Use ISO-14000 as a compliance and productivity tool

Many HPI companies ponder whether or not to invest the time and resources in attaining ISO-14000 accreditation. Similar to ISO-9000, ISO-14000 is a verification process that assures that the operating company is continuously working to achieve its environmental goals and policies. The standards broadly define that organizations should develop an environmental management system (EMS) as the infrastructure to customize procedures and guidelines. From a strategic competition viewpoint, many organizations are focusing on issues such as: quick response (to customer needs), customer relationships, core competence, and continuous improvement, in addition to conventional indicators including: cost control and technology. ISO-14001 EMS could help organizations address these issues.