ΕΠΙΧΟΡΗΓΟΥΜΕΝΑ
ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑΤΑ
ΕΠΙΧΟΡΗΓΟΥΜΕΝΑ ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑΤΑ
The acronym ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization. It is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations.
It standardizes the way businesses and organizations operate, produce, and market their products and services. It acts as a validation of compliance with certain standards regarding various products, production processes, manufacturing materials, quality levels, organizational structure in production, etc.
ISO certification is the verification and validation of a Quality Management System. Depending on the requirements of one or more Standards, an organization may hold, for example, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, etc.
It provides the certainty that the business complies with all standards and that throughout the product's entire production cycle, there is quality assurance in a specific sector.
Certification is not mandatory unless required by a legislative framework (for example, in certain healthcare sectors). Additionally, for some buyers (Public Bodies, Organizations, Foreign Businesses), having Certification in specific fields is a prerequisite to proceed with a purchase or collaboration with the respective business.
ISO certification can be applied to all types of businesses. All forms of Businesses and Public Bodies are eligible to be certified with ISO. It applies to any company or organization, regardless of size, industry sector, number of employees, or level of available expertise.
ISO is globally recognized and carries worldwide recognition.
Compliance with ISO standards is a voluntary certification aimed at continuous improvement. It helps with organization and alignment with Legislation, but it does not replace any operating license or state inspection. ISO certification is not a license that permits or prohibits an activity.
The acquisition of Certification can take place directly and without delays, provided the prerequisites are met and there is proper communication between the Consultant and the Business (under normal conditions). Moreover, ISO requirements are continuously revised so that a business can proceed promptly and simply to acquire Certifications. For example, in the new ISO 9001:2015 standard, there is no obligation for a business to document every single process or keep everything in printed form.
Under normal circumstances, a business can obtain Certification in less than 3 months. There are various variables that affect the timeline of the outcome, such as the size of the business, the complexity of its operations, the level of communication, the promptness in addressing any necessary changes, etc.
Of course, a business can obtain more than one certification. This depends on the nature of its needs, while the comprehensive development of Standards provides combined advantages. The development of an integrated management system, tailored to the needs and requirements of a business, is a common practice.
Accredited Certification Bodies are the ones who conduct the audits and issue the Certificates. Certification constitutes the confirmation that the Business adheres to rules regarding the quality assurance of products or services, management, production, etc., and as long as it continues to comply with them, it maintains such a certification.
An Accredited Certification Body is audited by ESYD (Hellenic Accreditation System) to be approved by a public authority. The Bodies can be Greek or international. A list of certification bodies accredited by ESYD can be found on the ESYD website, www.esyd.gr.
The Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD) has been appointed as the National Accreditation Body of Greece in accordance with the requirements of Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008, where each Member State appoints a single national accreditation body.
There is an initial cost for Consulting Support and a corresponding cost for the Body that will undertake the Audit to issue the Certification Certificate. Subsequently, this process is repeated annually.
Certificates typically have a three-year validity, during which annual audits/renewals take place. Within the 3 years, two annual Surveillance Audits of the Management System are conducted, exactly as determined by the Accreditation Regulations. Prior to the expiration of the certificate, a reassessment audit is carried out to reissue the certificate for the next three years.
A certificate usually (depending on the Certification Body) is valid for 3 years, but remains active only subject to annual surveillance, which entails a recurring annual cost.
All companies can be certified with the appropriate ISO. A service company could certainly be certified under ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment), ISO 27001 (Information Security), and ISO 45001 (Health & Safety).
A food company would primarily pursue certification in ISO 22000 (Food Safety) and ISO 9001 (Quality).
A medical supplies company would need the Ministerial Decision DY8D/1348/2004 Certificate.
ISO certification helps in organizing procedures, reducing errors and costs, increasing customer trust, and improving the business's image in the market. At the same time, it is a strong competitive advantage in tenders, public procurements, and collaborations with major clients.
A dedicated ISO department is not strictly required, but it is important for certain executives to be trained on the requirements of the Standard and the procedures to be implemented. Usually, a Management System Representative is appointed, who collaborates with the consultant for proper implementation and monitoring.
In the event that non-conformities are identified, the Certification Body requests corrective actions to be taken within a specific timeframe. With proper guidance, the business corrects these points, documents the actions taken, and then proceeds normally with the completion or maintenance of the certification.
The specialized consultant thoroughly understands the requirements of the Standards and adapts the System to the actual needs of the business, without unnecessary bureaucracy. This reduces implementation time, prevents mistakes, and ensures that the system will function practically and not just "on paper".
Our team comprehensively undertakes the preparation, implementation, and support of your business at all stages of Certification. We combine experience across many industries, a practical approach without unnecessary bureaucracy, and continuous guidance until the successful issuance of the Certificate by an Accredited Body.
Simply send us a short message of interest or use the Contact form. A consultant will get in touch with you, record the needs of your business, and propose the appropriate action plan, cost, and implementation timeframe, so you can proceed in an organized and secure manner.
