Overlooking an ISO Certification Can Mean Serious Problems. Here’s why.

Effective April 1, 2010, all CMC’s (Certified Management Consultants) certified by the Institute of Management Consultants (Washington, D.C.) are now certified by the International Organization for Standardization ISO (Geneva, Switzerland).

How might this impact a U.S. company’s competitiveness?

Today, the U.S., as well as foreign companies seeking business in the European Community (EC) are expected to be ISO certified.  ISO (International Organization for Standardization)—a non-governmental organization—is the world’s largest developer and publisher of International Standards.  From ISO9000 to the broad spectrum of other standardizations, the necessity for becoming certified is critical when a company wishes to partner with businesses that sell to European governments.

Why is it critical? The EC through the ISO has tried to standardize all company organizational, operational and professional standards so that they conform to the highest possible level of competency. They do not demand that companies adhere to them, rather they ensure it’s difficult for companies not to adhere.

Uncertified companies – or those that work with certified companies – put their own European (and many Asian) companies at risk of losing competitive project bids with governmental or companies that work with governmental agencies in Europe.  For Americans, that could include any manufacturer, service provider, etc.: Raytheon, Bank of America/Chase, Avery Dennison, GE – large and small companies alike.

Imagine if you were a U.S. company seeking to sell a school system in Germany. The ISO standards would be expected from that vendor.  If they are not ISO certified, a company that is would have a significant competitive advantage over the other.

Why is it important for a professional service company such as Strategic Planning & Implementation to achieve the ISO certification?

Answer:  To ensure that our client’s company remains competitive and is able to do business with any company – specifically American companies with overseas offices.

Today, the Institute of Management Consultants is the US certifying body for management consultants.  Whether your company has historically used another consulting firm – even companies as large as the Boston Consulting Group, Coopers, etc. the power of the ISO to reward or compromise a company’s competitiveness and ability to do business will continue to become more and more important.

What do you think about ISO certifications? Are you certified? If so, how has your business benefited? We’d love to hear your thoughts.