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Why Should Electronic Manufacturers Be ISO Certified?

In the world of electronics, manufacturers must meet certain standards to be able to produce and sell products. One of these standards is ISO certification. 

If you’re in the business of manufacturing electronic products, it’s likely that you’ve been asked to get ISO certified at some point. ISO certification is a common requirement for many customers, and it can be something of a challenge if you’re not familiar with the process.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what ISO certification is, the different types of ISO certification for electronic manufacturers, and the benefits of getting certified.

What are ISO certifications?

ISO, or the International Organization for Standardization, is an independent, non-governmental organization that develops and publishes international standards. These standards provide requirements, specifications, and guidelines that can be used to ensure consistent quality in products and services across a wide range of industries. 

There are over 21,000 ISO standards in existence today, covering everything from quality management to environmental protection. And while not all of these standards are relevant to the electronic manufacturing industry, there are a few that are particularly important for businesses in this sector. 

Which ISO standards are relevant to electronic manufacturers? 

There are two main ISO standards that are relevant to electronic manufacturers: 

ISO 9001: This standard cover quality management systems and is the most widely used ISO standard in the world. It provides a framework for businesses to develop and implement policies and procedures for ensuring the consistent quality of their products and services.

ISO 13485: This standard covers medical devices and provides requirements for quality management systems specifically tailored to the needs of the medical device industry. 

Why is ISO certification important for electronic manufacturers?

There are a few reasons why ISO certification is important for businesses in the electronic manufacturing industry:

1. Many customers require it

A lot of businesses that purchase products from electronic manufacturers require their suppliers to be ISO certified. This is because ISO certification is seen as a mark of quality, and it provides customers with reassurance that the products they’re buying meet international standards.

2. It can help you win new business

If you’re not ISO certified and your competitors are, you may find it difficult to win new business. This is because many businesses will only work with suppliers that are ISO certified, so being certified can give you a competitive advantage.

3. It can improve your efficiency

Implementing an ISO quality management system can help you to streamline your operations and make your business more efficient. This is because ISO standards provide a framework for businesses to develop and implement policies and procedures that are designed to improve quality and efficiency.

4. It can help you to avoid costly mistakes

ISO certification can help you to avoid making costly mistakes, as it requires businesses to put systems and procedures in place to prevent errors and defects in their products.

5. It can improve your reputation

ISO certification can improve the reputation of your business, as it shows that you’re committed to meeting international standards. This can help to build trust with your customers and make them more likely to do business with you.

Who Shouldn't Use ISO Standards?

There are a few businesses that shouldn’t use ISO standards, including:

1. Businesses that can’t meet the requirements

If you’re not able to meet the requirements of an ISO standard, then it’s not worth becoming certified. This is because you won’t be able to maintain your certification if you’re not able to meet the standards, and this could damage your reputation.

2. Businesses that don’t need it

If you don’t have customers that require ISO certification, then there’s no need for your business to become certified. This is because becoming certified can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it’s only worth doing if it’s going to benefit your business.

3. Businesses that are already certified

If you’re already certified to another standard, such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001, then there’s no need to also become certified to ISO 27001. This is because the requirements of ISO 27001 are already covered by other standards, so becoming certified to this standard would be a duplication of effort.

4. Businesses that don’t sell products

If your business doesn’t sell products, then there’s no need to become certified to ISO 13485. This standard is specifically for businesses that manufacture medical devices, so it’s not relevant to businesses that don’t sell products.

5. Businesses that don’t have a continuity plan

If your business doesn’t have a continuity plan, then there’s no need to become certified to ISO 22301. This standard is for businesses that want to be prepared for disruptions to their operations, so if you don’t have a plan in place, then certification isn’t going to help you.

Final Thoughts

ISO certification is important for businesses in the electronic manufacturing industry for a number of reasons. It can help you to win new business, improve your efficiency, and avoid making costly mistakes. However, there are a few businesses that shouldn’t use ISO standards, including those that can’t meet the requirements, don’t need it, or are already certified to another standard.

At ECI Technology, we are a leading provider of electronic manufacturing services and we are ISO 9001:2015 certified. Whether you’re looking for PCB fabrication, cable assembly, or box build assembly, we can help. 

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business.

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