ISO 9001 is the most popular ISO standard and focuses on a Quality Management System (QMS). Over a million organisations in the world have already attained this standard, with more joining each year. This is a standard that helps businesses and other entities match the expectations of their customers and partners effectively.

The ISO quality management standard is built upon seven key principles. These are:

These principles are centred around the customer and include involvement from top management. They strive to create a corporate culture that pushes for continual improvement. Whilst no principle is more or less important, it can play a bigger or smaller role in a particular organisation at a particular moment in time.

ISO 14001 is the standard for an Environmental Management System (EMS). It provides the necessary framework to allow organisations to contribute towards the environmental pillars of sustainability. In fact, this standard helps organisations enact the United Nations definition of sustainability, “Meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” Naturally, this has both an environmental impact, as well as a financial one. Reducing waste of raw materials and complying with environmental regulations can have a beneficial effect on an organisations cash flow.

As with other ISO standards, the process of attaining ISO 14001 certification will include an in-depth analysis of your organisation and operations. This analysis will help lead towards identifying opportunities to save costs by either eliminating or replacing resources, or using them in a better way. The standard will also help your management team to play a primary role in controlling and quantifying the environmental impact of the business.

ISO 27001 is the international standard for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It is based on the principles of CIA, confidentiality, integrity, and availability. In essence, this means that it helps organisations protect their most valuable and sensitive information whilst making them accessible to individuals with the proper authorisation. This standard applies a risk management process to the interactions between staff members, operations, and I.T. systems.

Many people incorrectly believe that ISO 27001 is simply a GDPR-related standard. In fact, this is only a secondary benefit of a much more powerful and useful framework. ISO 27001 certified organisations are able to better protect their intellectual property, brand, and reputation. Combined, these three elements make up the reasons behind an organisation’s success, so they are certainly worth protecting.

Given its capabilities, it is hardly surprising that ISO 27001 is amongst the most popular ISO standards. So far, over 33,000 certificates have been issued.

ISO 45001 is the standard for Occupational Health and Safety. It is a particularly important standard since it can quite literally save lives and prevent injuries. Over 7,600 people around the world die as a result of work-related accidents or diseases. This number would be terrible enough if it were an annual figure, but it is actually a daily one.

This OH&S management system is intended to equip an organisation with the knowledge and best practices to provide a safe and healthy workplace. As a result, the enterprise’s OH&S performance will continually improve, leading to a reduction in work-related injuries and illness as a result of work.

This international safety standard is built upon labour standards and conventions created over decades across the globe. It takes into account the specific operations of a particular organisation and helps stakeholders identify and mitigate possible risks. Being ISO 45001 certified does not only lead to a more safety-conscious work environment, but it also provides a clear indication to your workforce of what their health and safety mean to you.

ISO 17100 is the international standard for Translation Services Management Systems (TSMS). Unlike most other ISO standards, it is relatively focused on a specific sector. However, just like other standards, it provides the necessary framework to ensure quality translations irrespective of languages used or where such services are offered.

This translation standard defines the translator and revisor competencies, the translation process as well as the associated technical resources and level of quality. As with other ISO standards, it helps build trust between a customer and an unknown service provider who may be located on the other side of the globe.

The need for ISO 17100 has only increased as a result of stricter due diligence requirements within the financial sector. This internationally recognized quality mark can help ensure a seamless experience for customers in need of translation services by ensuring a professional and accurate product.