What is ISO?

What is ISO?

Founded on February 23, 1947, in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Organization for Standardization, commonly known as ISO, is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. 

The primary purpose of ISO is to develop and publish international standards to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems across different industries. The process of creating these standards involves input from experts, industry representatives, government bodies, and other stakeholders. The ISO provides a common framework and set of guidelines that help facilitate international trade, promote innovation, and enhance the interoperability of products and services worldwide.

ISO standards cover a broad range of fields, including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and more and they address specifications for products, processes, and systems, promoting consistency and compatibility on a global scale.

Although ISO standards do not have legal authority on their own, many countries have adopted them as part of their national standards, and compliance with these standards often becomes a requirement for certain industries or products.

What is ISO 9000?

ISO 9000 is a family of standards that outline the fundamentals and vocabulary used in quality management systems (QMS) and consists of several standards, with ISO 9001 being the most prominent. The ISO 9000 standards are applicable to organizations of all sizes and industries and emphasize principles such as customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decision-making, and relationship management and its goal is to enhance customer satisfaction, meet regulatory requirements, and continually improve organizational processes and performance.

The ISO 9000 family:

1. The ISO 9000 standard provides an overview of the concepts and terms used in quality management and serves as a foundation for the ISO 9000 series. It does not contain requirements for certification but offers guidance on quality management principles.
2. The ISO 9001 standard is the core standard in the ISO 9000 family. It sets out the criteria for a quality management system and is used by organizations to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. 
3. The ISO 9004 standard provides guidelines for enhancing the performance of an organization beyond the requirements of ISO 9001. It focuses on sustained success and continual improvement.

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is the most widely recognized standard in the ISO 9000 family and focuses on the establishment and maintenance of a Quality Management System which is a set of policies, processes, documented procedures, and records that define how an organization can ensure that its products and services meet customer needs and expectations consistently.

Telling Rainscreens and ISO 9001

At Telling Rainscreens, our ISO 9001 certification is a testament to our commitment to quality management systems and continuous improvement within our organization. Here are several key arguments outlining our adherence to ISO 9001 standards:

• Documented Quality Management System (QMS): Telling Rainscreens has established and maintains a robust Quality Management System, which is documented and adhered to at all levels within the organization and that outlines procedures, processes, and responsibilities to ensure consistency and efficiency in our operations.

• Customer Focus: We prioritize customer satisfaction and are dedicated to meeting and exceeding their expectations. Our processes are designed with the customer in mind, and we regularly seek feedback to improve our products and services.

• Leadership and Organizational Commitment: Our leadership team is fully committed to quality and actively promotes a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization and they provide the necessary resources, support, and guidance to ensure the effective implementation of our QMS.

• Employee Involvement: Our employees are vital to the success of our QMS. This is why we encourage their active participation and feedback and provide training and development opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. 

• Process Approach: At Telling Rainscreens, we adopt a systematic approach to managing our processes, which are regularly monitored, measured, and analysed for effectiveness and any deviations or non-conformities are promptly addressed through corrective and preventive actions.

• Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Our decision-making processes are informed by data and evidence obtained through performance monitoring, internal audits, and customer feedback. This ensures that our actions are objective, transparent, and aligned with our quality objectives.

• Continuous Improvement: We are committed to continuously improving our processes, products, and services. Through regular reviews and evaluations, we identify opportunities for enhancement and implement proactive measures to drive efficiency and effectiveness.

• External Audits and Certification: Our compliance with ISO 9001 standards is verified through regular external audits conducted by accredited certification bodies. 

What we are currently working on

As part of our commitment to trade and grow sustainably, with care, responsibility and respect for the environment, Telling Rainscreens, are currently in the process of becoming  ISO 14001 accredited.