How to Get ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 Certification
The first topic of this course will be on ISO certifications– Grade 1 of which are ISO 14001 and ISO 9001. You might not understand what they are, but they are really more like a piece of cake to approach than you might think. You don’t have to be a genius to qualify for it. It’s more about proving that you possess the required standards, be it in terms of environmental friendliness or the quality of your operations.
It’s easier to learn the basics rather than trying to understand the whole of the subject right away, so let me start with the basics.
So, What’s ISO 14001 Exactly?
Let me start with ISO 14001. It is a certification based on the environment. The whole idea is to let the world know, “Hey, we care about the planet, and we do really improve it.”
This one is more about lessening the pollution, using energy in a better way, and applying green codes. It is not only a show-off because clients and customers really respect the companies that promote environmental welfare. Besides, why would you not want to cut out waste and energy bills if you can?
And What About ISO 9001?
Instead, ISO 9001 is a different standard. It is a certification of excellence instead of a license for the environment. This certification tells the world, “We are not just making it up as we go, but we have a system in place to make sure we get good results all the time.”
So, in other words, if a company can provide proof that they are indeed the kind of business that the customer needs and can rely on, that company will be more respected by the customer. That’s what this one’s for.
Why Should You Even Care About These Certifications?
Good question. What’s in it for me? What’s the use? Well, this list of certifications seems to have some advantages.
For ISO 14001:
- You are setting an example for the people that you are serious about sustainability.
- It’s all about avoiding environmental law violations, which means fewer fines or legal problems.
- Plus, another interesting point is that you might get back some cash due to increased efficiency.
For ISO 9001:
- You win the trust of the customers because they know you are in good quality control.
- It makes you free from unwanted expenses.
- You have an advantage over those competitors that let things go randomly without any established schemes.
How Do You Actually Get Certified?
- Adapt your processes to the certification standards.
- Teach your employees about the expected standards of their duties.
Propose a data management system, be it a sophisticated program or a simple spreadsheet, for tracking performance.
Okay, let’s take each step apart one by one.
Step 1: Understand What’s Required**
To begin with, read over the requirements of these certifications
- For ISO 14001, the focus is primarily on environmental management systems.
- ISO 9001 deals with the concepts behind quality management principles.
You do not need to be an expert overnight, but having a fundamental understanding of the basics will be of great help.
Step 2: Take a Look at Your Current Setup
Then give an account of what is already in place and the things that you do not like at all.
– What is working properly?
– What’s… let’s say, not good at all?
This step is known as a gap analysis. It is like taking stock of the things you have versus the things you need.
Step 3: Start Making Changes
Now, it is time for you to show your leadership ability. Based on the results of the gap analysis, you may need to:
For ISO 14001 Certification, you might want to consider the number of kilowatts your organization is using as well as setting up a recycling program.
For ISO 9001 Certification, on the other hand, it could be about redesigning how you handle customer complaints.
Step 4: Do a Test Run
Just prior to the audit, make sure that the processes are in place.
- Are your processes functional?
- Do all your team members know what to do?
This is the point in your roadmap where you can correct the mistakes you will make during the official audit if you come across them.
Step 5: Get Certified
Hence, the final phase is here. A certified certification body must be engaged to do the official audit.
The auditors will:
- Check if referees’ information is complete.
- Record and analyze your operations.
- Decipher if you meet the required criteria.
If you do, congrats you are now ISO 14001 certified!
How Long Does This All Take?
How long it takes you to achieve this will depend on a number of factors such as your company’s size and the number of adjustments you need to make to meet the standards.
- Smaller companies could need maybe a few months.
- Larger ones might take closer to a year to get things squared away.
Either way, remember to take your time do not attempt to push these things through. What is crucial is to do it the right way, of which time is not an issue.
How Much Is This Going to Cost?
Really, it doesn’t have a standard answer. The cost difference is dependent on the firm size, the certifying body of your choice, as well as the amount of preparatory work you need to do.
That being said, consider this as your exercise. Generally, in the long run, the savings you get from the improved processes as well as the trust you build with customers are enough reasons to justify the cost of every penny.
Final Thoughts
ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 may sound cumbersome; however, the heart of the matter is how good you can make your business. Whether your goal is to decrease your ecological footprint, enhance the quality of products and services, or do both, these certifications will be the bridge to your objective.