Did you know that small and medium businesses make up approximately 90% of companies in most global economies? Small and Medium Enterprises, or SMEs, are critical in generating jobs, shaping economies, and are responsible for a lot of industrial innovation. This means that SMEs can benefit from ISO standards just as much as larger organizations, and thanks to their smaller internal structure, are typically able to streamline processes more efficiently.
What are the kind of benefits that an SME can experience by achieving ISO certification, and how can you begin the journey to certification?
ISO Benefits for SMEs
Increased Credibility and Brand Recognition
For smaller businesses, having the competitive edge of credibility is essential to standing out from other companies in your industry. Being ISO certified proves to your clients/customers that you are a reliable and top quality organization, giving them confidence in your capabilities. The credibility of ISO certification can also help elevate your business and open doors for you to compete with larger enterprises.
Reduced Costs and Efficient Operations
ISO certification will provide your enterprise with the tools and framework for the best industry practices, improving internal structure and processes. Ensure that the product or service your organization provides is high quality while reducing the cost of materials, manufacturing, and more. Your business will still be able to meet customer or industry requirements, in better managed and efficient operational environments.
Greater Opportunities to Grow
With the help of ISO certification, smaller enterprises will see doors open to a variety of new business opportunities. This includes new networking connections and access to potential customers, which can all facilitate growth and success. Standardized products/services can open up your enterprise to international markets and global supply chains. There are many new pathways for your business to take and begin evolving.
Challenges for SMEs
As with most decisions in the business world, there may be some challenges for SMEs to overcome before experiencing desired benefits. What are some obstacles that keep smaller businesses from achieving ISO certification?
For starters, the process of ISO certification requires many dedicated resources that enterprises of smaller sizes may struggle with. In order to successfully implement an ISO management system, such as the ISO 9001 Quality Management System, you’ll need a sufficient amount of time, materials, finances, and personnel. While this may not seem like a worthy investment at first, it’s important to remember that the return on this investment can be exponential depending on how committed your organization is to meeting ISO standards. With the right amount of support and foundation, even small enterprises can turn these dedicated investments into profit, success, and opportunities.
Small and medium enterprises should consider ISO certification if they plan to grow and expand into a larger, profitable organization, or if they’re seeking competitive advantages for their current market. ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001 can all provide benefits for businesses to aid their success.
Learn more about getting certified today and receive a quote from us here at ISO Certifications Group.
Sources:
https://www.iso.org/news/2013/02/Ref1697.html
https://www.iso.org/news/2015/03/Ref1941.html
