Dianne Pajo https://recorderchartsandpens.com 2m 487 #iso
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
As a business owner, you must comprehend various international standards, not just for the sake of compliance but to drive efficiency, reliability, and continual improvement within your organization. Many people often misunderstand two of these standards, ISO 9001 and ISO 17025, because they cover similar requirements. These standards impact how a business monitors the quality of its operations and data recording. But what’s the difference between these two ISO standards, and what does the ISO do?
What Are ISO Standards?
The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a globally influential organization that establishes specifications, requirements, and procedures to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency for businesses and customers. ISO standards are the result of international consensus among experts in various industry sectors. The ISO is an independent, non-governmental organization that develops these standards to facilitate international trade, promote innovation, and protect consumers.
These standards provide a common framework for businesses by fostering consistency, promoting best practices, and driving continuous improvement. Essentially, they help businesses do everything from delivering high-quality products and services to complying with regulatory requirements. And while ISO certification is not mandatory, many industries require ISO compliance for all companies before engaging in business.
ISO 9001: General Standards
ISO 9001 is a general standard applicable across all types of businesses, regardless of the industry. This broadly recognized standard primarily focuses on an organization’s overall quality management system, outlining criteria for a robust quality management framework. It emphasizes customer satisfaction, continual improvement, and the active involvement of both management and employees in a process approach.
While ISO 9001 doesn’t specifically address calibration or testing requirements, it does assert the need to control monitoring and measuring equipment to ensure valid results. This means organizations certified under ISO 9001 must have well-calibrated recording equipment that can deliver reliable data.
ISO 17025: Laboratory Specific
ISO 17025, on the other hand, is a standard specifically designed for testing and calibration laboratories. This standard presents a more rigorous set of requirements when it comes to calibration. It goes beyond requiring controlled monitoring and measuring equipment. ISO 17025 specifies conditions for a quality system, competence, facilities, and equipment, among other things. It demands that laboratories have well-calibrated and reliable equipment, and they must demonstrate their competence in producing accurate and consistent results.
Accreditation under ISO 17025 is a testament to a laboratory’s acceptable quality management system and its ability to provide valid testing and calibration results. Furthermore, ISO 17025 standards further stress the importance of frequent chart recorder calibrations for all relevant industries.
Ultimately, the difference between ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 standards boils down to their scope, focus, and level of specificity in calibration requirements. Both require businesses to have dependable, well-calibrated monitoring equipment, but ISO 17025 goes a step further. It demands proof of competence and the ability to provide accurate calibration results.
Understanding these differences can help businesses make informed decisions about which standard to implement. It depends on their specific needs, industry requirements, and the nature of their operations.
(
