As the world continues to become more and more urbanised, to attempt to cope with rapid world population growth, the need for universal standards in the fields of building and construction remains ever more present. Thankfully, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has been codifying international best practice and technical requirements to ensure civil engineering works are safe and fit for purpose.
What role do ISO standards play in construction?
ISO standards are developed with the participation of engineers, regulators, architects, contractors, and other relevant stakeholders. They are regularly updated to ensure they remain consistent with the latest advances in technology, industry, and standards. In this article will give you detail information about the important role of ISO standards in construction company, stay tuned with us on Edara systems.
Who benefits from ISO standards in construction?
ISO standards play a key role in keeping the construction industry safe, effective, and efficient. They include internationally recognised design and manufacturing specifications and processes for practically every stage of the construction project. ISO also provides a stage for emerging technologies and innovation that support the industry in its response to challenges both at home and internationally. iso 9001 certified construction companies regularly have best practice processes and standardised.
Governments rely on ISO standards to improve industry
Regulators and governments rely on ISO standards to help them improve industry regulation. The standards provide a robust framework that can be used as guidance for regulators in the development of national and international regulation.
ISO standards are basically tools that help save a considerable amount of time while reducing barriers to access to information. Their best practice processes and standardised jargon are continually revised and improved, and are being used as a technical basis for construction regulation and policy throughout the world.
Create the sense of trust in your Consumers
The ISO standards, especially ISO 9001, provide consumers with a sense of trust in the construction industry and comforts them in the fact that the infrastructure of the city they call home was built following quality and safety standards that are internationally agreed upon. Standards are the reason behind the proper functioning and comfort we enjoy in our dwellings and workspaces. To find more detail about ISO 9001T please see what is iso 9001 definition article.
How many standards does ISO offer for construction?
There are currently over 20,000 international standards associated with building and construction. The ISO happens to offer more than 1,000 that are construction industry specific. These include timber, building materials, fire safety, masonry, construction procurement, information management, energy performance, sustainability, structures, lifts and escalators, plumbing and drainage to name a few.
Other benefits of ISO standards for construction
- Enhanced employee training and communication
ISO standards contain clauses that define the guidelines for employees to be considered competent and aware of the requirements so they can perform at their best in their given areas of expertise.
- Increased efficiency in the delivery of products and services
When implemented effectively, ISO’s management systems enable organisations to operate at optimal efficiency, both to the benefit of delivering higher quality products and services, and with continued attention the wellbeing of employees and the environment they operate in.
- Legal and regulatory compliance
Complying with all applicable statutory and legal requirements occupies a considerable portion of ISO management systems. It dictates that statutory and regulatory requirements must be complied with at all times.
- Cost cutting
There is a cost cutting component to ISO management systems that is often overlooked. Organisations tend to focus more on the costs associated with obtaining certification rather than cost savings it has the potential to generate. These costs are generally incurred due to internal and external errors and tend to add up over the course of a year.
- Less errors
Errors in organisations are fundamentally unintentional and potentially preventable deviations from organisational objectives and standards that generally lead to undesirable outcomes. Research shows that the standardisation of processes is one of the most acceptable common practices used to improve the performance of an organisation and to lower error rates.
- More projects delivered on time
Wen ISO management systems are implemented effectively, and operational processes and management areas are air-tight, project management is significantly improved. When the standard is correctly applied, all unproductive processes are shed, leading to a more improved performance. Better performance and improved project management mean more projects delivered on time.
- Higher margins
ISO standards is designed to improve operations while reducing costs and improving margins.
- Repeat business and word of mouth
Delivering high quality work always pays off in the long run because it retains existing customers, and gives them the confidence to refer you to people in their circle.
- Advertise your achievement
Because ISO certification is not an obligation, but more of a choice, it speaks volumes to the organisation’s commitment to being the best version of itself and deliver the highest quality products and services. Advertising this achievement will surely get you more business, especially with government and local councils contracts, who often have ISO certification as a mandatory requirement in their pre-qualification questionnaires.
Want to know more?
Our highly knowledgeable consultants have 30 years of combined experience helping organisations in the construction industry implement ISO standards. We offer a unique value proposition with our personalised and ‘Done for you’ service, the fastest turnaround in the nation and our unmatched money back guarantee if you don’t pass on the first attempt.
We will advise you on the most appropriate standards for your organisation and conduct a free Gap Analysis on your systems to determine the extent of the work required to align your organisation with the requirements of the applicable standards. You can reach our senior consultants by calling 02 8091 5777.