ensure existing best practice is integrated into the management system, making it more manageable and less intimidating.

This ensures the end product (the management system) works for the client and delivers real benefit to the business, not additional administrative workload.

Myth #3: It’s a contract requirement, not an investment 

ISO certification is often seen as a necessity to win work, particularly in the public sector. However, it's key to recognise the wealth of benefits it brings to a business.

Whichever management system is implemented, it is important to remember that these systems are designed to enhance business functionality, increase customer satisfaction, improve supplier engagement, manage risk and compliance obligations, and much more. So, embrace them.

Maximising investment

A consultant can play a crucial role in helping businesses get the most out of their investment in ISO standards, so it's important to pick wisely.

 A good consultant should offer:

• Expert guidance: With their in-depth knowledge and experience in ISO standards, consultants help a business navigate the complexities of implementation.

• Tailored solutions: They assess an organisation’s unique business needs and develop customised solutions that align with its goals and objectives.

• Training and support: They ensure staff understand the standards and can effectively implement and manage them once the consultant’s job is done.

• Continuous improvement: A good consultant can help establish a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that the benefits of ISO standards are sustained over time.

• Audit preparation: They assist in preparing for audits, ensuring an organisation meets all the requirements and achieves certification smoothly.

• Relationship support: An ACP approved consultant can support the relationship with certification bodies by facilitating communication, addressing any concerns, and ensuring that all documentation and processes are in place for a successful audit.

Selecting the right certification body is essential for ensuring the credibility and value of an ISO certification. Make sure the certification body is accredited, has relevant industry experience, a solid reputation, reasonable costs, and provides excellent customer support.

All good Management Systems start with leadership. The top management in your organisation should be the people who are communicating its benefits, providing resources and engaging their teams to integrate the requirements within current working practices. This will mean you see better value from your management system and can start to reap the benefits of better efficiency, competitive advantage, increased customer satisfaction and better supplier relationships.

By dispelling these myths and embracing standards you can make the process of becoming certified more manageable and ultimately more rewarding for your business.

Good luck on your journey to certification! 

Ria Daly – Quality Management Consultant at Ley Hill Solutions

Conclusion

In conclusion, implementing ISO standards is a strategic investment that can significantly enhance an organisation.

By partnering with an approved consultant, a business can dispel common misconceptions, streamline the implementation process, and fully leverage the benefits of ISO standards. This approach not only helps achieve certification but also ensures long-term improvements beneficial to business growth.







Contact us today:
https://leyhill.com/ | info@leyhill.com

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* Disclaimer:

NQA does not provide consultancy in order to remain impartial from management systems implementation.

NQA shall not imply that certification would be simpler, easier, faster or less expensive if a consultancy listed on the APP is used.

APP Consultants shall not imply that NQA certification would be simpler, easier, faster or less expensive if their services are used.

NQA remains impartial from our partners on our Associate Partner Programme and does not endorse one partner over another.

‘Our consultants’ do not work for NQA, they work as independent bodies in partnership with us through our Associate Partner Programme. In accordance with the accreditation standard ISO 17021-1:2015 NQA does not provide consultancy in order to remain impartial from management systems implementation.