“To be or not to be that is the question” although I don’t think Hamlet had certification in mind when he said this. It is a decision to be taken on business grounds. Here are some of the key reasons why organisations choose ISO certification:

• By setting a clear goal, certification motivates staff and helps to gain their commitment.
• Certification improves processes and refines activities. There is nothing like certification for focusing one’s attention on this key requirement.
• The certification process provides an organisation with an independent expert review, not only of compliance with the Standard/s, but also areas of improvement within the business that can give you a competitive edge.
• Certification improves business culture because your staff know that if certification is important to you then it must be important to them.
• Certification demonstrates your commitment to business improvement and efficiency.
• Certification helps to prove due diligence.
• Certification can increase customer confidence & thus generate more sales.
• Certification provides international recognition of your achievement.
• Certification is a good marketing tool. It widens your market opportunities and tells the big players that you are a serious supplier of goods and services.

Now for some metrics

In a survey by the IAF (international Accreditation Forum) of over 4,000 businesses:

• More than 80% of all respondents reported that certification had added value to their organisation.
• Half of all participants have seen an increase in sales as a direct result of the certification.
• Nearly half of all participants cited internal business improvement as the main driver for seeking certification.
• Over 80% of businesses confirmed that certification had helped them meet national regulatory requirements.

And it’s not just the larger companies that are realising these benefits. Nearly two thirds of the respondents work in small to medium enterprises, half of which have less than 50 employees.

Once the decision to become certified is made, you’ll need to find a certification body. Here are some tips on what to look for – Choosing a Certification Body.