Accredited testing labs: Why ISO 17025 accreditation matters for your business

When it comes to materials testing, quality assurance is essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of products and systems. Accredited testing labs, especially those certified to ISO 17025, play a critical role in this process. For businesses, using an accredited laboratory like One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions ensures that testing procedures meet the highest international standards, resulting in trustworthy data and conclusions. Here’s why ISO 17025 accreditation matters for your business and how it ensures accurate and reliable results.

What is ISO 17025 accreditation?

ISO 17025 is the global standard for testing and calibration laboratories, specifying the general requirements for competence. Laboratories that achieve this accreditation demonstrate their technical expertise, consistency, and ability to produce valid results. First issued in 1999 by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO), it was revised in 2017 to reflect modern testing demands and ensure even more rigorous oversight.

For a lab to become accredited, it undergoes thorough audits, inspections, and assessments by external bodies, such as the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). The accreditation process evaluates several key factors:

• Competence of personnel
• Validity of testing methods
• Calibration of equipment
• Traceability of measurements to national standards
• Document control and record-keeping

ISO 17025 accreditation is recognized internationally, giving businesses confidence in the quality and accuracy of the testing performed.

Why should your business use an ISO 17025 accredited lab?

Guaranteed accuracy and precision

Accurate results are critical in materials testing. Whether testing metals for fatigue, performing corrosion analysis, or investigating the root cause of a failure, businesses rely on precise data to make informed decisions. Labs accredited to ISO 17025 adhere to stringent quality control processes, meaning they consistently deliver results that are both accurate and reliable. This precision can prevent costly errors in material selection, design, or manufacturing processes.

Compliance with industry standards

Many industries, including construction, oil & gas, automotive, and aerospace, have strict material standards. Using an ISO 17025 accredited lab ensures that the tests performed meet both international and industry-specific standards. This can be crucial for regulatory compliance, especially in sectors where safety is paramount, and for companies that operate in multiple jurisdictions. Accreditation guarantees that testing results will be accepted by regulatory authorities and clients worldwide, minimizing the risk of disputes or product recalls.

Confidence in the competence of personnel

One of the core elements of ISO 17025 is the evaluation of the laboratory’s staff. Accredited labs are required to have highly skilled and trained personnel with the necessary technical competence to conduct specific tests and interpret results. When you work with an accredited lab, you can trust that the professionals overseeing your testing are not only qualified but also up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. This assures the accuracy and reliability of the entire testing process.

Enhanced risk management

Materials testing is often performed to assess risk and prevent future failures. In industries like manufacturing or construction, faulty materials can result in significant financial losses, accidents, or even loss of life. Root cause failure analysis, one of the specialized services offered by labs like One Eighty Materials Engineering, helps identify the reasons behind material failure and provides actionable recommendations to prevent recurrence.

Using an accredited lab for such critical analysis ensures the results are trustworthy, as the lab operates under strict quality management procedures. This reduces the risk of using inaccurate or incomplete data, which could otherwise lead to incorrect conclusions and potentially hazardous outcomes.

Cost efficiency

While using an ISO 17025 accredited lab might seem like an added expense upfront, it often saves businesses money in the long run. Accurate testing reduces the likelihood of product failure, recalls, and liability claims. It also minimizes the need for retesting, which can be both time-consuming and costly. Additionally, accreditation assures clients and stakeholders that all tests are done right the first time, reducing project delays and unexpected costs.

Global recognition and credibility

ISO 17025 accreditation is recognized globally, offering businesses the assurance that testing results will be accepted internationally. Whether your business operates locally or has a global footprint, you can trust that results from an accredited lab will be valid across borders. This is especially important for companies exporting products or working on international projects.

For instance, One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions, accredited by SANAS to ISO 17025:2017, has a reputation for delivering testing results that meet the strictest global standards. Businesses that use such labs signal to their partners and clients that they prioritise quality and integrity.

Holistic root cause failure analysis and accreditation

A holistic approach to Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCA) takes into account not only the material’s properties but also its environmental conditions, the design of the system, and the operational context in which the failure occurred. Accredited labs like One Eighty excel in this area, as their accreditation ensures they have the processes in place to perform complex, multidisciplinary analyses. Holistic RCA helps businesses not only identify what went wrong but also implement solutions that prevent future failures.

Conclusion: why ISO 17025 accreditation is essential for your business

In an industry where precision and reliability are critical, using an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory offers businesses a clear advantage. It ensures accuracy, compliance with international standards, and confidence in the competence of the lab’s personnel. Whether you need materials testing, root cause analysis, or expert witness services, partnering with an accredited lab like One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions guarantees that your testing is performed with the highest level of expertise and integrity. Investing in accredited testing services is an investment in the success and safety of your business.