In today’s commercial landscape, companies are expected to meet certain standards of quality and security to attract and retain new business. One way to demonstrate compliance with these standards is by obtaining certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the sole body appointed by the UK Government (the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) to provide accreditation to certification bodies in the UK.

This accreditation is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ in the certification of ISO standards and the only way that an organisation can use the coveted government-backed national accreditation symbol – commonly referred to as the “UKAS Crown and Tick”.

Two of the most commonly sought-after certifications in the UK, and globally, are ISO 9001 and ISO 27001.

ISO 9001

ISO 9001 is a standard that outlines requirements for a quality management system (QMS). This means that a company must have documented processes in place to ensure consistent product or service delivery that meets customer requirements. The standard covers areas such as customer focus, leadership, process improvement, and risk management.

Obtaining ISO 9001 certification demonstrates to customers and stakeholders that a company has a strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement. It can also help improve efficiency and reduce costs by streamlining processes.

ISO 27001

ISO 27001 focuses on information security management systems (ISMS). This means that a company must have documented processes in place to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification or destruction. The standard covers areas such as risk assessment, security controls implementation, training and awareness programs.

Obtaining ISO 27001 certification demonstrates to customers and stakeholders that a company has taken significant steps to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of its information assets. It can also help increase trust with clients who require high levels of data protection.

Why Certification Matters

While obtaining certification is voluntary, it can provide several benefits for companies seeking competitive advantage in their market:

  • Improved credibility: Certification shows that a third-party auditor has verified compliance with internationally recognized standards.
  • Increased customer confidence: Customers are more likely to do business with companies that prioritize quality and security.
  • Reduced risk: Compliance with these standards reduces potential risks associated with data breaches or product/service defects.
  • Enhanced efficiency: Documented processes lead to increased efficiency by reducing errors and improving employee productivity.
  • Trust and assurance in you and your supply chain.
  • Less likelihood of a costly breach.
  • Reduced cost of supplier onboarding.
  • Avoid fines from regulatory non-compliance (such as GDPR)

In conclusion, both ISO certifications are valuable tools for any organization looking to improve its operations while demonstrating its commitment to quality or security. By working towards these certifications organizations can gain an edge over competitors while building trust among their clients.

Opliciti is proud to have received ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certification for your peace of mind. Email engage@opliciti.com to begin discussing your company’s cyber security journey, today.