ISO, most of us are confronted with this term at various times, and yet cannot claim to fully grasp all it entails. So, we at bangalorebest took it upon ourselves to demystify the vague aura around ISO, and take an in depth look at this much talked about phrase in corporate circles all over.

We spoke to those in the know-how at NVT Quality Certification, a reputed firm with its tie up in Netherlands. Shankar Diwakar was kind enough to answer our volley of questions about everything you ever wanted to know about ISO, and a few more, so read on and stay in the know!

What is the ISO?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies from some 130 countries, one from each country. It is a non-governmental organization established in 1947.

What does the ISO stand for?

International Organization for Standardization - its name is not an acronym but is derived from the Greek isos, meaning "equal", which is the root of the prefix "iso-" that occurs in a host of terms.

What is the Mission of ISO?

The mission of ISO is - "To promote the development of standardization and related activities in the world with a view to facilitating the international exchange of goods and services, and to developing cooperation in the spheres of intellectual, scientific, technological and economic activity."

What led to the origin and establishment of ISO?

The existence of non-harmonized standards for similar technologies in different countries or regions can contribute to so-called "technical barriers to trade". Export-minded industries have long sensed the need to agree on world standards to help rationalize the international trading process. This was the origin of the establishment of ISO.

What are standards?

Standards are documented agreements with technical specifications or other precise criteria to be used consistently as rules or guidelines, ensuring that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose. International Standards thus contributes to making life simpler, and to increasing the reliability and effectiveness of the goods and services we use. The first ISO standard was published in 1951.

How are ISO standards developed?

ISO standards are developed according to consensus of the views of manufacturers, vendors and users, consumer groups, testing laboratories, governments, engineering professions and research organizations. Industry-wide norms provide global solutions to satisfy industries and customers worldwide. Also, international standardization is market-driven.

How often are standards upgraded and why?

Most standards require periodic revision due to technological evolution, which calls for new methods and materials, new quality and safety requirements. Therefore, all ISO standards should be reviewed at intervals of not more than five years. ISO and many of its members are actively involved in consulting and training services.

What are the various fields in which standardization has been established?

International standardization is well-established for many technologies in such diverse fields as information processing and communications, textiles, packaging, distribution of goods, energy production and utilization, shipbuilding, banking and financial services. It will continue to grow in importance for all sectors of industrial activity in the foreseeable future. Users have more confidence in products and services that conform to International Standards. Assurance of conformity can be provided by manufacturers' declarations, or by audits carried out by independent bodies.

Could you give us some examples of ISO standards that have been employed?

Some examples of ISO standards that have been widely adopted, giving clear benefits to industry, trade and consumers are: The ISO international codes for country names, currencies and languages, the universal system of measurement known as SI, Paper sizes, Symbols for automobile controls, Safety of wire ropes, and Telephone and Banking cards

Also tens of thousands of businesses are implementing ISO 9000, which provides a framework for quality management and quality assurance. The ISO 14000 series provides a similar framework for environmental management.

For more information, contact:
NVT QUALITY CERTIFICATION PVT LTD.
CAP-1, Export Promotion Industrial Park,
Near ITPL, Whitefield,
Bangalore – 560 066, India.

PHONE : +91 – 80 – 6534 3536 / 37 / 38

FAX : +91 – 80 – 2841 6767

E-MAIL : nvt@nvtquality.com

WEBSITE : www.nvtquality.com

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