6 ISO Standards Every Manufacturer Should Try To Attain
In every industry, there’s a never-ending array of standards and best practices. They’re created based on trial and error, representing the ideal path toward the optimal outcome. In manufacturing, those standards are largely handed down from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO standards aren’t just proven best practices; they’re continuously vetted, constantly scrutinized frameworks for operational excellence.
What is ISO?
ISO is an independent organization that develops and publishes standards for various industries. These standards provide guidelines and best practices to ensure quality, safety, efficiency, and sustainability. ISO’s impact can be seen everywhere, from the products we use to the services on which we rely.
There’s an ISO standard for almost every industry, including manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology. By adhering to these standards, organizations can improve their operations and create repeatable frameworks for all they do. Both inwardly and outwardly, ISO certification represents a commitment to excellence.
Top manufacturing ISO standards
ISO standards for manufacturing can serve multiple purposes, such as streamlining complex production processes or creating products that are safe for consumers and the environment. Below are some of the top manufacturing ISO standards:
- ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems. Designed to help organizations guarantee their products and services consistently meet customer requirements and regulatory standards, ISO 9001 increases efficiency, reduces waste, and confirms consistent quality throughout production.
- ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems. Sustainability is important in manufacturing, and ISO 14001 helps producers manage their environmental responsibilities effectively. This standard enables businesses to reduce their environmental impact by identifying potential risks, implementing strategies to manage them, and decreasing waste and emissions.
- ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. ISO 45001 aims to provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees by reducing the risk of work-related injuries and illnesses. It helps businesses comply with labor regulations, lowers absenteeism, improves productivity, and enhances employee well-being.
- ISO 27001: Information Security Management Systems. This standard governs how organizations handle sensitive information. It helps protect against threats such as data breaches, cyberattacks, and intellectual property theft. Applying ISO 27001 can enable manufacturers to manage risks, safeguard their reputation, and ensure legal compliance.
- ISO 50001: Energy Management Systems. Now more than ever, businesses in every industry must be aware of their impact on the environment, especially their carbon emissions. ISO 50001 offers a framework for manufacturers to manage energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint.
- ISO 26000: Guidance on Social Responsibility. This standard provides guidelines for organizations to operate responsibly and sustainably while considering the impact of their activities on society and the environment. Manufacturers following ISO 26000 enjoy a better public image and greater customer loyalty.
Why ISO matters in manufacturing
ISO standards govern several critical areas of business operations — from labor to sustainability — while providing a benchmark for product quality. Not only can manufacturers benefit by avoiding costly errors and optimizing production, but customers also profit by receiving assurance they’re getting a reliable product.
Implementing ISO standards allows manufacturers to find the perfect balance between efficiency and quality. This leads to meaningful cost savings and improvements on the bottom line.
