International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 167 national standards bodies. Founded in 1947, ISO's primary purpose is to facilitate the development of international standards and related activities to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems.
History
- Foundation: ISO was established on February 23, 1947, in London. It succeeded the International Federation of the National Standardizing Associations (ISA), which was founded in 1926.
- Initial Focus: Initially, ISO focused on standards related to mechanical engineering, but over time, its scope has broadened to cover almost all aspects of technology and manufacturing.
Structure and Function
- Membership: ISO comprises national standards institutes from various countries, which are either members or correspondents. Full members, known as "member bodies," have voting rights on technical and policy matters.
- Technical Committees: ISO operates through numerous technical committees (TCs) and subcommittees, which are responsible for developing and maintaining standards. Each TC focuses on a specific area, such as quality management, environmental management, or information technology.
- Standards Development: The development of ISO standards involves a multistage process including proposal, preparatory, committee, enquiry, approval, and publication stages. This process ensures that standards are developed with input from all interested parties.
Key Standards
- ISO 9000 Series: Focuses on quality management systems, helping organizations ensure they meet customer and other stakeholder needs within statutory and regulatory requirements related to a product or service.
- ISO 14000 Series: Deals with environmental management, providing practical tools for companies looking to manage their environmental responsibilities.
- ISO/IEC 27000 Series: Pertains to information security management systems, helping to protect information assets and ensure business continuity.
Impact
ISO standards impact nearly every industry, from automotive to healthcare. They facilitate international trade by ensuring compatibility and interoperability of products, processes, and services across borders. This harmonization reduces trade barriers and opens up markets for businesses.
External Links
Related Topics