Business is a highly intricate and sensitive entity wherein every component must synergize effectively. A prolonged malfunction in any part can detrimentally impact the entire system, underscoring the importance of promptly identifying issues to rectify faults. For international companies with hundreds or even thousands of employees, maintaining a transparent and robust quality system is paramount. Such a system assures customers and stakeholders that standards are consistently upheld.
The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) quality system started to evolve following World War II, experiencing significant expansion during the 1970s. This period saw a notable influx of both military and civilian organizations, including associations and institutes from diverse sectors, joining the system. Additionally, in the 1990s, Latvian media covered the emergence of the first companies demonstrating their capability to achieve ISO certification. Reports highlighted the advantages and the evaluation of this certification by international partners.
Today, ISO certification holds significant value as it signifies a company’s proficiency not only in organizing internal processes but also in being a dependable partner. For businesses aspiring to attain this recognition, there exists a sequential process comprising various steps, among which I believe identifying and resolving issues stands out as crucial. Over the long run, this approach fosters heightened competitiveness, opens avenues for growth and expansion, and facilitates cost reductions by circumventing wasteful expenditure and unprofitable transactions. Consequently, this leads to augmented profits, enhanced customer satisfaction and trust, and an overall enhancement in reputation.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that in the future, an additional component will be integrated into the already intricate business landscape: sustainability. This may manifest differently for each company; for some, it could involve installing solar panels on factory roofs, for others, transitioning to electric vehicles, while yet another might opt to replace gas boilers with pellet boilers. In this context, ISO certification can once again serve as an assurance that the company prioritizes environmental concerns and is actively reducing its carbon footprint. This aspect holds particular significance within supply chains. While not all companies may necessitate quality standards certificates, such evidence is progressively gaining importance in the global arena. Those companies that proactively address these concerns will likely find it easier to thrive in the future compared to those that procrastinate or neglect efforts to enhance their standards.
One of the most commonly used ones is ISO 9001:2015, which has just been received by “Venipak Latvia,” confirming that the company is committed to providing the highest quality services that meet both customer and regulatory requirements. In my opinion, this is a significant milestone in the company’s history because it demonstrates the existence of excellent service and continuous efforts to improve, caring for its customers.
A structured quality system, sustainability, and certification as evidence – these are the values that will shape the daily operations of companies in the future, caring for both customers and employees. Already, the European Union has announced plans to invest around a trillion euros in sustainability efforts to achieve the set targets for climate neutrality. That’s precisely why it’s important to build businesses that are not only successful, growth-oriented, and profitable but also environmentally friendly. I am confident that our customers will appreciate the efforts we put into enhancing service quality, ensuring the status of a reliable company.