Manufacturing Certifications Separate Wheat From The Chaff

Companies that manufacture products for use by consumers or industrial applications understand how certifications help with marketing. Products and services which have been independently reviewed to meet industrial or commercial standards have greater value than those that do not. In a world where independent verification of information is important, third party certifications can give your customer the added trust in your products and services.

Manufacturing Certifications Are Important

Ever since the first independent certifying organizations began to appear on the industrial scene, consumers and professional purchasing agents have become accustomed to looking for the certification seal or endorsement when searching for vendors or suppliers of their preferred product or service. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) was founded in 1918 to review standards for industrial processes, equipment, and training practices taking place in the United States. For over 100 years, ANSI and other organizations have been involved in the constantly-evolving world of standards and certifications. In many respects, ANSI is the certifying agency for certification processes.

Most Recognized Manufacturing Certifications

Some certifications and endorsements are easily recognized and useful for marketing and sales efforts. The major certification groups are:

• Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) – Independent, not-for-profit testing and analysis organization focused on product safety for the United States and Canada.
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – Non-government organization with members from 164 countries establishing standards levels for industrial and commercial products and services.
• Skilled Trade Certifications – Organizations that endorse skills and protocols in the electrical, tool and die, and other skilled trades and industries.
• Quality in Manufacturing Certifications – Meeting established and consensus requirements for the production of consumable goods.
• Logistics Certifications – Measuring the effectiveness and management of supplier goods and services including supply chain processes, software, transportation, and delivery management.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Certification – Methods and processes that result in cost and time savings via streamlining processes and increasing the value of products and materials manufactured.
• Health and Safety Certifications – Local, regional, and national organizations, including government regulatory offices, that endorse and monitor safety protocols in manufacturing, construction, and other industries.
• Project Management Certifications – The processes of conceiving, designing, manufacturing, and delivering products and services on a project-by-project basis that ensures achieving the project’s or product’s best result.

Certification Groups in America

The United States has a long history of creating organizations that monitor, educate, and advance various aspects of industrial manufacturing and commercial production of equipment and materials. These organizations set the standards against which companies, processes, equipment, and engineering protocols are measured to determine suitability and quality:

• American Society for Quality (ASQ) – leading global association of quality control experts and standards.
• Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) – continuous improvement organization focused on enterprise excellence.
• Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) – metal forming and fabrication standards with 2,500+ members.
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) – the largest manufacturing association in the US representing small, medium, and large manufacturers across America.
• International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) – information concerning the sale, transport, and delivery of US-made weapons and associated equipment.

International Certification Organizations

Some of the best known and respected certification groups work with international standards and compliance. Many US-based certification organizations also serve as international bodies for certification in other countries and regions. The reverse is also true with many internationally based groups providing certifications for American manufacturers marketing products offshore. Those groups include:

• Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) – A Canadian certification organization that endorses consumer and industrial products from around the world.
• Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) – International non-profit, volunteer group that monitors and certifies food production, packaging, and delivery systems for consumer safety in 64 countries.
• Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) – elimination of hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment that can affect consumers.

Manufacturing Certifications Tell the World Your Company Cares

B2B and B2C marketing are significantly enhanced by providing certifications from oversight and monitoring organizations. Receiving a recognized certification communicates a clear message of professionalism and thoroughness concerning the products, people, and the company being certified. In many situations, a lack of credentials from a certifying organization can take a company or individual out of the running for a purchase or employment. Third-party certifications demonstrate a high level of quality and consistency that most purchasers expect and will use as a qualifier before deciding to buy.

Meet the Author: Jaclyn King

Jaclyn is a Marketing Communications Specialist on the BTI Team. She serves as the Content Manager, where she primarily manages social media channels, SEO, Public Relations, and website development. To get to know more about Jaclyn, check her out on LinkedIn!