The implementation and certification process of a management system based on ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or any other standard requires an enormous amount of effort by everyone in an organization. Therefore, after finally obtaining the desired ISO certificate the organization will surely want to tell the world about it!
There are many ways an organization can advertise that their management system(s) comply with a specific ISO certification and that they have a certificate that proves it! Here are some ideas on how to do it:
Within the organization:
- It is important to let all the organization’s employees know that their effort paid off. They can be rewarded with items such as mugs, coolers, t-shirts with the organization’s logo and a message such as “ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system”.
- A breakfast or brunch can be organized in recognition of the ISO certification achievement.
- Sending an e-mail to all employees announcing the achievement.
- The certificate may be displayed in the organizations front lobby.
- A flag or banner can be displayed on the organization’s main entrance to promote the certification.
Outside the organization:
- A press release can be distributed to the local media, industrial magazines and other newsletters to announce that the organization’s management system has been certified.
- A letter or e-mail can be sent to customers and suppliers and even a reception can be organize to celebrate the achievement.
- The achievement can be announced on the organization’s website, Facebook and Twitter account.
- Messages announcing the certification can be added on the graphics of the organization’s vehicles.
There are many other ways to advertise the organization’s certification of their management system.
However, there are many mistakes organizations make when promoting their certification. An organization has to seek guidance from their Certification Body (CB) in order to avoid these mistakes. Here are some of the most common ones:
- The International Organization for Standardization’s logo can not be used under any circumstance.
- If it’s necessary, the advertisement should mention the scope of the certification (in the cases where one site or one process of the organization has been certified)
- Phrases such as “ISO Certification” should be avoided; it’s essential to be specific about which standard has the organization’s management system been certified to (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, etc)
- The organization’s certification logo can not be used in their products. These certifications certify management systems, not products nor services.
Organizations should feel proud of achieving certification of their management system and with their CB’s guidance they should find the right and the best ways to promote it.
ISO Terms Explained
To the novice quality manager, ISO jargon can be extremely overwhelming. What is an NCR? What do you mean by OFI? Are we certified or accredited? But before you go and pull out your hair, let’s take a moment to go over some of the most frequently used terms and their definitions with regards to ISO and Management System Certification.
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