Blog

Safety practices are necessary to run a testing or calibration centre. ISO 17025 is the most effective standard that offers relevant procedures and policies for running a testing house and producing valid results. When the growing competition in the testing and calibration centre is evident, it is important to gain a competitive advantage and secure a market position. ISO 17025 is the easiest mechanism for increasing the competitive barrier, as it helps stakeholders to comprehend the ultimate objectives of the fundamental service of calibration or testing companies.

The international standard is known for enabling laboratories in operating competently to supply reliable results before the expected time frame. To implement a system according to the conditions of the standard, the ISO 17025 certification process needs to be pursued with precision.

The process allows the stakeholders to learn more about the testing and calibration methods, devices, and other associated aspects. Gradually all the internal departments become proactive and engage in the decision-making process. Accomplishing the process is the key to achieving 100% compliance. If you fail to adhere to the regulatory terms and conditions, you may face government intervention followed by steep penalties.

The following blog will discuss some of the significant facts regarding the certification and the process.

Why Is ISO 17025 Necessary?

• It is the widely acknowledged quality management system, which fits the safety and result processing procedures successfully. Therefore, stakeholders get better vision and assistance for performance.

• As the standard helps meet customer requirements and shows clear guidance on the application of different technical methods, the stakeholders automatically become competitive, and their performance becomes more reliable to the target market.

• Profit is a crucial aspect of any business organisation. With constant delivery of valid results, a company gradually strengthens its competitive edge, which affects the profit margin. With time, the number of customers increases, and a steady income is achieved.

• The certification plays a key role in improving the brand name. Consequently, a company gets the opportunity to enjoy market expansion.

What is the ISO 17025 certification process?

You need to follow certain steps to achieve compliance with ISO 17025 certification. They are as follows –

Step 1 Know Your Audience and Identify Their Requirements

You cannot beat the market competition if you cannot identify and predict customer expectations. First, determine who are your audience and what are their demands. For laboratories, the common expectation is to receive reliable reports as fast as possible. The client appreciates a valid result before the promised deadline. Besides, there are certain requirements as per different testing sectors. Your laboratory’s unique selling proposition must be determined with SMART objectives. It will clear any doubts your stakeholders may hold, increase their awareness, and consequently make them more proactive.

Step 2 Understand the Requirements of ISO 17025 and Implement Them

Comprehending the clauses of ISO 17025 is necessary before proceeding with the implementation. The fundamental requirements are –

• Organisational context and scope of the system of ISO 17025

• Policies and objectives

• Determining resources – technical facilities, devices, environmental conditions, metrological traceability, and external products

• Leadership and employee training from time to time

• Operations

• Inspection, supervision, and review of the system after the modifications

• Review meetings

• Continual improvement

These are the necessary legal criteria to fulfill before implementing the system.

Step 3 Develop Quality Management

The sole purpose of ISO 17025 is to build a quality management system, which will successfully exceed the satisfaction level of the customers. In step 3, a laboratory or testing centre must design, develop, and enforce a sustainable and effective QMS system.

Step 4 NATA Assessment

The NATA assessment plays a crucial role in the process. The assessment helps to determine whether customers can rely on the test results or not. For providing complete assurance, the assessment is necessary. Without the professional presence and their advice, the assessment program should not be conducted.

Step 5 Internal Audit and Readiness Check

The final step is performing an internal audit and readiness review to inspect the progress and determine if the target has been accomplished or not. To get the ISO 17025 certification, the readiness of the system needs to be evaluated, so that the external audit and registration takes minimum time. Through an internal audit, the financial progress due to the modifications is counted. The review, on the other hand, highlights the areas that still need corrections.

To achieve all the above steps without any failure, contact us at Compliancehelp. We are Australia’s premium site for achieving any ISO certification. Our personalised solutions are ready to guide you through the seemingly exhausting ISO 17025 certification process without any difficulties.