A uniformed approach to executing or working on a project results in an improved outcome for any organization. A process based approach helps organizations to have a uniform way of working and provides a common platform to exchange ideas.

ISO standards allow organizations to establish a common platform termed as a Management System. A management system consists of documentation ranging from Policies, Manuals, and Processes which defines the working methodologies of an organization. There are various well known management standards available in the marketplace today. Out of all the ISO standards, few common and popular standards are ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment), ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security), ISO/IEC 20000 (IT Services). Sasken as an organization is certified for ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO/IEC 27001.

ISO certification assures businesses greater benefits. Businesses focused on a short term strategy (one time payoff) go for ISO 9001 certifications whenever they get a customer who requires ISO certified vendors. Such organizations end up losing majority of their business in the competitive and dynamic marketplace by forgetting that sustainable and healthy business growth happens with the capability to get repeat business. Regardless of whether an organization is small or large and more established, one should consider working with ISO certified companies. The following are key benefits:

1. Enhanced Customer Delight

Business sponsors or owners, who decide to work with ISO certified vendors, send the right message to their prospective and existing customers. Working with an organization that has a quality management system (ISO 9001; QMS), for example, is a clear indicator that quality is valued, which is what end customers also expect from matured and well known organizations.

For instance, if prospective customers outsource their services to an ISO 9001 certified organization, such as Sasken, they are bound to experience fewer complaints from their end-customers as compared to outsourcing the services to an organization that is not certified. In other words, dealing with organizations that are ISO 9001 provides an assurance that your company is doing its best to ensure delivery of top notch quality products or services.

2. Generating new business leads

It’s common for organizations to advertise their ISO certification(s) along with their products and services for offline/online marketing campaigns. Customers, who in past may have never considered services or products from an ISO certified organization, will be convinced to try them out if they realize that they are dealing with ISO 9001 certified organizations who deliver value to end customers.

3. Simplified decision making

The ISO standards are very clear on the exact instructions to be used for audits and process checks. ISO standards further assists organization in gathering the relevant information and metrics necessary for making sound business decisions based on the facts and data collected and not just gut. Organizations don’t have to imagine what satisfies their customers in an orthodox manner rather use the facts and data collected in enhancing customer satisfaction for the Organization.

Author: Anees Haidary, Senior Manager, Quality and Business Excellence