When looking for linguistic solutions for your business, do you take into account whether the potential partner is an ISO Certified LSP (Language Service Provider)? As a business owner or manager, you know how important it is to communicate effectively with your clients, partners, and employees around the world. For that, you need accurate and culturally sensitive translations that convey your message clearly and authentically. But how can you choose the right LSP for your needs?

One way to ensure quality and reliability is to hire an ISO certified LSP. In this blog, we’ll explain what ISO certification is, how it ensures quality in language services and data safety, and how to select the right one for your business.

An ISO Certified LSP? What Does It Mean?

First of all, what is ISO Certification? We all have at some point heard about it, but what is it exactly? ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a non-governmental and independent organization that sets global standards for quality, safety, and efficiency in various industries. For a company, being ISO certified means that it has implemented and maintains a set of processes and procedures that meet the ISO standards for a specific area, such as quality management, for example. 

Certified businesses have to demonstrate this by undergoing a rigorous auditing process implemented by an independent third party, and it’s not easy to achieve. It shows that a company has a commitment to quality, and that they have processes and procedures in place to deliver consistent, high-quality results.

Which ISO Certifications Are Key for LSPs?

For language service providers, two essential ISO certifications are ISO 9001 and ISO 17100. ISO 9001 focuses on quality management systems, while ISO 17100 is a specific standard for translation services.

ISO 9001 Certification

ISO 9001 is the standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS), which specifies the requirements for a company’s processes and procedures to meet customer needs and expectations, enhance customer satisfaction, and comply with applicable regulations. ISO 9001 covers all aspects of a company’s operations, from leadership and planning to execution and evaluation.

ISO 17100 Certification

ISO 17100 is the standard for Translation Services, which specifies the requirements for the entire translation process, from project initiation to delivery and feedback. It also covers the qualifications of translators, editors, and proofreaders, the use of technology and resources, the management of documentation and communication, and the evaluation of quality and customer satisfaction.

Both ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 are based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, which involves setting objectives, implementing actions, monitoring performance, and reviewing results to improve continuously. 

How Does an ISO Certified LSP Ensure Quality?

ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 certifications require an LSP to have a quality management system in place that includes standardized processes, procedures, and workflows. Ensuring consistency and accuracy in language services, from translation to project management. This means clients can trust that their content is of the highest quality and is delivered on time.

Why is ISO Certification Essential for Data Safety?

As an LSP, data security is critical, we often work with sensitive information that needs to be handled with the utmost care and following planed and secure procedures. ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 certification demonstrate that an LSP has implemented robust security measures, including secure data storage, access control, and risk assessment protocols. 

So… Why Look for the ISO Certified Badge in an LSP?

We have given detail about this, but in summary: 

• Quality assurance
• Improved efficiency
• Increased customer satisfaction
• Risk mitigation

Also, ISO certification is globally recognized, so clients can be confident that they are working with a reputable provider. And something worth remembering is that ISO certification helps LSPs continuously improve their services through regular audits and assessments, ultimately benefiting their clients.

How to Choose the Right ISO Certified LSP for Your Business?

When selecting an ISO certified LSP, there are several factors to consider:

• Look for a partner that specializes in your industry.
• Has experience working with businesses of your size. 
• Check their certifications and ask for references
• Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions about their quality management systems, data security measures, and risk management protocols when in doubt!

At Win & Winnow Language Services, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality language services. Quality is embedded in our day-to-day activities, and all parties of the organization are highly committed to customer satisfaction. 

We also have a team, our CX team, whose main objective is to guarantee and monitor the service quality that Win & Winnow provides to each of our clients, with a focus on continuous improvement. We implement different quality strategies on a per-project basis; each strategy is aligned with each client’s needs and expectations. Our clients’ feedback is fundamental for assessment and continuous improvement. Being ISO certified is a critical aspect of our commitment to quality, data security, and customer-centric solutions. 

By partnering with us, you can trust that projects are delivered on time, accurately, and safely. If you’re interested in learning more about our ISO certified language services, please contact us today.