ISO certification is a globally recognized standard that ensures products and services meet quality and safety standards. In the printing industry, ISO certification is especially important to ensure that printed materials meet the highest quality standards and are produced in a safe and ethical manner.
ISO 9001:2015 is the specific certification related to quality, or more specifically, how quality is managed in order to ensure that customers receive consistent, high-quality products and services.
How can a Business become ISO 9001:2015 Certified?
The process of becoming ISO 9001:2015 certified involves several steps. The first step is to determine whether the company is ready for ISO certification. This involves conducting an internal audit to identify areas that need improvement and developing a plan to address those areas.
Once the company is ready for ISO certification, the next step is to select a certification body. The certification body will conduct a series of audits to ensure that the company’s products and services meet the required standards.
The first audit, known as the Stage 1 audit, is a documentation review. The certification body will review the company’s quality manual, procedures, and other documentation to ensure that they meet the requirements of ISO 9001:2015.
The second audit, known as the Stage 2 audit, is a site audit. The certification body will visit the company’s facilities to ensure that the company’s processes and procedures are being followed and that the products and services meet the required standards.
If the company passes both the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits, they will be awarded ISO 9001:2015 certification. The company must maintain their certification by undergoing regular yearly audits.
Why is ISO Certification Important in the Printing Industry?
The printing industry is a highly competitive industry. To succeed in this industry, companies must produce high-quality printed materials that meet the needs of their customers. ISO certification is important in the printing industry for several reasons:
Quality Control
ISO certification ensures that printed materials meet the highest quality standards. Companies that are ISO certified have processes in place to ensure that their products meet the required quality standards. This means that customers can be confident that the printed materials they receive are of the highest quality.
When it comes to the printing industry, quality control is crucial. Printed materials such as marketing collateral, product manuals, and packaging are representations of a company’s brand and reputation. Companies that invest in ISO certification can ensure that their printed materials meet the highest quality standards, which can ultimately lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Safety
The printing industry involves the use of chemicals and machinery that can be dangerous if not handled properly. ISO certification ensures that companies have processes in place to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. This means that customers can be confident that the printed materials they receive were produced in a safe and ethical manner.
In addition to ensuring the safety of employees and customers, ISO certification can also help companies avoid costly accidents and lawsuits. By investing in ISO certification, companies can demonstrate their commitment to safety and prevent accidents from happening in the first place.
Environmental Responsibility
The printing industry has a significant impact on the environment. ISO certification ensures that companies have processes in place to minimize their impact on the environment. This means that customers can be confident that the printed materials they receive were produced in an environmentally responsible manner.
ISO certification can help companies reduce waste, conserve energy, and minimize the use of harmful chemicals. By doing so, companies can not only reduce their impact on the environment but also save money on materials and energy costs.
Customer Confidence
ISO certification is a mark of quality. Customers who see the ISO certification logo on printed materials can be confident that the materials they receive meet the highest quality standards. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Customers are often willing to pay more for products and services that are of high quality and meet their needs. By investing in ISO certification, printing companies can demonstrate their commitment to quality and attract new customers and retain existing ones.
Medical Device & Pharmaceutical Industries
Quality should truly be the focus of every business, but choosing vendors with the ISO Certification guarantees that customers will be be delivered the best quality goods and services. This is especially imperative when dealing with highly critical industries like Medical Device and Pharmaceutical.
In the case of industries such as Medical Device and Pharmaceutical, it’s especially critical. Specializing in these highly regulated industries means that one smudge or misprinted word and there’s much more at stake than a faulty Instructions-For-Use (IFU) or Technical Manual Booklet. The whole lot could be rejected due to one misprint or mistake, costing potentially thousands of dollars and holding up the manufacturing and delivery of equipment necessary for the operation of health care workers around the world. Furthermore, these devices and products often have very specific instructions which, if unable to follow properly, could result in catastrophic injury or even death.
Why Does it Matter?
ISO certification is crucial for companies that want to succeed in highly competitive and quality-critical industries. By investing in ISO certification, companies can ensure that their printed materials meet the highest quality standards, are produced in a safe and ethical manner, and are environmentally responsible. ISO certification can also help companies stand out from the competition, win new business, and retain existing customers. If you are looking for a printing company, be sure to choose one that is ISO certified to ensure that you receive the highest quality printed materials.
