How do you validate a business’s fulfillment of requirements relating to quality process standards? In other words, how do you PROVE the quality output of a company’s product?

There is a lot at stake: timelines to fulfillment and minimizing poor output of finished goods so money and time are not wasted. Then there is the discussion of ethical practices so that you are working with a company that does not source from harmful human conditions or environmentally exposed countries. But how do you police this?

When working with an organization, it is assumed that you are connected to a reputable and ethical organization. Their website identifies strong language and lists individuals’ capabilities, but how do you validate beyond having an inside connection to speak off the record?

Historically, doctors spend years at their craft in a controlled educational environment before putting that knowledge to practice under supervision during residency. Airline pilots spend years of education on navigation, engineering, and weather before they fly and then log hours of actual flight in supervisory conditions to become a pilot. In the most basic example, we need a driver’s license to prove we have the knowledge of the law and then perform a physical driving test to be considered legal to drive a vehicle. 

So, how do we validate a business’s ability to perform?

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an international organization that develops standards to ensure the manufacturing processes, safety requirements, and quality assurances that signify your processes work efficiently and effectively and are consistent with the international best practices (aka The Standard).  

“Not required, but nice to have” is the same concept as not having life insurance as the head of the household who tragically passes away or is getting operated on by a non-certified plastic surgeon. It is shortsighted.

Benefits of ISOs value: Less returned merchandise, thus decreasing RMA’s, less defective products to your clients, proper documentation for accounting, lower worker’s compensation insurance premiums, lower medical health insurance premiums, reduced OSHA fines, gain energy tax credits, proof of corporate sustainability, win more RFPs as primary and sub-primary, seamless international entry, governmental mandates on quality assurance are satisfied, and cybersecurity protocols in place.

To differentiate your business between exceptional and average, start the conversation about ISO with ISO Area Manager and CMTA associate member Tina Travierso at (858) 761-7738, tinatravierso@imsm.com.