FAQs
We’ve pulled together some FAQs below about our ISO consultancy services and using our system, Titan. If you have any questions that aren’t covered here then please don’t hesitate to contact us and we’d be more than happy to help.
What is ISO accreditation and why would you want it?
To be ISO (International Standards Organisation) accredited, means that you have been certified by a third-party body, by providing evidence that your company runs to an internationally recognised standard. Importantly, ISO certification is often required for your company to qualify for tender.
Furthermore, if your company is fully committed to taking on board best practice recommendations for its ISO management systems, you should see continual improvements in operations and processes. In turn, this should lead to increased profitability and customer satisfaction, bringing a return on your investment. Please find more information on the differing standards here.
What is UKAS accredited ISO certification?
In the UK, UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) is the only accreditation body officially recognised by the Government, that assesses against the ISO standards. Although you can achieve ISO certification through a non UKAS accredited certification body, having UKAS accreditation is generally recognised as the best way to ensure acceptance when bidding in both the private and public sector.
At Mark 1 we only deal with UKAS accredited certification bodies, for example BSI, Alcumus ISOQAR and Approachable Certification. This all adds up to that extra ‘seal of approval’ for you, your staff and customers alike. So, although you may be offered a swifter and potentially cheaper option, often this merely serves as a ‘quick fix’ and may not benefit your company, nor provide any return on your investment, in the long run.
Why use a consultant?
Putting an ISO system in place can be a daunting task if you are not familiar with the requirements. Even if you are familiar, it could be the case that your company has grown rapidly or recently merged and you may not have the time or resource to analyse and implement any necessary changes to your management systems, to adequately reflect any alteration within your business processes and procedures.
At Mark 1, we have a wealth of experience in a variety of companies and being impartial are often best placed to offer an objective overview. We will recommend areas that need work and clarify and document your processes, working with your and your staff to fully integrate efficient management systems for various ISO standards. And, if your company choose to use our approved ISO management system software package, Titan, its structured framework will further help to ease the ISO implementation process.
We have close links with some of the UK’s leading certification bodies and are associated members of both BSI and Alcumus ISOQAR, so can act as a reliable ‘go-between’ as and when necessary. With 100% first time accreditation success rate to date, we can be trusted to simplify the path to ISO certification.
What sort and size of company do you cater for?
We cater for all sorts and sizes of organisation from manufacturing or engineering to service based, and have a wealth of experience in implementing a variety of ISO management systems. The ISO standards are designed to be applicable for any size or type of company and provided they are integrated and utilised well, should provide a good return on your investment.
Our cloud-based ISO management system software, Titan, has no upper limit on the number of users that can be added per company and so the database can grow and strengthen in parallel with any actual or projected expansion in your business. Don’t just take out word for it, have a look at our case studies here.
What does Consultancy Cost?
The Cost of consultancy is very much dependent on the size and scope of your company. We will always offer a free visit to assess your company’s requirements and provide a no obligation quote based on this initial assessment together with an estimated completion date.
If we implement The Titan System we will set up a fixed monthly subscription fee on a flexible rolling contract. Prices for both are available on request here.
Is the Titan system secure?
The Titan system is password protected and encrypted to ensure a high level of security. We can also assure you that we do our utmost to hold any information entrusted to us in the strictest confidence. This applies to data/information inputted onto The Titan System and otherwise. As with all online log-in procedures, please ensure your password is not shared with any third parties.
What sort of database is this?
The technologies used are MS SQL and ASP.NET
Are you able to restrict certain areas within The Titan System?
Differing permission levels can be set from full editorial rights to simple individual viewing rights. For more information on the many benefits and features of our QMS software, The Titan System, please click here.
How long is the contract period?
The normal contract period is only one month.
How many licences are required?
You only require one licence to use the Titan System. This is a group licence that can be used by multiple people.
Will it work on my computer?
As this is cloud based it is designed to work on a web browser. We recommend Google Chrome or Internet Explorer/Edge. It is recommended that you have at least 5GB of memory on your system(s).
Is the information backed up?
The information is backed-up on a daily basis.
Are there upgrades?
We manage a systematic upgrade process, which is managed and implemented by our technical team.
How do you start the Consultancy process?
After our initial meeting to assess your company’s requirements and provide a free quote, will arrange a Strategic Meeting with top management. In this meeting we will complete a comprehensive Gap Analysis covering areas such as business risk, objectives, interested parties and legislation and look at your company’s strategic direction. For more information take a look at our Consultancy animation here.
Can you undertake our internal audits?
To gain ISO accreditation you are required to undertake internal audits that focus on the key areas of your business. You are unable to audit your own work. Being impartial, as consultants, we are indeed often best placed to undertake all of your internal audits. For more information about internal auditing, have a look at our blog here.
Are you in attendance during our assessment?
We always offer to be in attendance during your assessment(s) and are on hand to assist both the assessors from the certification body and your own staff. We will help you to ensure that all necessary material is ready and available when needed. We will also attend any scheduled Management Reviews making sure that these are planned and documented appropriately and in line with the requirements of the standard.
What qualifications do you have?
All our experienced ISO Consultants have completed Lead Auditor training and have gained various other qualifications. For more information please Meet the Team.
Is there funding available?
From time to time opportunities arise where government funding becomes available for certain sectors or regions. We will discuss any such opportunities on a case by case basis and will endeavour to do our best to support you through the funding application process.
We have worked with Mark 1 Business Systems and the Titan Cloud Based Management System for over 4 years and have found that both have become invaluable resources for our company. Mark 1 as consultants have helped us maintain and transition both our ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Management Systems and the use of the Titan System has made this so much easier. More recently Mark 1 has helped us Transition our ISO 17025 Laboratory Management System to the new 2017 Standard and are currently working with us on achieving the ISO 45001 certification. If you are looking for help with your Management Systems, Mark 1 and the Titan System tick all the boxes.
Bob Wylie Director - Northburn Oils Ltd