Myths and misconceptions are all too easy to spread in an information-rich society, particularly when it comes to something as complicated but important as ISO certification. Misconceptions can make it hard for anyone to get that desired ISO stamp, from small businesses that want to boost their reputation to global giants in their field. Although I’ve been through this myself, I’ve heard many false beliefs, such as “ISO is just another piece of paper” and “It will drain your resources dry.” Join me as I peel back the layers surrounding these prevalent misconception and share insights from my own experiences in the field that reveal the real story behind ISO certification.
We need to clear the air, whether you’re thinking about taking this step or are just interested in what’s going on below the surface!
As an ISO auditor, I’ve worked with many different types of companies, from small and rural startups to large and metropolitan companies.
Businesses of any nature are always trying to be the best and get ahead of their competition (and has to be!). This is where a globally recognized standard helps with quality, efficiency, and consistency across industries.
Many people know how important ISO certification is but they also seems to confuse a lot of things in this regard.
Having navigated the journey myself, I want to share my auditing experiences and set the record straight on some common misunderstandings and myths surrounding ISO certification. These myths can deter small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from pursuing it.
Let’s dive into these myths and explore the real benefits of becoming certified!
Reality: ISO is for everyone, not just industry giants. Small businesses can—and do—benefit greatly from certification.
During one audit, a small trading business in Melbourne with only 4 employees got ISO 9001 Quality Management System certificate and started seeing some great benefits.
The idea that ISO certification is only for large companies couldn’t be more wrong. ISO helps small businesses stand out in competitive markets by streamlining their processes and giving them honour.
At first, they weren’t sure whether ISO was for their small business. But with certification, they were able to get apply for contracts with some big names in the industry. This helped improve their revenue and reputation in the long run.
Reality: Just like hiring a new staff, ISO certification is a worthwhile investment that pays for itself in the long run via reduced expenses and increased productivity.
I remember remotely auditing a medium-sized manufacturing company in 2020 that had been ISO-certified for over five years. During the audit, the operations manager shared with me that the company initially worried about the costs of certification.
However, once they started applying ISO principles, they saw trend going down for waste and production errors, resulting in cost savings that covered the certification investment within two years.
Certification isn’t just an expense; it’s an investment in long-term business efficiency.
From my perspective as an auditor, it’s clear that the financial benefits of ISO—reduced errors, smoother processes and higher customer satisfaction—quickly outweigh the initial costs.
Reality: It used to the case for previous ISO standards. These days ISO is more focused on internal and external issues to help business make informed decisions.
I often hear concerns over the “too much paperwork” associated with ISO certification. Yes, there is some documentation required, but if done properly, it becomes an organisational knowledge.
For example, Climate Change is now part of ISO 9001 so business go beyond just ‘customer satisfaction’ and see the bigger picture.
I remember auditing a logistics company in Adelaide for their Stage 02 audit. They had documents for everything because they thought that’s what’s required for ISO certification. By the time I returned for the surveillance audit, I was impressed to see they removed 75% of the paperwork.
I personally think information management is very important for better decisions but too much documentation definitely not the case for ISO certification.
One common misconception is that “once you’re certified, you’re certified forever”.
Reality: To make sure that standards are being followed, ISO certification needs to be maintained and independently audited on a regular basis (usually once a year).
During an audit for a certified engineering company, I had to raise a few major non-conformances which led to ISO certification on hold.
Recommended read: How to Verify (Check) Your ISO Certificate’s Authenticity Online
Being certified by ISO isn’t a one-time thing, though. Regular internal management and external audits are part of the ongoing effort that is needed.
Maintaining ISO certification means always striving to improve processes, not resting on your achievements after the initial certification.
Reality: Even for small businesses, the ISO certification process is straightforward and manageable with proper planning.
During audits, the timetable is one of the things that clients concern about the most. In my experience, most businesses can achieve certification within 6-12 months, depending on their size and existing systems.
I personally recommend a gap analysis (kind of audit) to check if existing systems and processes conform to the ISO standards. Most times I find that the companies have about 60% systems in place – it’s just a proper structure missing.
Yes, the process takes time, but it can be done. A focused team can make it go quickly if needed.
Think ISO certification is tough? and want to know how to get certified? Don’t miss my simple guide: 7 Steps To Achieve ISO Certification With Examples.
Yes! For small firms, achieving ISO certification is a great way to streamline processes and reduce reduced inefficiency. Compared to the short-term benefits, the long-term advantages are considerable.
Costs can be different based on the scope and size of the business but for most, savings from better processes and fewer mistakes are worth the initial cost.
Not at all! Once you’ve set up the systems, ISO paperwork seamlessly integrates into your daily tasks. Its purpose is to facilitate, not hinder.
Yes, certification requires regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance with the standards. It’s not a one-time thing!
It varies depending on the size and current practices of the company but most can get certified in 6 to 12 months.
ISO certification is much more than a formal process or a piece of paper—it’s a pathway to improving efficiency, increasing customer trust, and growing your business. I hope you gained some insights from these top common misconceptions and myths about ISO Certification.
Remember – ISO certification may initially appear difficult but the benefits are well worth the effort whether your small or establishing firm. If you feel you need an expert’s help, CertBetter is here to help you quickly find better ISO consultants, certification bodies, compliance software and training providers.
Have more questions about ISO certification? Feel free to reach out — I’m here to help!
🎯 ISO Certification Auditor – QHSE Professional
I founded CertBetter to bring ISO experts together in one place, so you can find and connect ‘Better‘.
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