If you’ve been looking into ISO standards for your Australian business, you’ve probably come across ISO 27001 and ISO 9001. These are two of the most popular ISO certifications, but they serve different purposes. In this blog, let’s break down what each one is about and how they can help your business.
What are ISO standards anyway?
Before we dive in, let’s quickly cover what ISO standards are. ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization. They create guidelines to help businesses work better and more consistently. Getting ISO certified shows your customers and partners that you’re serious about quality and following best practices.
ISO 27001 is About Keeping Information Safe
ISO 27001 is all about information security. In today’s digital world, protecting data is super important. This standard helps you set up an Information Security Management System (ISMS) to keep your company’s and your customers’ information safe.
Key points of ISO 27001:
- It protects all types of information – digital files, paper documents, and much more.
- It helps you identify and manage security risks.
- It covers things like cybersecurity, physical security, and how your staff handles information.
Why do you need ISO 27001 certification in Australia:
Data breaches are a big deal in Australia. In 2021, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) reported a 5% increase in data breaches compared to the previous year. ISO 27001 can help you avoid becoming part of that statistic.
ISO 9001 Covers Quality Management
ISO 9001 certification is all about quality management. It helps you set up systems to make sure you’re consistently delivering good products or services to your customers.
Key points of ISO 9001:
- It focuses on meeting customer needs and improving customer satisfaction.
- It helps you streamline your processes to become more efficient.
- It encourages continuous improvement in your business.
Why do you need ISO 9001 certification in Australia:
Quality matters to Aussie consumers just like consumers all around the world. A 2020 survey by Roy Morgan found that 62% of Australians are willing to pay more for products that are of higher quality. ISO 9001 can help you meet those high expectations.
Main Difference Between ISO 27001 And ISO 9001
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at how these two standards differ:
- Risk assessment:
ISO 27001 has a strong focus on identifying and managing information security risks.
ISO 9001 looks at risks more broadly, considering anything that could affect quality.
- Scope & Industry Relevance:
ISO 27001 is especially important for businesses handling sensitive data, like tech companies or financial services. It can be applied to specific departments or the whole organization.
ISO 9001 typically covers your entire organization. It is useful for businesses in any industry that want to improve their quality management.
- Which one does your business need?
The answer might be both! Many Australian businesses can benefit from implementing both standards. Here’s a quick guide:
You might need ISO 27001 certification in Australia if:
- You handle lots of sensitive customer data
- You’re in a highly regulated industry like finance or healthcare
- You want to win contracts with government or large corporations that require strong data protection
You might need ISO 9001 certification in Australia if:
- You want to improve your overall business processes
- You’re looking to expand your business and need to show you have good quality management
- You want to increase customer satisfaction and reduce complaints
Many businesses start with ISO 9001 and then add ISO 27001 later as they grow and handle more sensitive information.
Benefits of getting certified
Getting ISO certified can bring some great benefits to your business:
- More trust from customers and partners: 76% of Aussie consumers say they’re more likely to trust a business with a recognized certification.
- Better chances of winning contracts: Many governments and large corporate tenders require ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications in Australia.
- Improved efficiency: Both standards help you streamline your processes, which can save you time and money.
- Reduced risks: Whether it’s data breaches or quality issues, these standards help you avoid costly mistakes.
- Competitive advantage: In a 2022 survey, 68% of Australian SMEs said that having ISO certification gave them an edge over their competitors.
Remember, getting ISO certified is a journey, not a quick fix. It takes time and effort, but the benefits are worth it.
Conclusion
Whether you choose ISO 27001, ISO 9001, or both, these standards can help your Australian business improve, grow, and stand out from the crowd. They give you a framework to protect your information, improve your quality, and show your customers that you’re committed to being the best.
Ready to get ISO-certified and boost your business? Contact our ISO certification consultants today and book a FREE consultation.
