Back to basics with ISO management system standards

ISO standards are present wherever we go. They work behind the scenes to give added protection, efficiency and comfort to our personal and professional lives.

Despite their importance, many people don’t realise ISO standards exist. That is, until something goes wrong and there’s no effective management system in place.


Keep reading to understand the types of ISO standards that exist, with examples and definitions.

What are ISO standards?

According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), standards can be thought of ‘as a formula that describes the best way of doing something.'

'Standards are the distilled wisdom of people with expertise in their subject matter and who know the needs of the organizations they represent – people such as manufacturers, sellers, buyers, customers, trade associations, users or regulators.'

ISO has published plenty of international standards (19,000 and counting), each of which makes sure that materials, products, processes and services are consistently fit for purpose.


Essentially, an ISO standard is a document that an organisation understands and implements.

Is there only one type of standard?

While there are various types of ISO standards out there, NQA focuses on one in particular: management systems.

ISO management system standards (interchangeably referred to by NQA as ‘ISO standards’) come in two main forms:

Generic standards

Generic standards apply to organisations across nearly every industry imaginable. They cover quality, environment, information security, business continuity and beyond.

For this reason, it’s no wonder that generic standards are among the most popular globally.



Industry-specific standards

Industry-specific standards address the precise needs of vertical markets (i.e. a market where vendors cater to clients and customers with specialised needs).

For instance, AS 9100 (Aerospace Management) has ISO 9001 (Quality Management) as its foundation, with requirements added to meet the specific needs of the aviation and aerospace supply chain.



NQA can help your organisation decide between a generic or industry-specific standard.

What ISO standards can NQA offer my organisation?

NQA audits against a range of ISO standards, including:

• ISO 9001 (Quality Management) is granted to organisations that demonstrate they truly understand and support their customers’ needs.

• ISO 14001 (Environment Management) gives organisations the stamp of approval that they are committed to reducing their environmental impact.

• ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) shows that an organisation is dedicated to keeping private information secure and staying compliant. 

• ISO 45001 (Health & Safety Management) is proof that an organisation prioritises the wellbeing of their employees and visitors.

• ISO 50001 (Energy Management) is the most robust framework for optimising energy efficiency across public and private sector organisations.
   

From information security to aviation, NQA offers a host of ISO certification services.

Summary of definitions

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) = the global body developing and releasing standards.

• NQA = A global certification body with accreditation to audit organisations against ISO standards.

• ISO standard = A document understood and implemented by an organisation.

  • (Note: NQA refers to ‘ISO standards’ and the more specific ‘ISO management system standards’ interchangeably.)

• Management system = How an organisation manages its business to achieve a) overarching objectives and b) the requirements of the ISO standard.
  
   

Final thoughts from NQA

Organisations of all sizes around the world achieve ISO certification. Is yours next?


Get in touch to ask any questions and explore what ISO standards could mean for you.


NQA offers virtual ISO training courses to delegates globally. Find your perfect fit.