ISO certification has become a hot topic among shop owners lately, and for good reason. It’s not a new concept, but more and more people are beginning to recognize its value. If you’re in that boat, feeling like you’re late to the game, we can assure you: it’s never too late to start.
Whether you’re already running a modern CNC machine shop or you’re in the early stages of building up a CNC machine business, ISO certification can help lay a foundation that benefits your company for years to come.
The process doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not simply something you can check off your to-do list and move on from. But it is worth it, and it can completely change how your shop operates.
What Is ISO Certification, and What’s Involved?
Understanding the ISO process
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certification is a standardized way to demonstrate that your processes are documented, repeatable, and focused on quality. But it’s not just about the certificate; it’s about how you operate.
Here’s an overview of what the journey might look like:
- Evaluating your current processes against ISO standards
- Developing documentation to align with those standards
- Training your employees so they understand and follow the procedures
- Rolling out and monitoring the performance of the updated processes
- Identifying and fixing nonconformities as they arise
- Undergoing an external certification audit for approval
- Maintaining your system through scheduled audits and regular reviews
It can take several months, and even once you’re certified, you’ll need to stay current on updates and internal audits to remain compliant.
The Benefits of ISO Certification for Machine Shops
ISO certification sends a clear message to potential customers: you’re serious about quality, consistency, and continuous improvement. For today’s machine shop, those values are more critical than ever. Some of the reasons customers seek out shops with ISO certification include:
- Improved product quality and consistency
- Increased manufacturing efficiency
- Better legal compliance and risk management
- Stronger reputation
- Easier access to global markets
Common Challenges (And How to Overcome Them)
Resistance to change
One of the most common roadblocks companies face when they begin pursuing ISO certification is employee resistance. It’s natural for people to fear the unknown or worry that new systems will complicate their day-to-day.
Our advice: Introduce your team to the “why” behind ISO certification and get buy-in as early as possible. Additionally, assigning an internal ISO “champion” can help guide the process, build momentum, and increase team engagement.
The complexity of documentation
Documenting so many aspects of your manufacturing can feel overwhelming, especially for shops that have relied on verbal instructions or tribal knowledge for decades.
Our advice: Use digital quality tools, templates, and document control software to make this step more manageable. Consider selecting an ERP system that can help streamline documentation and improve visibility across the organization.
A Case Study in the Value of ISO
NTMA President Roger Atkins once experienced this challenge firsthand. When a shop where he worked announced that they were pursuing ISO certification, Roger felt a sense of dread. The process required the company to put 50 years of undocumented knowledge in writing. He didn’t yet understand the value of ISO certification, and he was already busy with the day-to-day tasks of his job.
It was tough, but it paid off in a major way, especially when experienced employees retired or moved on. Documenting decades worth of knowledge meant that their processes were preserved for the next generation. Everyone—from office staff to shop employees and even customers—noticed the reliable long-term performance the process enabled.
Make ISO Part of Your Long-Term Strategy
ISO certification is about more than just meeting requirements. It’s an investment in your shop’s success, and one of the smartest steps you can take in ensuring process consistency and scalability.
Lean on Your NTMA Network
If you’re stuck or unsure how to get started, joining NTMA can open you up to a range of opportunities to network and discuss the subject with peers who have walked this path before you. In particular, one of the powerful networking resources is NTMA Connect, an online platform that connects you with other members, so you can ask the tough questions that are keeping you up at night. In addition, our members are welcome to attend national and local chapter events to get tips directly from shop leaders.
The answers are out there—you just need to connect and find them. Your future self (and your customers) will thank you for it.