Here’s the connection between burgers and ISO Standards.
In 1950’s America a guy called Ray Kroc worked as a travelling milkshake machine salesman. The McDonald brothers were clients of his and when saw their assembly line approach to preparing the food he grasped the franchising potential of McDonald’s restaurant chain. He purchased the company in 1961 and expanded McDonald’s from a local chain to the world’s most profitable restaurant franchise operation. So what has that got to do with ISO standards ?
Ray was not buying burgers or a special recipe, he saw the value in standardisation. He could see by implementing automation and standard practices across many restaurants that this would equate to success. Standard procedures in preparation, training, cooking methods and packaging ensured that McDonald’s food and service would look and taste the same in all outlets. This helped the brand go global and now wherever you are in the world you have the same familiar experience. By the time Ray died McDonald’s had 7,500 locations worldwide showing that his concept of standards was a winning formula.
ISO standards gives a framework of implementing standard operating procedures within an organisation. It ensures a consistent standard way of performing tasks and this brings many benefits.
Competitive Advantage
Those companies who implement ISO will always gain an edge over their competitors. When you have standard procedures and a set way of operating throughout your organisation it not only improves the way you work, you are seen as a more professional organisation. Your brand will be a sign of quality within your industry sector.
Cost Reductions
When you implement a standard way of performing tasks then all the team will follow this process. It is an opportunity to decide on the most efficient way of doing the task and a way to cut out any duplication. This means there is less likelihood of mistakes, there will be consistency and tasks will be completed correctly first time. This provides savings in employee time and saves the company money.
Good Customer/Supplier Relationship
When choosing a supplier, you can have confidence in the quality and reliability of a supplier that uses standards and is ISO Certified. When you are the company using standard procedures you are creating a great experience for your customer at every touch-point. Your customers will know what to expect when they work with you and they will return time and time again.
Opportunity for Export
International standards are vital if a company wants to sell their product or service outside of their own country. It is a transparent reliable way of assessing the quality of a company and it gives a sense of confidence when working with an unknown company.
Training or Expansion
When successful companies increase their revenue they will then consider expanding the workforce or even opening a second location. When you have set standards of operation it makes it easier to train a new staff member in the way the company operates. It can also be used a blueprint for a new office location so your business will look and feel the same in both locations.
We can learn a lot from businesses that have automated processes and standard operating procedures. We can see their success and try to emulate this within our organisation. To find out more about ISO standards and ISO certification and how it can benefit your business take a look at what our clients have to say in our video testimonials on this site.
