THE International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) just published annual survey reports continued strong demand for quality and environmental management systems certifications.
ISO 9001, which specifies the requirements for quality management systems, is now established as the globally implemented standard for organisations wishing to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and regulatory requirements and aims to enhance customer satisfaction in supplier-customer relationships.
Internationally the number of ISO 9001 certificates grew from 774,000 certificates issued in 161 countries, to 898,000 certificates issued in 170 countries, a 16% increase. The top five countries for ISO 9001 certificates were China, Italy, Japan, Spain and Germany.
Australia ranked 11th, with 17,440 certificates, up from 16,922 in the previous year.
ISO 14001:2004, which gives the requirements for environmental management systems, confirms its global relevance for organisations wishing to operate in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Internationally the number of certificates grew from 111,000 certificates issued in 138 countries, to 129,000 certificates issued in 140 countries, representing a 16% increase.
The top five countries for ISO 9001 certificates were Japan, China, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Australia ranked 15th, with 1,964 certificates, up from 1,778 in the previous year.
ISO 27001
For the first time the survey collected information on ISO 27001, a standard for assessing information security management systems (ISMS).
The survey reports 5,800 certificates issued in 64 countries. Japan accounts for 65% of these certificates. Australia ranked 9th with 59 ISMS certificates.
JAS-ANZ Director Technical Services Steve Keeling said quality and environmental management systems certifications account for a significant proportion of JAS-ANZ accredited certificates, “And this continued growth in demand is consistent with the demand for JAS-ANZ’s services in Australia, NZ and internationally.”
Professor Amrik Sohal of the Australian Supply Chain Management Research Unit at Monash University said the ISO survey reinforces growing awareness of the benefits that quality management systems can deliver to organisations.
“In 2005-06, with support from JAS-ANZ, we completed a major study into the implementation of ISO 9000 in Australia.
“The research indicated that quality management systems certified to ISO 9001 had positive impacts right across organisations, and in particular in the areas of product performance, on time delivery, brand image, market share, sales, price competitiveness, cost effectiveness, and product innovation,” Sohal said.
The survey is available from www.iso.org/iso/pressrelease.htm?refid=Ref1089.
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