Maintaining your ISO certification is just as important as obtaining it. Beyond ensuring your company continues to benefit from the best practices associated with the ISO standard, proper maintenance prevents setbacks during recertification audits. Here’s a complete checklist to keep your ISO certification up to date.
1. Conduct Regular Internal Audits
Internal audits are essential for assessing process compliance and identifying improvement opportunities before external audits. Create a schedule and involve different departments.
2. Keep Your Records Updated
Well-documented records demonstrate your company’s commitment to meeting certification requirements. This includes training records, non-conformities, improvements, and equipment maintenance logs.
3. Engage Your Team
The success of a management system depends on everyone’s involvement. Hold regular training sessions to ensure the team understands their responsibilities in fulfilling ISO requirements.
4. Monitor Performance Indicators
Define clear and relevant indicators for the management system’s objectives. Analyze them frequently to ensure your company is on the right track.
5. Stay Compliant with Regulatory and Market Changes
Keep up with applicable regulations in your sector and potential updates to ISO standards that may impact your certification.
6. Regularly Review the Management System
Perform management reviews to evaluate the system’s effectiveness and implement improvements as needed. This step is crucial to demonstrate the leadership’s commitment.
7. Prepare for External Audits
Get your team and documentation ready well in advance for surveillance or recertification audits. This minimizes the risk of unexpected non-conformities.
Maintaining your ISO certification is an ongoing effort but essential to ensuring the benefits it brings to your company. Need assistance in this process? Contact Kcertification to learn more about our auditing and certification services.