ISO/IEC 17025 is the international standard for laboratory competence. It’s recommended that all laboratories that undertake testing, sampling, or calibration work towards receiving the accreditation, in order to instill trust and demonstrate reliability amongst customers.
To understand why the accreditation is so beneficial for your business, we’ve put together a list of its greatest advantages.
Boost your reputation
The ISO/IEC 17025 standard is a nationally, and internationally recognised standard. The accreditation is very highly regarded among scientific circles, as it is an extremely specific accreditation, relevant only to technical competence in laboratory environments. The standard, therefore, affords organisations more credibility, and demonstrates the reliability of their testing, measurement, and calibration to customers, competitors, and stakeholders alike. Not only is it a formal recognition of laboratories, it’s also a demonstration of the laboratory’s commitment to a secure and established quality management system.
Compliance assurance
The ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is available to all laboratories, regardless of its size or the headcount of its personnel. Gaining it, therefore, is a fantastic way for all organisations to ensure that they remain in line with regulatory requirements and legislation. It clearly evidences adherence to safety requirements, which thereby satisfies authoritative bodies as well as customers and clients.
Performance guideline
Gaining the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is not an easy task, and for good reason. It’s to be aspired to, as well as upheld. Consistent reviewal of the standard means that laboratories must remain at the top of their game, and ensure competency and data quality. In this way, clients, stakeholders, and employees themselves can be sure that the data produced in the laboratory is accurate and reliable, thereby further evidencing the quality and expertise of the organisation.
Save time and money
While the accreditation can be seen as costly to undertake, this is significantly outweighed by its time and cost-saving benefits. Not only does it eliminate the need to retest products, there is also no longer any requirement for supplier audits by independent parties.
Greater efficiency
Similarly, following the guidelines of the standard is a great way to increase operational efficiency, and productivity. With the ability to continually evaluate staff procedures, methods, and equipment, you can make sure that your laboratory’s process is producing the most accurate results, in the most efficient way. By setting out clearly defined staff roles and greater accountability, as well as closely following the standard’s procedures, you can be sure of a more reliable laboratory environment.
The ISO/IEC 17025 standard is a great way to showcase laboratory competence, as well as uphold high standards in your organisation.
I’m interested in ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation
Want to know more about acquiring ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation? Get in touch with one of the team at IMSM today to discuss your specific requirements.
