Title: Chapter 4 Introduction
Course: Canvas Practice Course > Section: Week 1, 23 March to 26 March

KEY CONCEPTS

ISO 9000 is an ideal quality system for facilities that are serious about quality. It is also a requirement for any facility that expects to have business transactions with the European Union market and many other markets worldwide. Certification also provides a facility with a strong competitive edge. These, along with the quality system benefits previously cited, make achievement of ISO 9000 standards a powerful strategic business tool.

ISO standards contribute to making the development, manufacturing and supply of products and services more efficient, safer and cleaner. They make trade between countries easier and fairer. They provide governments with a technical base for health, safety and environmental legislation. They aid in transferring technology to developing countries. ISO standards also serve to safeguard consumers, and users in general, of products and services. When things go well--for example, when systems, machinery and devices work well and safely--then it is because they conform to standards. And the organization responsible for many thousands of the standards which benefit society worldwide is ISO.