What Does ISO Mean?

ISO is an acronym that stands for the International Organization for Standardization. The organization was founded in 1947 and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. It has a network of representatives from 162 various countries, and is in charge of creating rules, regulations, and guidelines for international trade. The organization’s mission is to provide worldwide frameworks for product and process standards to ensure customer and consumer safety, reliability, cost effectiveness, and the understanding of common global standards.

What Does ISO Do?

ISO’s goal is to build consensus among its members in order to create industry-recognized standards. Each country’s standard is developed from the same base of requirements. The process begins with the development of technical specifications known as ISO standards. These standards are developed jointly between the various countries and once approved, set the framework for industry within that respective country. For example, the organization has published over 21,000 standards for various types of products and services, such as electric cables and the quality of bread.

The Benefits of ISO

ISO standards provide a variety of benefits for businesses and consumers. For businesses, ISO standards can help in minimizing costs, improving efficiency, and creating a competitive international marketplace. ISO standards also benefit consumers by providing assurance that products have been thoroughly tested and are safe, reliable, and of a consistent quality. In addition, they also provide a platform for international trade as countries agree upon common standards, making it easier to do business with other countries.

Overall, ISO is a great organization to help ensure that industry is operating in a safe and efficient way. By having certain standards in place, businesses and consumers alike can benefit from more reliable and consistent products. Additionally, it can create a more unified global market, making it easier to do business with other countries and help create a healthier world economy.