International Standards: A Proven Recipe for Success

Since HID acquired its identity document manufacturing facility in Malta in October 2019, the site has embarked on an ambitious journey to obtain three ISO certifications in a span of just over 5 months. Despite the scale of this challenge, the Malta site managed to successfully obtain all three certifications, namely the ISO 14001 (Environment), ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 14298 (Security) certifications. 

But why bother, and why the focus to achieve all three in such a short space of time?

Earning ISO certification means that you have efficient management processes in place to monitor all aspects of your business, from supply chain through inspection and production, to shipping and even waste management. The certification also ensures that management processes promote continuous improvement and even allow early detection of issues, which have potential to become very costly to the business and its stakeholders.

Other substantial benefits to investing in accreditation include:

• Improved customer experience. ISO processes focus on what is important to your customers and other stakeholders (e.g. neighbors and the local environment). Internal processes are then adapted to fit their expectations and needs. By operating in a way which delivers value or protects your customers and stakeholders, loyalty is developed and relationships strengthened.
• Reduced waste and enhanced efficiency. Rather than fixing problems after they occur, certification drives preventative measures, continuous improvement, measurement and performance assessment. By design, standards and quality improve while waste is reduced, delivering greater profitability and lowering environmental impacts.
• Optimized performance and productivity. Management systems implement routines for the continued training and development of employees. Not only does this enable them to meet the ever-changing demands of customers, but it also gives team members the skillsets to expand and grow their responsibilities. Employees that are engaged in this manner are much more likely to spot and remedy issues as they arise, as well as contribute to continuous improvement challenges.
• Better performance monitoring. A key aspect of certification is that the appropriate measurements and checks are in place to thoroughly know your business. Such metrics provide key management data, allowing for better business decisions that enable growth and efficiency.

ISO standards help businesses cut costs, thanks to improved systems and more efficient procedures. In addition, environmental impacts may be reduced, enabling better access to new markets and customers. For example, implementing ISO 9001 ensures quality and safety with regard to processes and products. As a result, customer satisfaction, confidence and trust are built.

There is no better testament to this than HID’s Malta site. On March 31, 2020, the Malta site celebrated its 11th year in operation, since shipping its first passport booklets back in 2009. During this time, the site has produced and shipped a total of 62.5 million booklets. With its expanded operational capability for manufacturing ID documents, a further 9.3 million ID documents have been created, adding up to a consolidated total of 71.8 million secure credentials delivered to our global customers.

To find out more about the benefits of ISO standardization, read our white paper.

Steve Warne is Senior Director, Product Marketing, Citizen Identification Solutions, where he is responsible for the marketing and solution strategy related to the development and growth of HID’s global government ID business. Steve has more than 15 years of experience in the government identity market.