Competition to win new business in the lift industry can be very tough and is often based on whether you meet the criteria set by the customer. If you want to win a tender, leave no stone unturned by making sure you stand out amongst your peers. One way to give your business a lift is by attaining ISO Accreditation. These internationally recognised standards identify a company’s commitment to providing high standard products and services. Being compliant is not only be beneficial when it comes to attracting new customers but will also bring benefits for employees and stakeholders across the business.
While there are over 20,000 ISO standards, some core accreditations are more widely recognised. We take a look at the ones worth investing in and why you need them.
ISO 9001 – Quality Management
You may recognise this ISO, and rightly so, as it is the world’s number one Quality Management System (QMS) standard. In fact, there are over one million organisations who have obtained ISO 9001. This standard addresses the key principles of quality management, including the process approach, customer focus, implications of top management and continual improvement for a holistic approach for sustaining best practice. Gaining this ISO will help increase efficiency and revenue, achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction, as well as improve supplier relationships and employee morale.
ISO 45001 – Health and Safety Management
There are many risks in the lift industry that can impact health and safety, so holding an ISO that addresses compliance in this area is hugely beneficial. ISO 45001 provides a structured framework to reduce the likelihood of accidents and ill health by promoting a healthy working environment. By proactively improving your business’ health and safety performance with ISO 45001, you will improve your reputation and risk management, reduce absenteeism and insurance premiums, as well as demonstrate compliance to your health and safety legal requirements.
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
While the primary focus for the lift industry has always been around safety, its impact on the environment is also becoming an increasingly prominent concern. It is therefore important to demonstrate how your business is tackling environmental issues. ISO 14001 is one way you can do this. The standard sets out the criteria for creating an environmental management system, which offers a number of benefits, including: saving costs by reducing waste, energy and water consumption; improving your reputation to help win new business; demonstrating corporate social responsibility; and ensuring compliance with the latest legal requirements.
How to achieve ISO accreditation
Chances are you are likely to come across a request for an ISO for a tender. It is therefore, in your best interest to achieve the accreditation so you don’t miss out on securing new business. In order to gain an ISO, there are a number of steps to take to become certified. More often than not, this will include producing a fair amount of documentation as evidence for how you run and maintain high standards in the business, which will be reviewed regularly. You will also be required to undertake internal audits as well as being subject to external assessments. While this may seem daunting, we can guide you through the whole process, from drafting the relevant documentation to auditing your existing systems, to make the application straightforward and stress-free!
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