Companies or organizations that want to work in a structured and efficient manner are often faced with the question of how they can standardize and verify their internal processes. An ISO certification can help with this. It does not only offer the opportunity to improve existing processes, but also signals to customers and business partners that the company works according to high, internationally comparable standards.
This is not only about quality management, but also about topics such as information security or data protection. As a provider of all-in-one project management software, for example, Stackfield has been ISO-certified several times. In the following blog article, we give you an overview of this topic and answer the most frequently asked questions.
What is an ISO certification?
An ISO certification is an internationally recognized seal of quality that shows that your company, authority or institution complies with certain norms and standards. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines these standards. They cover various areas such as quality management, information security and environmental protection.
With an ISO certification, a company like Stackfield, for example, obtains proof of conformity and shows that it structures its processes and manages them according to a clear standard. The aim is not only to meet the demands of the market, but also to continuously improve internal processes, protect against potential damage and increase the company's resilience.
What ISO certifications are there?
There are a large number of ISO standards that have been developed for different industries and areas. For companies like Stackfield that offer project management software or a IT solutions, the following certifications are particularly relevant:
- ISO 27001: As a standard for information security management systems, ISO 27001 specifies how companies should protect sensitive data. This certification is particularly important in the area of software development and project management in order to guarantee the secure handling of customer data and internal information.
- ISO 27017: This standard extends ISO 27001 to include specific requirements for cloud services. It helps companies like Stackfield that use cloud environments or offer cloud services to implement and document security measures for these particular systems.
- ISO 27018: This standard focuses on the protection of personal data in the cloud. It is particularly relevant for providers of software solutions that use cloud services to ensure privacy protection and compliance with data protection guidelines.
How does an ISO certification work?
Planning phase:
During the planning phase, a company analyzes the relevant ISO standards, determines the areas affected by the standards and aligns the internal processes with the certification requirements. This phase requires a thorough inventory of current procedures and documentation of all relevant processes. The aim is to design the structures in such a way that they meet the requirements of the standard and at the same time remain practicable in everyday life.
Implementation:
Implementation taking the necessary measures in a company to adapt processes to ISO standards or to introduce measures to reduce risks. This can mean changes to internal processes, staff training or the introduction of new control mechanisms. This phase is crucial, as it lays the foundation for subsequent certification.
Internal audit:
The implementation is followed by the internal audit. Here, your company itself checks whether all the requirements of the ISO standard have been met and whether the new processes have been successfully implemented. Any deviations or deficiencies are rectified in this phase before the company takes the step to actual certification. Such an annual internal audit is common practice in many companies. It ensures consistently high safety standards, even if no certification is sought.
Certification:
The certification itself is carried out by an independent, accredited certification body. This verifies in an external audit whether your company fully meets the requirements of the ISO standard. If your company passes this audit, ISO certification is granted. This certificate is valid for three years, after which recertification is required. In addition, annual surveillance audits are carried out to ensure that the standards continue to be met.
What does an ISO certification cost?
The cost of ISO certification depends on several factors, such as the size of the company, the complexity of the business processes and the specific ISO standard. Smaller companies generally pay less than large corporations, as fewer resources and less time are required for the audit and implementation of the standards.
The costs are usually made up of the preparation, the actual certification process and ongoing monitoring. For small companies, the entire process can cost several thousand euros, while large companies can expect to pay higher five-figure sums. In addition, there are annual monitoring costs to ensure that the requirements continue to be met. In addition, the ISO norms demand constant improvements, which will necessitate further expenditures. However, the investment is worth it, as ISO certification creates trust with customers and business partners.
What are the benefits of an ISO certificate?
- Competitive advantage: ISO certification can give you a clear advantage over your competitors, as many companies and institutions prefer to work with certified partners.
- Compliance with legal requirements: In highly regulated industries, ISO certification is often a prerequisite for being allowed to operate on the market at all or to take part in tenders.
- Gaining trust: You show that your company works according to internationally recognized standards. This strengthens trust in your products and services.
- Optimization of internal processes: Certifications help to standardize processes, eliminate inefficiencies and reduce errors. This can lead to an increase in efficiency and better quality assurance in the long term.
- Long-term improvements: ISO certification requires regular reviews and audits. This ensures that your company grows continuously and adapts to changing market requirements.
Conclusion: A quality feature with great appeal
An ISO certification can be a valuable tool for your company if you want to optimize your internal processes and at the same time signal transparency and reliability to the outside world. It not only helps to fulfill legal requirements, but also strengthens customer confidence in your company.
The effort and cost of ISO certification may seem high at first glance, but it pays off in the long term in the form of better customer relationships, more efficient processes and an improved market position. And if you are a customer yourself, ISO certifications help you to find companies like Stackfield that meet the high international standards.
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