Articles Tagged with

ISO 22301

Home / ISO 22301
Learning
Article, News

Integrated Management Systems: How Combining ISO Standards Drives Efficiency and Growth

Managing multiple ISO standards separately can be cumbersome. Separate manuals, overlapping procedures and multiple audits eat up time and resources. An integrated management system (IMS) simplifies this complexity by combining the requirements of different standards into a single framework. For growing businesses seeking efficiency and a competitive edge, integrating standards is becoming the norm.

Why integration matters

ISO standards share many common elements: the Plan‑Do‑Check‑Act cycle, leadership commitment, risk‑based thinking and documented information requirements. When organisations maintain separate systems for quality, environment, health and safety or information security, they often duplicate processes and policies. For example, one department might conduct a risk assessment for ISO 9001 while another performs a similar exercise for ISO 14001. An IMS aligns these activities, eliminating redundancy and allowing resources to be focused on improvement rather than administration.

Synergies between standards

Combining ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment) and ISO 45001 (health and safety) yields powerful synergies. Quality and environmental objectives often overlap; reducing defects, for instance, cuts waste and energy use. Health and safety initiatives improve workforce morale, which in turn leads to higher quality products. Integrating ISO 27001 (information security) or ISO 22301 (business continuity) further strengthens resilience by ensuring that processes remain secure and operational during disruptions. An integrated system makes it easier to manage these interdependencies because objectives, resources and responsibilities are aligned.

Benefits of an integrated approach

The primary benefit of an IMS is efficiency. With a unified manual, businesses reduce the amount of documentation they need to create and maintain. Audits can be combined, saving time and reducing disruption. Training becomes simpler, as staff learn one system rather than several. Decision‑making improves when information flows through a single system – managers can see how a change in one area affects other parts of the business. A coherent management system also presents a consistent message to customers and regulators, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to quality, sustainability and safety.

Cost savings are another significant advantage. By eliminating duplicate processes and consolidating audits, an IMS reduces administrative overhead. Certification bodies often offer discounted audit rates for integrated systems because auditors can cover multiple standards in a single visit. Internally, teams spend less time preparing for separate audits and more time working on improvements that drive value.

Steps to build an integrated management system

  1. Define scope and objectives. Determine which standards you want to integrate and which parts of the organisation they apply to. The scope might include multiple sites or departments.
  2. Conduct a gap analysis. Compare existing management systems against the requirements of each standard. Identify overlaps, duplicate procedures and areas where processes can be harmonised.
  3. Create unified documentation. Develop policies, objectives and procedures that satisfy all applicable standards. Use a single management manual rather than separate documents. Where requirements differ, cross‑reference them clearly.
  4. Develop integrated processes. Align risk assessments, internal audits, management reviews and corrective action processes so that they address all standards at once. Use shared forms and templates to collect information consistently.
  5. Train your team. Provide integrated training that covers the essentials of each standard and emphasises the connections between them. Encourage cross‑functional collaboration so that teams understand how their activities affect other areas.
  6. Use technology. A digital platform or portal makes it much easier to manage an IMS. Remote auditors can review documentation without travelling, and version control ensures that everyone works from the latest documents. Automated workflows can remind team members when reviews or risk assessments are due.
  7. Engage leadership. Senior management must champion the integrated system, allocate resources and demonstrate commitment. Integration should align with the organisation’s strategic goals, such as reducing environmental impact or improving supply‑chain resilience.
  8. Plan integrated audits. Work with your certification body to combine audits where possible. Integrated audits are more efficient and provide auditors with a holistic view of your management system.

Maintaining and improving your IMS

After certification, the focus shifts to continual improvement. Use management reviews to assess performance across all standards, identify trends and set new objectives. Encourage employees to suggest improvements and report issues. Monitor regulatory changes; for example, if new environmental legislation emerges, update your system accordingly. Keep an eye on emerging standards like ISO 50001 (energy management) or ISO/IEC 42001 (AI governance), which may become relevant as your business evolves.

Integration and business growth

An integrated management system supports growth by providing a scalable framework. When entering new markets, adding products or acquiring other companies, an IMS allows you to incorporate new activities without reinventing your management systems. Integrated systems can also improve customer trust and market access; many clients prefer working with suppliers who hold multiple certifications because it reduces risk. Additionally, integrated systems provide better data for decision‑making, enabling leaders to balance quality, sustainability and safety considerations effectively.

Looking to the future

As markets demand greater transparency and responsibility, integrated management systems will become increasingly common. Organisations that combine standards not only streamline compliance but also demonstrate maturity and foresight. Trends such as climate‑related disclosure, heightened cyber threats and emerging AI regulation will favour businesses with flexible, holistic management systems. By embracing integration now, you create a robust foundation for innovation, resilience and sustainable growth.


Find out more…

If you would like to find out more about ISO standards, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

Abstract technology background. Security system concept with fingerprint.
Article, News, Uncategorised

Harnessing Technology: Digital Tools and AI for Streamlined ISO Certification

Digital transformation is reshaping nearly every aspect of business, including the way organisations achieve and maintain ISO certification. Paper‑based documents, manual audits and in‑person meetings are giving way to cloud portals, remote assessments and even artificial intelligence. For small and medium enterprises looking to certify quickly and efficiently, embracing these technological tools isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.

The shift to digital certification

Historically, certification meant lengthy on‑site audits, boxes of paperwork and waiting for physical signatures. Today, software platforms manage documents and evidence, auditors review files via secure portals and sign‑offs happen electronically. Digital certification reduces travel time, shortens approval cycles and makes it easier for geographically dispersed teams to collaborate. In the wake of the pandemic, many accreditation bodies have formalised remote auditing procedures, providing clear guidelines for video conferencing, screen sharing and secure file transfer. This has opened ISO certification to businesses in rural areas or overseas markets who previously struggled with travel logistics.

Secure document management and collaboration

A robust document management system is the backbone of a modern ISO programme. Templates, policies, procedures and records must be controlled, versioned and easily accessible. Cloud‑based platforms like SharePoint or specialised ISO management software allow teams to collaborate in real time, assign tasks and track progress. They also enable remote auditors to access documentation without the need for endless email chains. When choosing a platform, look for features such as user permissions, audit trails, encryption at rest and in transit, and integration with common productivity suites. These features not only simplify certification but also help meet ISO 27001 requirements for protecting information.

Artificial intelligence and automation

The next frontier in ISO certification involves artificial intelligence (AI). AI doesn’t replace human judgement, but it can automate routine tasks and highlight areas of concern. For instance, natural language processing can analyse policies and identify clauses that deviate from standard requirements. Machine learning algorithms can review incident logs or non‑conformity reports to detect patterns and predict future risks. Chatbots integrated into your portal can answer basic questions from staff about procedures or explain the purpose of a particular form. Implemented thoughtfully, AI reduces the administrative burden on quality managers and auditors, freeing them to focus on strategic improvements.

ISO/IEC 42001: Governing AI

With the rise of AI, the International Organisation for Standardisation and the International Electrotechnical Commission introduced ISO/IEC 42001, the first management system standard for artificial intelligence. It provides a framework for organisations to responsibly govern AI systems, ensuring transparency, accountability and alignment with ethical principles. For businesses already certified to ISO 9001 or ISO 27001, adopting ISO/IEC 42001 can slot into existing structures, particularly if they use an integrated management system. The standard covers topics such as data quality, algorithm bias, human oversight and continual improvement – areas that will become increasingly important as AI permeates supply chains and service delivery.

Remote auditing best practices

Remote audits require more planning than on‑site visits. Before the audit, ensure that all documents are uploaded to your portal and correctly named. Check that your video conferencing tools are working and that everyone knows how to share screens. During the audit, maintain open communication with the assessor. Use a headset with a quality microphone to avoid miscommunications, and prepare to demonstrate processes live using webcams or recorded footage. After the audit, record lessons learned to streamline the next one. Many organisations report that remote audits are less disruptive to business operations and reduce the environmental impact associated with travel.

E‑learning and digital training

Training is a core requirement of many ISO standards, and technology has transformed how it’s delivered. Interactive online courses, virtual classrooms and micro‑learning modules allow employees to learn at their own pace. They also make it easier to schedule training around busy workloads. Digital training platforms often include knowledge checks, certificates of completion and integration with HR systems to keep records up to date. When employees can access training materials on demand, they are more likely to retain knowledge and apply it to their work, strengthening your management system.

Protecting data and privacy

With digital tools come new responsibilities. Storing and transmitting sensitive documents requires strong security controls. Encryption, multi‑factor authentication, and regular vulnerability assessments are essential. Organisations seeking ISO 27001 certification should ensure that their chosen platforms comply with the standard’s Annex A controls. Data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe also impose strict requirements on how personal data is collected and processed. By choosing vendors that prioritise security and privacy, you not only protect your business but also build trust with customers and auditors.

Selecting the right technology mix

No single tool will meet every organisation’s needs. Start by mapping your current processes and identifying pain points – perhaps version control is a headache, or you struggle to schedule training. Research solutions that address those specific issues and ask vendors about integration capabilities. Consider scalability: will the platform support additional standards like ISO 45001 or ISO 22301 as your management system evolves? Evaluate the vendor’s support model, as responsive support is vital when issues arise during an audit. Finally, involve your team in the selection process to ensure that the solution is user‑friendly and aligns with company culture.

Looking ahead

Technology will continue to shape how organisations achieve and maintain certification. Advances in AI, blockchain for secure record keeping, and virtual or augmented reality for training and process demonstration are already on the horizon. By embracing digital tools today, you set your organisation up for agility and resilience. Remote audits, automated document management and AI‑driven insights streamline compliance, reduce costs and free up time for innovation. In the coming years, businesses that adopt technology as part of their ISO journey will not only meet regulatory requirements but also gain a competitive edge.


Find out more…

If you would like to find out more about ISO standards, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

ISO-Cert Unite Banner
Article, News

ISO-Cert Launches Management Systems Portal!

The team here at ISO-Cert are proud to announce the launch of our brand-new online management systems portal, ISO-Cert UniteTM, which has been designed with the aim of helping to make ISO certification as stress-free and efficient as possible.

This is the only online portal in the industry that will guide you through every step of the implementation process from start to finish, with appropriate tasks set each month to ensure that you stay on track and hit the pre-defined targets.

We also automatically monitor your progress 24/7 so you can catch any problems early on, enabling you to take action immediately to prevent potential delays. Flexibility and versatility are also assured, as the portal can be used for any ISO management system standard.

Features of the Unite portal include:

  • Document control, where process documents can be stored for ease of collaboration and revision
  • Risk management, where hazards can be recorded and actions assigned based on risk score
  • Audit management, where internal and external audits can be scheduled and recorded

Benefits of the Unite portal include:

  • Access to the portal is free for current ISO-Cert Online Ltd customers
  • Guided implementation, via a monthly planner to keep you on track
  • Real-time monitoring, where we continually review ISO implementation to ensure the process is efficient and effective
  • Securely stored data in full compliance with all relevant legislation
  • Portal access can be enjoyed anywhere on any connected device
  • Automatic updates

Working with ISO-Cert

If you’re looking for globally recognised ISO certification delivered efficiently and cost effectively, the ISO-Cert team can help you every step of the way.

As well as our industry-first online portal, we also offer management systems consultancy and training, designed to help you take your business to the next level.


Find out more…

If you would like to find out more about the ISO-Cert UniteTM portal, how your business could benefit from implementing a Management System, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

ISO certification
Article, News

Digital Health Regulations & What To Expect

Digital health technology is becoming increasingly commonplace, helping to transform patient care pathways, boosting health and wellbeing, making health systems more efficient, delivering cost savings and empowering people to manage their own conditions more successfully.

Virtual care is capable of reaching significantly more people than in-person appointments, but there are some concerns about healthcare digitisation, particularly from the perspective of businesses operating in this sector, which demands consistent service delivery and proactive risk management.

Digital health solutions of all kinds, including the likes of software as medical devices, artificial intelligence as medical devices, 3D printing, mobile apps, virtual assistants, wearable medical devices, robotics and virtual care provision, must remain compliant with all relevant regulations and standards, including DCB 0129, the Data Security and Protection toolkit and Digital Technology Assessment Criteria.

These standards (among others) serve to ensure that products, processes and systems are secure, robust, accessible and clinically safe – but it’s important to note that they don’t cover complete organisational structures, so it may be beneficial to investigate ISO 9001 certification as well.

ISO 9001

The ISO 9001 standard is currently undergoing major amendments (having been left unchanged for ten years or so), with the expected updates now delayed until September 2026… so it’s perhaps fair to say that they’re likely to be quite significant.

As such, now’s the perfect time to prepare for potential changes and it’s likely that there will be even greater focus placed on digital transformation.

This particular standard isn’t industry-specific, but it is highly relevant to those businesses working in digital health. Certification will ensure that your organisation has a clear framework in place to deliver your products and services consistently, and efficiently, as well as driving improvements as appropriate over time.

You’ll also find that your approach to risk management is properly supported, improving both the patient experience and your organisation’s activities, and making sure that your business is able to maintain this as you grow and thrive.

What about ISO 13485?

If you’re involved in the design, production and servicing of medical devices, you’ll need to consider ISO 13485 certification to ensure patient safety and compliance with regulations.

This would be a good option if you’re keen to tick all the ISO 9001 boxes but want to be particularly vigilant and ensure compliance as your products and services develop.

What regulatory changes can we expect?

As digital health technologies continue to emerge, with key innovations including the likes of mobile health apps, connected wearable devices, digitised health systems, patient data and prescription delivery, telemedicine, health data analytics, personalised medicine and both AI and machine learning (ML), regulations are certain to evolve to ensure that safety, quality and performance standards continue to be met.

Key areas of focus include data protection and privacy, ensuring compliance with GDPR by safeguarding patient data. Medical device regulation (prioritising safety, quality and performance of tech), telemedicine and remote care, and clinical safety and effectiveness continue to be of particular importance for businesses.

Finally, cybersecurity is another area of focus that companies would be wise to put at the top of the agenda, making sure that health data is secure and the appropriate levels of protection against cyber attacks are implemented.


Find out more…

If you’d like to find out more about the evolving digital health landscape and what you can do to prepare for regulatory changes, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

A construction worker, wearing a hard hat and hi-viz jacket smiles at the camera with three of her colleagues standing behind her.
Article, News

Why ISO 22301 Shows You Will Always Be Open For Business

The idea of business continuity is something that means different things to different people. There was a time when it would mostly relate to the physical premises of a company, where work could be disrupted by a major calamity, such as a fire, flood, major power outage, or terrorist attack. However, in a more interconnected world, it now extends to the online realm.

Many an organisation can face genuine threats from hackers and other cybercriminals, who may use denial-of-service attacks or malware to prevent a firm’s operations from functioning. But sometimes it can come from an internal problem, such as a software glitch.

The latter issue occurred in July this year when software firm Crowdstrike attempted a new software upload on Microsoft systems and a software bug led to massive IT outages across the globe, impacting everything from airports to banks and healthcare systems.

Such issues highlight the need for organisations to have back-up systems in place to achieve business continuity even in the face of calamity.

Whether that is about having alternative premises to work in, the ability to switch to remote working (something most firms developed the capacity to do during the pandemic lockdowns if they hadn’t already), or back-up IT systems, the best-prepared firms will be able to maintain their work, providing a better service and increasing client confidence as a result.

An ISO 22301 is a certification that shows you have met the international standard for business continuity management systems.

The purpose of attaining it is to demonstrate that you have measures in place that offer a reliable contingency when disaster strikes. In addition, it shows that you have taken clear steps to make such problems less likely to occur in the first place.

For example, when it comes to your IT systems, it could involve having strong cyber security systems and practices that make it less likely you will fall victim to cybercrime and suffer a loss of system functions as a result, as well as having measures to get your system back up and running swiftly if problems do occur.

The benefits of this are not just about being resilient in a crisis. It also means you will benefit from having a clear systemic approach to dealing with a challenging situation, so that when problems arise, you and your staff will know exactly what to do, while having better processes for managing risk.

When you have all this in place, it will increase confidence among everyone who matters, from your colleagues who can get on with their work to company shareholders who will be pleased to see earnings are not badly impacted by disruption, not to mention your clients to whom you can continue to provide a service when others might not have done.

This means the benefits of attaining an ISO 22301 are twofold. Firstly, the very act of qualifying for one means you will have established strong means of maintaining business continuity, which will benefit your business when it needs to weather the storm (sometimes literally). Secondly, having it increases the confidence others have in you.

This is why it makes sense to start working towards ISO 22301 certification today.


Find out more…

If you would like to find out more about ISO 22301, how implementing a Business Continuity Management System could benefit your business, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

SO certification
Article, News

The Difference Between ISO Certification And Accreditation

Most firms will want to show their clients and customers that they are recognised as being competent and indeed excellent at what they do. Look at any company website and you will see them displaying their awards, accreditation kitemarks and memberships of trade bodies like an old soldier displays his medals.

There are some trades where certification is essential, such as Gas Safe Register membership for firms and their employees that are involved in work on gas appliances, which is required by law.

However, ISO certification is more about demonstrating standards and control than mandatory attainment of a standard to be allowed to practise.

Nonetheless, ISO certification is very much worth having, because it does provide an internationally recognised measurement of competence and standards. However, it is useful to understand the difference between certification and accreditation.

The simplest point to understand is that when it comes to ISO standards, accreditation is not something the companies being certificated attain. Rather, it applies to the bodies and organisations that can issue the certificates, which in this case includes ourselves at ISO-Cert Online.

While this accreditation is not itself a mandatory thing for certificate-issuing bodies, many organisations, such as government departments and other companies, will require that the certificate has come from an accredited body. That is the main reason why we are accredited, as that brings more benefits for you in terms of recognition.

Accreditation is also a matter of process, of course. Accreditation for individuals, for instance, comes from undertaking and passing courses to be able to practise, be they doctors, lawyers, or gas engineers. In the case of ISO certification, this is awarded based on a company demonstrating they are compliant with the requirements of their industry.

Consequently, the path to becoming certificated is a different one to accreditation. It is not about training and passing exams, a process by which you would be learning and gaining experience as you work your way up towards a particular standard. Rather, it is about being rigorously assessed to establish if your current practices meet the required standard.

This assessment, therefore, is about where you are at, not a standard you are working towards.

Of course, there is a possible scenario in which the audit shows that you have fallen short of the ISO standard you need to demonstrate to achieve certification. In that event, we would of course let you know why, and you can seek to address these issues before being assessed again.

That may be analogous to retaking an exam, except that in this case you know what the answers are. It is about whether you can achieve and demonstrate the required standard. 

Of course, the assessment will be a thorough one, but that is something you should welcome. Because ISO certificates are not simply given out to anyone who wants one, your clients and customers can be assured that they are dealing with a company that has demonstrated standards that they can trust. Add in our accreditation and that trust will be all the greater.


Find out more…

If you would like to find out more about ISO standards and how implementing them could benefit your business, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

Digital image of four hands united together, symbolising teamwork
Article, News

What Is The Main Purpose Of An ISO Standardisation Method?

When many businesses think about ISO, they are typically looking for an accredited body to provide them with ISO 9001 certification.

They want to be certified either as a condition for a particular client, as part of a reorganisation or simply to add value to the business by celebrating a system that they have either already implemented or are in the process of implementing.

There are a lot of motivations to receive certification, but it can sometimes be easy to miss what that standardisation represents and ultimately why it matters within a business and to other businesses.

An answer to both of these questions comes, somewhat unusually, from another critical part of many businesses: a cup of tea.

How Can You Standardise Tea?

There is perhaps no singular beverage that has so many variations and preferences as tea, as whilst the basic process of steeping tea leaves in water is universal, every other element from the blend to the use of teabags and the addition of milk and sugar is a matter of fierce and intense debate.

However, ISO 3103:2019 (formerly BS 6008:1980) describes a standard method of brewing and serving tea that will produce consistent results every time.

It describes two testing pots (310 ml or 150 ml) with loosely fitting lids as well as two testing bowls (380 ml and 200 ml). Both the pots and bowls are made of white porcelain (or white glazed earthenware), with a partly serrated edge.

For every 100 ml of water that will be added to the pot, 2g of tea is also placed within the pot, before that measured amount of freshly boiled water (described as similar to nearby drinking water) is added.

The tea is then brewed for six minutes before being poured into the bowl, with 5ml (or 2.5ml for a smaller bowl) milk added beforehand (although alternative suggestions are made for adding milk after).

Why Standardise Tea?

The resulting standard won an Ig Nobel Prize and serves as a perfect example of how standards can often be misinterpreted as a prescriptive method towards a platonic ideal for the object, method or system being standardised.

However, this somewhat misses the point, as ISO 3103:2019 is not intended to make the best cup of tea or a “perfect” cup of tea by the standards of a tea drinker, but is instead intended to create a standard cup of tea that is relatively easily reproducible.

The reason for this is the same reason why no specific type or blend of tea is described in the standard. It is designed for tea tasting and for making sensory comparisons.

Many criticisms of the process, such as no prewarming of the pot, a brewing time that is relatively lengthy compared to the typical three-minute brewing times used when brewing a tea bag, and pouring milk in before tea largely misses the point.

These are not cups that are made to be enjoyed, but ones that create a benchmark for meaningful analysis and studies, such as taste testing or quality control.

On that same token, ISO certification means adopting a universal set of standards and protocols so that other businesses and customers understand how an order is managed by your company.


Find out more…

If you would like to find out more about ISO standards and how implementing them could benefit your business, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

Abstract technology background. Security system concept with fingerprint.
Article

The Core Quality Management Principles Of ISO Certification

When businesses are interested in ISO certification, the fastest way to achieve this is through a dedicated online service that will help them meet the necessary quality management standards.

When businesses are looking for certification, they are typically thinking about the ISO 9000 family, which is a set of five quality management systems (QMS) that ensure that businesses are meeting their regulatory responsibilities, whilst also ensuring they are keeping up with the demands of customers and stakeholders alike.

Of the five ISO 9000 QMS standards, the one that most companies are looking for is ISO 9001:2015, often known simply as “ISO 9001”, “ISO 9000” or even simply “ISO”.

The standard itself is based around a 30-page set of requirements but its fundamental focus is based on seven quality management principles (QMP) which form or at least should form a foundation for how a business is managed and operated.

Here are the seven and why they matter.

Customer Focus

The first QMP standard is perhaps the most obvious one. As the late entrepreneur and businessman Jack Tramiel put it, businesses are there to serve the customer.

Without customers, businesses simply cannot exist, and with that in mind, companies focused on ISO 9001 should be mindful not only of customer needs right now but the future of their needs in the future.

The priority should be to meet the standards of the customer and serve them, ensuring that the customer’s expectations are understood so they can be delivered upon effectively and efficiently.

Leadership

One of the most critical and misunderstood aspects of many businesses is structure, hierarchy and leadership, as well as the role of leaders in organisations of varying scales.

Leaders need to be the ones to form and shape a united direction and purpose of any organisation and be able to lead a wide range of disparate teams in the same direction to achieve the overarching mission of the company.

Engagement Of People

Companies are ultimately collectives of diverse, skilled individuals, and ultimately no company succeeds without people who are able to do the job they are employed to, are empowered and recognised for their abilities, and buy into the overall goals of the organisation.

Without people on board, you do not have a company.

Process Approach

Business activities are typically a series of interrelated processes that work together to create an overall system, and once a business fully understands this, it can manage and continually improve these processes to achieve consistent output results.

Improvement

Perfection is an overall goal, but not one that is achievable. There is always room for improvement, and an eternal goal for any organisation is to keep getting better, streamline processes and get the greatest return out of every part of the business.

Evidence-Based Decision Making

Data dominates the business world, and whilst one should avoid discounting anything that cannot be quantified, decisions should be made based on effective, objective analysis to as much pertinent information as possible.

Relationship Management

No business exists in a vacuum. Virtually every company has contractors, suppliers, service providers and other stakeholders that are part of symbiotic, interdependent business relationships. It is important to see the value in these relationships and foster them to ensure everyone thrives.


Find out more…

If you would like to find out more about ISO standards and how implementing them could benefit your business, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

A screen with lots of hexagonal tiles. The title tile is Disaster Recovery. the other tiles show icons such as cogs, security shields and padlocks, computers, wifi and the cloud
Article

Use ISO 22301 to manage your business continuity planning

Home › ISO 22301

Within the global economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role. According to the World Bank, SMEs account for roughly 90% of all businesses worldwide. And they make a substantial contribution both in terms of job creation and economic growth. However, evidence shows that SMEs can be more vulnerable to disruptions than larger organisations. For example, natural disasters, cybercrime, or a pause in production. So, we would recommend that SMEs manage your business continuity planning by having a business continuity plan (BCP) to ensure survival in the face of unexpected events.

A BCP is one proactive approach you can take to protect your business. It ensures that your business can continue to operate during and after a disruptive event. A BCP should cover all aspects of your business, including your people, processes, systems, and facilities. It should also identify your critical functions/departments and resources. That is, those which are necessary for the business to continue to operate normally and successfully.

Why is a business continuity plan important for SMEs?

There are several reasons why a BCP is critical for SMEs. Firstly, SMEs often have limited resources. So if faced with a significant unforeseen incident, they may not be as resilient as their bigger counterparts to get through the financial losses or operational interruption. Secondly, SMEs often have fewer employees. Therefore they won’t have the same level of expertise to hand, as larger organisations, to manage a crisis immediately. Finally, SMEs are often reliant on a small number of key suppliers. Consequently, a disruption to their supply chain could have a damaging impact on their business.

What is ISO certification?

ISO certification is a globally recognised standard which can support SMEs to develop and implement an effective BCP. The ISO 22301 standard provides a step-by-step approach for business continuity management (BCM) and outlines the requirements for a BCP. The standard touches on every element of BCM. Typically, this includes risk assessment, business impact analysis, strategy development, and the implementation and testing of the plan.

ISO certification can benefit your SME in several ways. For example, it provides assurance to your stakeholders, who may include your customers, suppliers, and investors, that you have implemented best practices for BCM. This can enhance your company’s reputation and help you to attract and win new business. Also, ISO certification can help you to identify and resolve performance gaps in your BCM processes. This leads to increased efficiency and cost savings. Additionally, ISO certification can help you to comply with legal and regulatory requirements related to business continuity.

“Events over the last few years have shown that unexpected events can happen quickly, with no warning, and have devastating impacts for businesses of all sizes, and particularly SMEs. We are committed to supporting you to strengthen and protect your business by achieving ISO certification with ease, in the most cost-effective and time-efficient way possible.”

Claire Howard, Director, ISO-Cert Online Limited

For more information on ISO-Cert Online’s services or to discuss your requirements please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

Two intertwining cogs - one saying Business, the other saying Continuity
Article

Why is business continuity planning important for SMEs?

Home › ISO 22301

Many of our clients ask us “Why is business continuity planning important for SMEs?”. Chiefly, our answer is that business continuity management (BCM) is essential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Because it helps them prepare for and mitigate the impact of unexpected events that can disrupt their operations. These events could be natural disasters, cyber-attacks, pandemics, supply chain disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances that could interrupt normal business operations.

What evidence suggests that business continuity planning is important for SMEs?

To highlight the importance of business continuity planning for SMEs, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA):

  • 50% of SMEs fail to reopen after a major disaster such as a fire, flood or cyber-attack.
  • 66% of SMEs don’t have a business continuity plan in place to deal with such disasters.
  • 90% of SMEs in the UK underestimate the potential risks they face.
  • 40% of SMEs would be forced to close within a year if they suffered a major disaster.

What does business continuity planning involve?

Business continuity planning involves first identifying potential risks. Then developing strategies to minimise their impact. And having procedures in place to ensure that critical business functions can continue even during a crisis. As a result, it can be difficult to know where to start.

What is ISO 22301?

The ISO 22301 standard provides a framework for BCM. Moreover, it sets out the requirements for a business continuity plan. Indeed, the standard comprehensively covers they key aspects of BCM. these include risk assessment, business impact analysis, strategy development, and plan implementation and testing.

“We work with SMEs across all sectors to support them with establishing and maintaining effective business continuity management. Experience shows us that by implementing a business continuity plan, based on the ISO 22301 standard, businesses can increase their resilience, continue to satisfy their customers, protect their reputation and, importantly, stay competitive.”

Claire Howard, Director, ISO-Cert Online Ltd

For more information on ISO-Cert Online’s services or to discuss your requirements please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

Privacy Settings
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
Youtube
Consent to display content from - Youtube
Vimeo
Consent to display content from - Vimeo
Google Maps
Consent to display content from - Google
Spotify
Consent to display content from - Spotify
Sound Cloud
Consent to display content from - Sound