Never before have certifications been so important for a manufacturing business. Yet, many small manufacturing shops dismiss acquiring certifications as impossible. From lacking time, to everyone already wearing so many hats, it just seems impossible to add something else to the mix. In effect, whether it is ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485, or another industry-specific standard, certifications have become a competitive advantage that reaches far beyond compliance. They build trust, open doors to new customers, reduce operational risk, and prove your processes can consistently deliver quality.
In this episode of Manufacturing Insiders, Nate Wheeler sits down with Nerio Rivera, Senior client manager of IMSM, to break down the certification landscape. They discuss which ISO certifications matter most across industries like aerospace, medical, and general manufacturing, as well as what it really takes to maintain compliance, and why certifications are becoming increasingly important as supply chains demand greater accountability.
Nate and Nerio also address small shop owners directly, offering practical advance and experience surrounding how to maintain documentation, consistently pass audits, and invest in quality systems when everyone is already wearing so many hats. Nerio shares practical advice on balancing day-to-day production with long-term process improvement, showing that certification isn’t just about passing an audit, but about building a stronger, more resilient business. If you’re considering certification, or currently maintaining an existing quality management system, or a small shop owner trying to understand which standards make the most sense for your shop, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately.
Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient.
Watch the Full Interview on YouTube!
Interview Chapters
- 0:00 IMSM Role in Securing Certifications
- 7:20 What Certifications are a Good Fit
- 8:50 Manufacturing Case Study
- 14:00 Don’t wait for the Fire
- 15:30 It Won’t Take as Long as you Think
- 18:40 Certification ROI: from SEO to Government Contracts
- 22:40 The Level of Preparedness IMSM Looks For
- 24:35 The Role of AI Co-Pilots in Maintaining Certifications
- 27:55 the Value Adds of working with IMSM
- 31:20 The Rise of CMNC Certifications
- 34:30 Different Industries, Different Certifications, Different Value
- 36:35 Managing Many Certifications
- 38:45 MEP and Creating Manufacturing Interest
- 44:30 What it will take to Support US Manufacturing
Manufacturing Insights
1. ISO certifications can open doors that would otherwise be closed
For some industries and customers, a certification isn’t simply a nice credential, in fact, it can even be a prerequisite for being considered at all. Nerio explains that certain government, medical, automotive, and other explicitly high-risk industries use ISO certifications as a part of their supplier requirements. In other words, if you don’t have it, you may not even get the opportunity to compete.
2. Many manufacturers already have the beginnings of a system required for ISO certifications
Undoubtably the biggest misconception about ISO certification is that a manufacturer has to completely reinvent how it operates. Nerio’s experience is that many manufacturers already have quality processes in place. The only challenge then is documenting those processes and translating what the company already does into the language and structure required by the standard.
3. ISO certifications can turn undocumented knowledge into repeatable processes
Manufacturers often have SOPs, work instructions, and quality procedures that exist primarily in employees’ heads. Generally, creating a formal quality management system forces the organization to make those processes visible and repeatable. This is especially valuable as experienced employees retire or move on.
4. ISO certifications should be viewed as an investment in the organization
Nerio says the best customers are companies that are genuinely committed to continuous improvement rather than simply trying to obtain a certificate. That distinction is important: The certificate is the outcome. The process of building a better organization is where much of the value comes from.
5. Continuous improvement is at the heart of a useful quality system
A company shouldn’t approach ISO with a mindset of “We’re doing things fine, so let’s document them and get certified.” The more productive mindset is: “We’re doing things this way today. Can we find a better way?” Nerio specifically describes open-minded companies that are willing to invest in improving their organizations as the best candidates for the process.
6. Different ISO certifications serve different business objectives
ISO isn’t one universal certification that accomplishes everything. The episode discusses ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 50001 for energy management, and other standards that apply to specific industries and objectives. Consequently, that means not all of them will serve you properly and you may need guidance based on what you are trying to accomplish.
7. A gap analysis can give manufacturers a roadmap
The certification process will often begin with understanding where the company currently stands relative to the requirements. The Sunfast example discussed in the episode follows a basic progression: Understand the company’s goals → conduct a gap analysis → implement the system → prepare for the audit → achieve certification. That gives manufacturers a much more approachable picture of what the process actually looks like.
8. ISO certifications can help manufacturers consolidate their quality systems
For companies working under multiple standards, there can be opportunities to consolidate documentation and auditing processes rather than maintaining completely separate systems for every certification. Nerio discusses customers using a unified manual and certification structure where appropriate.
9. Manufacturers have to take responsibility for strengthening the industry
Nerio’s experience with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership led him to many of his broader conclusions. Manufacturers need to work together, understand each other’s capabilities, and strengthen domestic supply chains. Therefore, he describes efforts to connect manufacturers and localize supply chains as one of his biggest takeaways from that work.