Introduction:
ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization. It is a non-governmental organization that develops and publishes international standards for various industries and sectors, with the goal of promoting consistency, efficiency, and safety in those fields. ISO’s standards cover a wide range of topics, including quality management, environmental management, information technology, and security. The organization was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Difference Between ISO and ISO Standards:
The name ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization, a private, non-governmental organization that creates and disseminates global standards. The ISO standards are a group of internationally acknowledged norms that serve as guidelines and specifications for goods, services, and systems to guarantee their reliability, effectiveness, and safety.
The organization in responsible of developing and preserving standards is called ISO, and ISO standards are the documents it produces outlining the requirements, specifications, guidelines, or qualities that systems, services, or products must possess in order to be deemed of high quality, safe, and effective.
In conclusion, ISO is the body that develops and upholds standards, and ISO standards are the written materials that ISO produces that offer instructions and requirements for goods, services, and systems.
Categories:
ISO standards can be broadly categorized into two main categories:
Management System Standards
These are ISO standards that provide guidelines and requirements for setting up, implementing, and maintaining effective management systems. These standards are designed to help organizations manage various aspects of their operations, such as quality, environment, information security, and occupational health and safety. Examples of management system standards include ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management), and ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management).
Product and Service Standards
These are ISO standards that provide guidelines and requirements for ensuring the quality, safety, and performance of products and services. These standards are designed to help organizations ensure that their products and services meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements. Examples of product and service standards include ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management), ISO 13485 (Medical Devices), ISO 50001 (Energy Management), and ISO 31000 (Risk Management).
ISO standards can also be further categorized into industry-specific standards, such as ISO/TS 16949 (Automotive Quality Management) and ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management), and cross-industry standards, such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management).
Types:
There are several types of ISO standards, which cover a wide range of topics and industries. Some of the most common types of ISO standards include:
ISO 9000 – Quality Management
It defines the parameters for a quality management system to assist organizations enhance quality and customer interactions. Businesses can utilize the standard’s tools and procedures to evaluate their areas for improvement.
ISO 9001: Quality Management System – This standard outlines the requirements for a quality management system, including processes for planning, control, and improvement of products or services. ISO 9000 and ISO 9001 are both international standards that pertain to quality management. However, they differ in their scope and purpose. In summary, ISO 9000 provides guidelines for quality management, while ISO 9001 provides specific requirements for a QMS. ISO 9001 is the standard that organizations can be certified to if they meet the requirements outlined in the standard.
ISO 27001: Information Security Management System – This standard outlines the requirements for an information security management system, including processes for managing risks, protecting data, and ensuring business continuity.
ISO 14001: Environmental Management System – This standard outlines the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS), including processes for managing environmental impacts and complying with regulations.
ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) – This standard outlines the requirements for an occupational health and safety management system, including processes for managing risks, preventing injuries and illnesses, and complying with regulations.
ISO/IEC 27002: Information Technology – Security Techniques – Code of Practice for Information Security Controls – This standard provides guidelines and general principles for initiating, implementing, maintaining, and improving information security management in an organization.
ISO 50001: Energy Management System – This standard outlines the requirements for an energy management system, including processes for managing energy use, reducing energy consumption, and improving energy efficiency.
ISO 22000: Food Safety Management System – This standard outlines the requirements for a food safety management system, including processes for ensuring food safety and complying with regulations.
These are just a few examples of the many types of ISO standards available. Other ISO standards cover topics such as risk management, social responsibility, and medical devices.
Purpose:
The purpose of ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is to develop and publish international standards that promote quality, safety, and efficiency in products, services, and systems. ISO standards provide a common set of guidelines and requirements that can be used by organizations and industries around the world to ensure that their products and services meet the needs of customers, regulators, and other stakeholders.
ISO aims to facilitate international trade and cooperation by developing standards that promote interoperability, compatibility, and harmonization of processes and products. ISO standards cover a wide range of areas including quality management, environmental management, information security management, occupational health and safety, social responsibility, and more.
In addition to developing standards, ISO also provides guidance and support to organizations seeking to implement these standards. ISO’s mission is to contribute to the development of a better, safer, and more sustainable world through the promotion of international standardization.
How are ISO standards developed?
ISO standards are developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which is an independent, non-governmental organization that brings together experts from various industries and countries to develop consensus-based standards.
The ISO standards development process typically involves the following steps:
Proposal: Any individual, organization, or country can propose a new standard or revision of an existing standard.
Preparatory stage: ISO reviews the proposal and determines whether or not to pursue it. If approved, a working group is established and a project leader is appointed.
Committee stage: The working group develops a draft standard, which is then reviewed and commented on by a committee of experts from relevant industries, governments, and non-governmental organizations.
Approval stage: Once the committee has reached consensus on the draft standard, it is submitted to ISO for approval. ISO then reviews the standard and, if it meets their criteria, approves it for publication.
Publication stage: The final version of the standard is published and made available for purchase to anyone who wishes to use it.
Throughout the development process, ISO places a strong emphasis on consensus-building and ensuring that all interested parties have an opportunity to participate in the development of the standard. This helps to ensure that ISO standards are widely accepted and recognized around the world.
ISO certification:
ISO certification is a process by which an organization demonstrates that it meets the requirements of one or more ISO standards. This certification is granted by a third-party certification body, which is independent of the organization being certified and has been accredited to provide certification services by a recognized accreditation body.
ISO certification is not mandatory, but many organizations choose to obtain certification in order to demonstrate their commitment to quality and to meet customer and stakeholder expectations.
The process of obtaining ISO certification typically involves the following steps:
Preparation: The organization prepares for certification by conducting a gap analysis to identify areas where it needs to improve in order to meet the requirements of the relevant ISO standard.
Documentation: The organization develops and implements a documented quality management system (QMS) that meets the requirements of the ISO standard.
Internal audit: The organization conducts internal audits to ensure that its QMS is working effectively and meets the requirements of the ISO standard.
Management review: The organization’s top management reviews the QMS to ensure that it is effective and aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives.
Certification audit: The certification body conducts an initial certification audit to verify that the organization’s QMS meets the requirements of the ISO standard.
Certification decision: If the certification audit is successful, the certification body grants ISO certification to the organization, which is typically valid for three years.
Surveillance audits: The certification body conducts regular surveillance audits to ensure that the organization continues to meet the requirements of the ISO standard.