ISO Auditor / Consultant

I S Associates is one of the best ways to analyse your business in this dynamic world. We help you accelerate your business by providing audit / consultation in the following areas:

ISO 9001- QMS, ISO 14001-EMS, ISO 18001- OHSAS, ISO 22001-FSMS, ISO 27001- IMS, ISO 13485, ISO 50001:2011, CE Mark, SA-8000, TS- 16949.

1. ISO 9001 – QMS Quality Management System

The modern management system ISO 9001 - Quality Management System is the world's most important stand. The system in order for companies to maintain excellent process in terms of quality and standards at global level to meet customer needs enables.Customers are becoming increasingly quality-conscious shoppers. They meet their needs up front that your business will want to know. A certified Quality Management System demonstrates your commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Implement a quality management system, you increase customer satisfaction, the stabilizer will help improve internal processes. The risk that customer expectations are not met can reduce.

Why an organization should implement ISO 9001

Without satisfied customers, an organization is in peril! To keep customers satisfied, the organization needs to meet their requirements. The ISO 9001 standard provides a tried and tested framework for taking a systematic approach to managing the organization's processes so that they consistently turn out product that satisfies customers' expectations.

Eight Quality Management Principles

• Customer focus
• Leadership
• Involvement of people
• Process approach
• System approach
• Continual Improvement
• Fact based decision making
• Mutually beneficial supplier relationship

ISO 9001– It’s Key Benefits

• Competitive advantage ISO 9001 should be top-management led, which ensures that senior management take a strategic approach to their management systems. Our assessment and certification process ensures that the business objectives constantly feed into your processes and working practices to ensure you maximize your assets.
• Improves business performance and manages business risk ISO 9001 helps your managers to raise the organization’s performance above and beyond competitors who aren’t using management systems. Certification also makes it easier to measure performance and better manage business risk.
• Attracts investment, enhances brand reputation and removes barriers to trade Certification to ISO 9001 will boost your organization’s brand reputation and can be a useful promotional tool. It sends a clear message to all interested parties that this is a company committed to high standards and continual improvement.
• Saves you money Evidence shows that the financial benefits for companies that have invested in and certified their quality management systems to ISO 9001 include operational efficiencies, increased sales, higher return on assets and greater profitability.
• Streamlines operations and reduces waste The assessment of your quality management system focuses on operating processes. This encourages organizations to improve the quality of products and the service provided and helps to reduces waste and customer complaints.
• Encourages internal communication and raises morale ISO 9001 ensures that employees feel more involved through improved communication. Continued Assessment visits can highlight any skills shortages sooner and uncover any teamwork issues.
• Increases customer satisfaction The ‘Plan, Do, Check, Act’ structure of ISO 9001 ensures that the needs of the customer are being considered and met.

2. ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System

With the alarm of global warming and its consequence the human society has become serious about the ecology and its preservation. ISO 14001 EMS helps to maintain the Environment around us, by following certain management standards. Companies adopting ISO 14001 EMS are well placed against their competitors and are duly recognized at the global level.

Environmental regulations are getting stricter, and so is the law enforcement. Customers and shareholders increasingly demand that businesses diminish the environmental impact from their business, demonstrate what they do, and how they improve. An Environmental Management System helps your organization to be in control of and successfully manage the most significant environmental aspects, e.g. emissions, waste-handling, utilize natural resources, and energy-efficiency.

An ISO 14001 implementation and certification proves that your Environmental Management System has been measured against a best practice standard and found compliant.

ISO 14001– It’s Key Benefits

• Improved environmental performance led by top management commitment
• Cost savings can be achieved through improved efficiencies in energy and water usage and through waste minimization
• Reduced risk of pollution incidents and other releases to the environment and therefore avoidance of unnecessary clean up costs and/or enforcement action by regulatory bodies
• Compliance with legislation through the identification of new legislation in adequate time to address appropriate issues
• Reduced risk of non-compliance with legislation and subsequent costs/prosecution
• Improved brand image as customers will see an organization that is in control of its impact on the environment
• Improved business focus and communication of environmental issues
• Improved profitability through costs reductions and improved customer satisfaction

3. OHSAS 18001 – Occupational Health and safety Assessment Series

Most of the leading companies in the world adopt OHSAS 18001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. It is very essential to maintain their Health and Safety Management principles and also to upkeep reputation in the global scene. Companies with the above systems have the necessary marketing edge and its helps them to stay in front when it comes to Employee Protection.

Your company’s firm commitment to protect the health and safety of your employees is a distinguishing factor in a competitive market. A certified Occupational Health and Safety Management System demonstrate your determination to safeguard your employees and the environment from harmful incidents.An OHSAS 18001 Standard Implementation proves that your management system has been measured against a best practice standard and found compliant.

What are the benefits of OHSAS 18001 registration?

• Customer satisfaction - through delivery of products that consistently meet customer requirements whilst safeguarding their health and property
• Reduced operating costs - by decreasing down-time through incidents and ill health and reducing costs associated with legal fees and compensation
• Improved stakeholder relationships - by safeguarding the health and property of staff, customers and suppliers
• Legal compliance - by understanding how statutory and regulatory requirements impact the organization and its customers
• Improved risk management - through clear identification of potential incidents and implementation of controls and measures
• Proven business credentials - through independent verification against recognized standards
• Ability to win more business - particularly where procurement specifications require certification as a condition to supply

4. ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management Systems

FSSC 22000:2010 is an international standard developed for the certification of Food Safety Management Systems for food manufacturers.It combines the requirements of ISO 22000:2005 (Food Safety Management Systems requirements) and PASS220:2008 (prerequisite programmes on food safety for food manufacturing).

The FSSC 22000:2010 scheme is fully recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GSFI), the benchmarking body for the harmonization of international food safety standards, along with other food safety management schemes like the BRC, IFS and SQF schemes. The strong element of ISO 22000:2005 in the standard makes it align with other generic management systems such as the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 to enable effective system integration.

Brief Background to FSMS 22000:2010

ISO 22000:2010 was not approved through the GSFI benchmarking process primarily because the requirement for prerequisite programmes for food manufacturing was not detailed in the standards, due largely to its ‘entire food chain’ coverage. This led to further work championed by the large food manufacturers including Kraft, Nestle, DANONE and Unilever under the aegis of the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the European Union (CIAA); that led to the introduction in 2008 of the PAS220:2008 (prerequisite programmes on food safety for food manufacturing).
The Foundation for Food safety developed and has ownership of the FSSC 22000:2010 standard based primarily on the combination of the requirements of ISO 22000:2005 and PAS220:2008. FSSC 22000:2010 has received full recognition by the GSFI having successfully passed through the benchmarking process. Licensed certification bodies like NQA can audit against the requirements and issue certificates for FSSC 22000:2010.

Who Should Use FSMS 22000:2010

Unlike ISO 22000:2010, which is applicable to all organizations along the food chain; FSSC 22000:2010 is specifically designed for food manufacturers. The scheme is intended for the audit and certification of the food safety management system of food manufacturers that process or manufacture:
• perishable animal products, excluding slaughtering and pre-slaughtering (i.e. meat, poultry, eggs, dairy and fish products).
• perishable vegetal products (i.e. fresh fruits and fresh juices, preserved fruits, fresh vegetables, preserved vegetables).
• products with long shelf life at ambient temperature (i.e. canned products, biscuits, snacks, oil, drinking water, beverages, pasta, flour, sugar, salt).
• (bio)chemical products for food manufacturing (i.e. vitamins additives and bio-cultures) but excluding technical and technological aids.
Note: transport and storage on site and as part of the operation are included (e.g. cheese ripening). It is applicable to all food manufacturing organizations in these categories, regardless of size and complexity, whether profit-making or not and whether public or private

Benefits of Achieving Certification to FSMS 22000:2010

• Customer satisfaction - through delivery of products that consistently meet customer requirements including quality, safety and legality
• Reduced operating costs - through continual improvement of processes and resulting operational efficiencies
• Operational efficiencies - by integrating pre-requisite programs (PRP’s & OPRP’s), HACCP with the Plan-Do-Check-Act philosophies of ISO 9001 to increase the effectiveness of the Food Safety Management System
• Improved stakeholder relationships - including staff, customers and suppliers
• Legal compliance - by understanding how statutory and regulatory requirements impact the organization and its customers and testing compliance through internal audits and management reviews
• Improved risk management - through greater consistency and traceability of product
• Proven business credentials - through independent verification against recognized standards.

5. ISO/IEC 27001 Certification - Information Security Management Systems

ISO/IEC 27001 is the international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).It is based largely upon the previously adopted BS 7799 used commonly since 1995 for managing information securityISO/IEC 27001 provides the framework for a technology neutral, vendor-neutral management system that enables an organisation to assure itself that its information security measures are effective. This includes the continued accessibility, confidentiality and integrity of its own information and that of its stakeholders as well as legal compliance.Implementation of ISO 27001 is an ideal response to legal requirements and potential security threats such as:

• Vandalism / terrorism
• Fire
• Misuse
• Theft
• Viral attack

ISO/IEC 27001 is structured to be easily compatible with other management systems standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Whilst there are some clause numbering differences, common elements include documentation, review and audit requirements, enabling an organisation to develop a largely integrated management system.Whilst modern communication mediums mean that most ISMS systems are focused on ICT, ISO 27001 is equally applicable to other forms of information, such as paper records, images, and even conversations.

Who is ISO/IEC 27001 applicable

ISO/IEC 27001 is applicable to any organisation where the misuse, corruption, or loss of its business or customer information could result in major commercial prejudice.ISA has registered organisations to ISO/IEC 27001 in sectors as diverse as storage and warehousing, secure destruction, telecommunications, advertising, financial outsourcing and software development.

Benefits of ISO/IEC 27001 certification.

• Customer satisfaction - by giving confidence that their personal information is protected and confidentiality upheld
• Business continuity - through management of risk, legal compliance and vigilance of future security issues and concerns
• Legal compliance - by understanding how statutory and regulatory requirements impact the organization and its customers
• mproved risk management - through a systematic framework for ensuring customer records, financial information and intellectual property are protected from loss, theft and damage
• Proven business credentials - through independent verification against recognized standards
• Ability to win more business - particularly where procurement specifications require certification as a condition to supply Ability to win more business - particularly where procurement specifications require certification as a condition to supply.

6. ISO 13485 –Medical Devices - QMS

ISO 13485 is an international standard that defines quality management system requirements for manufacturers of medical devices. ISO 13485 contains requirements essential for organizations operating at any tier in the medical devices and pharmaceutical supply chain. The primary objective of the standard is to facilitate harmonized medical device regulatory requirements and as a result, it includes some particular requirements for manufacture, installation and servicing such as added requirements on record-control, sterilization and risk management.

It is based on ISO 9001. In particular, the requirements for customer satisfaction and continual improvement have been modified to make them more appropriate for regulatory purposes.

Organizations can register to ISO 13485 as a standalone or in conjunction with an ISO 9001 or other registration. An ISO 13485 certification from us demonstrates your organization's commitment to provide products and related services that consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements applicable to the medical industry.

Benefits of ISO 13485 Certification

• ISO 13485 promotes harmonization of regulatory requirements for manufacturers of medical devices on an international scale.
• A number of countries have incorporated ISO 13485 into their regulatory systems. Compliance with ISO 13485 can be used in support of regulatory compliance.
• It incorporates many of the quality management principles and delivers the benefits of an ISO 9001 based quality management system.
• Creates a competitive advantage
• Ensures a consistent and effective approach to business management
• Reduces risk factors via the use of risk management techniques
• Engages top management involvement
• Provides a robust framework for assuring product consistency

7. ISO 50001:2011

ISO 50001:2011 is the International Standard for Energy Management, released in June 2011 that replaces the British and European Standard BS EN 16001:2009.It provides the most robust framework for optimizing energy efficiency in public and private sector organisations. Certification to this standard defines an organisations commitment to continual improvement in energy management. Implementation will enable an organisation to lead by example within their respective industries and ensure related legislative and regulatory requirements are met.

Who is ISO 50001 applicable to?

Organisations of all types and sizes can benefit from energy and cost efficiencies through the implementation of this standard.
What are the benefit of ISO 50001 certification?
• Significant financial savings can be achieved through increased energy efficiency. (Ofgem forecast energy prices will rise by at least 20% by 2020)
• Enhanced marketing capabilities. Make your business stand out.
• ISO 50001 is the most robust energy management system, enabling organisations continual improvements on energy performance
• Organisations can ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• System Compatibility; ISO 50001 can be integrated with existing management systems
• If registered to ISO 14001, the ‘basic framework’ is already there
• Ensure best practice energy management systems are in place
• BS EN 16001 framework facilitates the management of energy bills and expenditure.

How to gain certification to ISO 50001?

• Applications for certification can be made by completing the EnMS questionnaire
• Assessment to ISO 50001 is undertaken by ISA. This consists of two mandatory visits which form the Initial Certification Audit
• Certification is granted by ISA and maintained by the client. Maintenance is confirmed through a programme of annual surveillance visits and a re-certification audit every three years.

8. CE Marking

CE Marking is the symbol as shown on the top of this page. The letters "CE" are the abbreviation of French phrase "Conformity European" which literally means "European Conformity". The term initially used was "EC Mark" and it was officially replaced by "CE Marking" in the Directive 93/68/EEC in 1993. "CE Marking" is now used in all EU official documents.

"CE Mark" is also in use, but it is NOT the official term. For instance, in the Directive 2007/47/ec, of 5 September 2007, amending the directives 90/385/eec, 93/42/eec & 98/8/ec, the term CE Marking appears 9 times whereas CE Mark appears nowhere in the entire 35-page document.

1. CE Marking on a product is a manufacturer's declaration that the product complies with the essential requirements of the relevant European health, safety and environmental protection legislation, in practice by many of the so-called Product Directives.* *Product Directives contains the "essential requirements" and/or "performance levels" and "Harmonized Standards" to which the products must conform. Harmonized Standards are the technical specifications (European Standards or Harmonization Documents) which are established by several European standards agencies (CEN, CENELEC, etc).CEN stands for European Committee for Standardization. CENELEC stands for European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization.
2. CE Marking on a product indicates to governmental officials that the product may be legally placed on the market in their country.
3. CE Marking on a product ensures the free movement of the product within the EFTA & European Union (EU) single market (total 28 countries), and
4. CE Marking on a product permits the withdrawal of the non-conforming products by customs and enforcement/vigilance authorities. Along with more directives' becoming effective, more and more products are required to bear the CE Marking for gaining access to the EFTA & European Union market. However, many non-EU exporters are still unaware of or unsure about this fact and its impact on their business

9. SA 8000 -Social Accountability

How can you Show that you’re Fully Committed to Social Accountability?
SA 8000 is an international certification standard that encourages organizations to develop, maintain and apply socially acceptable practices in the workplace.
The areas SA 8000 addresses include forced and child labor, occupational health and safety, freedom of association and collective bargaining, discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours, compensation and management systems.
As well as setting workplace standards worldwide, SA 8000 also embraces existing international agreements, including conventions from the International Labor Organization, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Benefits of SA 8000 Certification Standard.

• Proves your commitment to social accountability and to treating your employees ethically and in compliance with global standards.
• Improves the management and performance of your supply chain.
• Allows you to ensure compliance with global standards and reduce the risk of negligence, public exposure and possible litigation.
• Supports your corporate vision and build and reinforce the loyalty of your employees, customers and stakeholders.
• Enables you to demonstrate proper social accountability when bidding for international contracts or expanding locally to accommodate new business.

How to gain certification to SA 8000 ?

• Applications for certification can be made by completing the SA 8000 questionnaire
• Assessment to SA 8000 is undertaken by ISA. This consists of two mandatory visits which form the Initial Certification Audit
• Certification is granted by ISA and maintained by the client. Maintenance is confirmed through a programme of annual surveillance visits and a re-certification audit every three years.

10. TS 16949 – Automotive Industries

TS 16949 is the International Quality Management Standard specifically written by the Automotive Industry.
In a concerted effort to improve quality and assure the integrity of supplies to the industry. Subscribers to the standard include BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, PSA, Renault and Volkswagen.
The introduction of TS 16949 has resulted in substantial improvements in all aspects of quality, delivery and overall efficiency throughout the supply chain. It has also reduced the requirement for multiple audits of manufacturers.
The International Automotive Task Force (IATF), which members include nine major OEMs, is committed to ensuring that TS 16949 remains the automotive quality systems standard for the future.

Who is TS 16949 applicable to?

The standard is applicable to any organisation within the automotive supply chain that manufactures and / or adds value to parts for supply to the automotive industry.

What are the benefits of certification to TS 16949?

• Global recognition as a reputable supplier - certification is recognized and accepted throughout the automotive supply chain as an industry benchmark
• Customer satisfaction - through delivery of products that consistently meet customer requirements
• Reduced cost of compliance with customer specifications - through implementation of a single management system and reduced audit requirements
• Reduced operating costs - through continual improvement of processes and resulting operational efficiencies
• Improved stakeholder relationships - including staff, customers and suppliers
• Legal compliance - by understanding how statutory and regulatory requirements impact the organization and its customers
• Improved risk management - through greater consistency and traceability of products and services
• Proven business credentials - through independent verification against recognized standards
• Ability to win more business - particularly where procurement specifications require certification as a condition to supply

How to gain certification to TS 16949

The process of registration follows three simple steps:
• Application for registration is made by completing the application questionnaire
• The NQA assessment is undertaken by qualified TS 16949 auditors. The assessment activity includes a Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit. The organisation must be able to demonstrate that it has 12 months performance data for the manufacture of automotive products, has been subject of a full cycle of internal audits and full management review. (Organisations who can demonstrate they are on an active bid list and / or do not yet have a full 12 months performance data may apply for a Letter of Conformance)
• Registration is granted by NQA and maintained by the organisation. Maintenance is confirmed through a programme of annual surveillance visits and a three yearly re-certification audit.