The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) created the internationally recognized standard SO/IEC 17020:2012, which outlines the standards for the proficiency of inspection bodies as well as the objectivity and consistency of their inspection operations. It covers all inspection stages and inspection bodies of type A, B, or C as specified in ISO/IEC 17020:2012.
To receive ISO 17020 accreditation, the inspection body must show that it complies with the standards in practice and provide ISO 17020 accreditation documents as proof of this. These requirements cover things like the staff’s proficiency, the equipment’s sufficiency, and the suitability of the inspection techniques and protocols. Requirements for neutrality, privacy, handling of complaints, and ongoing development are also included.
Advantages of ISO 17020 Accreditation
A certification or compliance requirement, ISO 17020 accreditation offers various advantages that can greatly improve an inspection body’s performance, marketability, and reputation. Below is a summary of some of the main advantages that ISO 17020 accreditation provides:
- Increased Credibility: Receiving ISO 17020 accreditation demonstrates to stakeholders and clients that your inspection body conducts its business with expertise, objectivity, and uniform inspection procedures. It increases the legitimacy and trustworthiness of your offerings.
- Access to New Markets: A lot of industries and clients, particularly those in regulated fields like safety, healthcare, or environmental protection, require or favour employing inspection services certified to ISO 17020. Accreditation can therefore lead to new opportunities and markets.
- Increased Operational Efficiency: The process of becoming accredited under ISO 17020 and keeping it that way promotes ongoing evaluation and enhancement of your operations. As a result, your inspection services become more effective, consistent, and efficient.
- Decreased Risk: Compliance with ISO 17020 accreditation offers a strong foundation for identifying and controlling the risks related to inspection operations. Ensuring that the inspection body can produce precise, accurate, and consistent results, helps to reduce the likelihood of errors and the expenses that come with them.
- Customer Satisfaction: Enhanced customer satisfaction is the result of ISO 17020, which places equal emphasis on the technical proficiency of the inspection body and other factors like complaint handling and confidentiality, both of which are closely linked to customer satisfaction. Inspection bodies can improve customer relations and strengthen their customer service by adhering to these guidelines.
- International Recognition: The ISO 17020 standard is accepted all around the world. Your inspection body satisfies global standards for proficiency and quality if it is accredited to this standard. For inspection organizations hoping to market their services abroad, this can be especially advantageous.
- Legal Compliance: Laws may stipulate that an inspection body must hold ISO 17020 accreditation to conduct certain kinds of inspections. Therefore, accreditation guarantees adherence to these legal mandates.
- Competitive Advantage: An inspection body might stand out from the competition by obtaining ISO 17020 accreditation. In addition to giving the inspection body a major competitive advantage, it communicates its dedication to quality, dependability, and ongoing progress.
In conclusion, ISO 17020 accreditation offers a wide range of advantages that when taken as a whole improve an inspection body’s marketability, competitiveness, efficiency, credibility, and risk management. It’s an investment that yields benefits including heightened confidence, more efficiency, and more prospects for business.