When your organization implements an ISO management system – such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO/IEC 27001, or others – the next logical step is certification. Certification not only validates that your organization complies with the standard, but also enhances your reputation with customers, partners, and regulatory bodies.

But how do you choose the right certification body to guide you through this important milestone?

Why the Certification Body You Choose Matters

Certification bodies, like Perry Johnson Registrars, Inc. (PJR), are independent third parties responsible for evaluating your management system and issuing your certification. While many organizations are tempted to base this decision on price alone, doing so can come at the cost of credibility, industry-specific experience, and long-term value.

The right certification body does more than verify compliance – they act as a partner that supports your continuous improvement journey.

Key Factors to Consider

Here are several important elements to consider when selecting your certification body:

• Reputation: Choose a certification body that is respected in your industry. A strong reputation lends credibility to your certification and reinforces trust with clients.
• Accreditation: Confirm that the certification body is accredited by a nationally or internationally recognized accreditation body (e.g., ANAB in the U.S. or UKAS in the U.K.). Accreditation ensures that the certification body operates according to internationally accepted standards.
• Specialization: Look for a body with auditors experienced in your industry. This ensures audits are more relevant, efficient, and insightful.
• Auditor Experience: Experienced auditors can provide valuable insights during the audit process. Don’t hesitate to request information about the auditor’s qualifications and industry experience.
• Integrated Audit Capabilities: If you plan to certify multiple standards (e.g., ISO 9001 and ISO 14001), consider a certification body that offers integrated audits. This approach reduces audit time, cost, and complexity.
• Geographic Proximity and Flexibility: A local auditor reduces travel-related constraints and allows for greater flexibility in scheduling.
• Language Capabilities: Ensure auditors are fluent in your organization’s primary language for smoother communication and document review.
• System Maturity Requirements: Some certification bodies have specific expectations regarding how developed a management system must be prior to certification. Clarify these requirements early.
• Included Services: When comparing quotes, check whether items like travel costs or document reviews are included in the total fee.

Start by defining what you want from certification – whether it’s market access, customer trust, or internal improvements. Research certification bodies used by your competitors or clients. Reach out early in your implementation process to gather quotes and evaluate the added value each body can provide.

Remember, your certification body should be a partner – not just a service provider.

Why Choose PJR?

At Perry Johnson Registrars, we understand that certification is about more than checking boxes – it’s about building credibility, improving systems, and opening doors. Here’s why organizations around the globe choose PJR:

• Globally Recognized Accreditation: PJR is accredited by ANAB and other internationally respected bodies, ensuring your certification is accepted worldwide.
• Industry-Specific Expertise: Our auditors bring deep experience across a wide range of sectors, from manufacturing and information security to healthcare and aerospace.
• Integrated Audit Services: We offer integrated audits for clients seeking certification to multiple standards, saving time and resources.
• Global Reach, Local Presence: With auditors based around the world, we provide local expertise and flexibility – no need to fly auditors in from abroad.
• Commitment to Continuous Improvement: PJR auditors don’t just evaluate compliance – they share insights that help organizations continually improve their systems.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Our team works with you from the start to understand your goals, answer your questions, and tailor the process to meet your needs.

Partner with PJR and take your management system to the next level—with confidence, credibility, and a team that’s with you every step of the way. For more information, contact us today at (248) 358-3388 or send a request to pjr@pjr.com to speak to a Project Manager in your area!

Manufacturers struggling to balance efficiency and the aerospace industry’s stringent regulatory and safety standards may find AI can help them achieve their goals. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can assist in optimizing production efficiency while adhering to the strict quality and safety industry standards.

• AI-Driven Process Optimization: By analyzing historical designs, procurement data, and manufacturing processes, AI identifies inefficiencies and uncovers cost-saving opportunities. This enables manufacturers to make data-driven decisions that optimize supply chain logistics, reduce unnecessary inventory, and prevent costly mistakes.
• Focus on Non-Critical Components: Non-critical components, which comprise approximately 80% of an aircraft’s structure, are ideal targets for cost-reduction strategies. AI tools can streamline the production of these parts, minimizing material waste and reducing the need for custom fabrication.
• Advanced Manufacturing Analytics: AI-powered solutions offer new optimization possibilities through advanced manufacturing analytics and metrology integration. These technologies enable manufacturers to make smarter decisions, automate repetitive tasks, and reduce waste without compromising quality.
• Standardization of Components: AI tools can identify commonalities among parts, enabling manufacturers to consolidate designs and reduce variability. This streamlining lowers production costs by reducing the need for unique tooling and materials for each part.
• Supply Chain Optimization: AI enhances supply chain efficiency by improving transparency and coordination. Predictive analytics for demand forecasting and real-time tracking of materials reduce waste, enhance supplier relationships, and ensure timely delivery of critical components.
• Enhanced Metrology Accuracy: AI-driven metrology tools analyze measurement data in real-time, identifying discrepancies and enabling rapid adjustments to maintain specifications. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and enhances overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE): AI facilitates VAVE methodologies by scrutinizing each component’s function and cost to determine opportunities for redesign or material substitution. This approach helps manufacturers achieve cost reductions without compromising performance or reliability.
• Ensuring Compliance: AI solutions support regulatory compliance by offering precision and consistency in analyses. They can simulate the performance of redesigned components under various conditions, ensuring that cost-saving measures do not compromise the aircraft’s integrity or safety.

By integrating AI into their operations, aerospace manufacturers can achieve meaningful cost savings while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. To explore how aerospace (AS 91xx) or AI (ISO 42001) certification can benefit your organization, contact our project managers at pjr@pjr.com for more information.

In the automotive industry, adherence to ethical standards is not just a legal obligation but a cornerstone of sustainable business practice. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), enacted in 1977, serves as a global benchmark in combating bribery and corruption. Despite its longstanding presence, some executives express concerns about the complexities of compliance. However, as highlighted in a recent Industry Week article, the emphasis should be on unwavering adherence rather than apprehension.

The article underscores that ethical behavior transcends mere legal compliance; it fosters a positive corporate reputation, enhances customer loyalty, and cultivates a constructive work environment. Companies like Toyota have experienced firsthand the repercussions of ethical lapses, facing significant production setbacks due to scandals involving emission certifications and recalls.

For auto suppliers, implementing a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery is paramount. This involves establishing a comprehensive code of ethics, conducting regular audits, and ensuring transparent communication across all organizational levels. Such proactive measures not only mitigate legal risks but also contribute to long-term business viability.

In today’s global market, ethical compliance is integral to a company’s success and reputation. Auto suppliers must prioritize ethical practices to navigate the complexities of international business effectively.

For further guidance on establishing robust ethical compliance frameworks, please contact our project managers at pjr@pjr.com.

EHS Professionals: Driving Sustainability Beyond Compliance

In today’s evolving business environment, EHS professionals—those working in Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability (EHS&S)—are expanding their influence far beyond traditional compliance functions. No longer limited to enforcing safety protocols, these experts are becoming strategic leaders who drive sustainability, innovation, and resilience across organizations.

Nicole Wilkinson, Executive Director of Corporate Health, Safety, and Environment at CVS Health and the newly appointed Chair of the National Association for Environment, Health & Safety, and Sustainability Management (NAEM), underscores this transformation. She highlights how EHS professionals are now reporting directly to corporate boards, shaping high-level business discussions, and guiding long-term sustainability strategies.

Championing Worker Health and Wellness

One of the most notable contributions of EHS professionals today is their holistic approach to employee well-being. Beyond ensuring physical safety, they are driving initiatives that promote total worker health—encompassing mindfulness, physical fitness, and stress management. Through collaboration with HR departments, EHS teams are building recognition programs that celebrate safety achievements and reinforce a culture where well-being is prioritized.

By cultivating psychologically safe workplaces, EHS leaders encourage open communication, resulting in greater employee engagement, stronger teamwork, and a more resilient workforce. These efforts underscore the shift from reactive safety programs to proactive wellness strategies that enhance both productivity and morale.

Addressing Workplace Violence and Emerging Risks

As workplace violence becomes an increasing concern across industries, EHS professionals are taking the lead in prevention and response planning. Many organizations are implementing comprehensive codes of conduct, conflict de-escalation training, and early intervention systems to safeguard employees. These initiatives not only meet emerging regulatory requirements but also foster a more supportive and secure work environment.

EHS leaders recognize that preventing incidents requires more than compliance—it demands continuous education, awareness, and accountability at all levels of the organization.

Leveraging Technology to Advance EHS Management

Technology has become a key enabler in the evolution of EHS professionals. Modern EHS management systems and analytics platforms allow organizations to track performance metrics, visualize compliance data, and forecast potential risks in real time.

Through digital dashboards and automated reporting tools, EHS teams are transforming how businesses monitor sustainability performance. These systems support transparency, improve decision-making, and streamline communication between departments—ensuring that safety and sustainability objectives are met efficiently.

Integrating Sustainability into Core Business Strategy

The expanded role of EHS professionals demonstrates a fundamental shift toward embedding sustainability within corporate strategy. Companies that move beyond compliance to embrace sustainability gain a competitive advantage, enhance their brand reputation, and contribute meaningfully to environmental and social progress.

At Perry Johnson Registrars (PJR), we recognize the essential role EHS professionals play in this transformation. Our certification programs—spanning ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), and other global standards—empower organizations to formalize and strengthen their EHS frameworks.

For organizations looking to elevate their sustainability and safety programs, engaging with an accredited certification body is a key step toward long-term success. Contact our project managers atpjr@pjr.com.

Ensuring Responsible AI: The Role of Ethical Standards in AI Development

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries worldwide, organizations are reaping the benefits of increased efficiency, automation, and innovation. However, this rapid evolution also brings a growing responsibility to ensure that AI systems are designed and used ethically. The importance of ethical standards in AI development has never been greater, as businesses work to balance technological progress with societal values such as fairness, accountability, and transparency.

Understanding the Need for Ethical Standards in AI Development

AI is reshaping how decisions are made—from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and education—but without proper ethical guidelines, its misuse can lead to unintended consequences. Responsible AI development focuses on minimizing bias, safeguarding privacy, and maintaining transparency throughout an AI system’s lifecycle. Establishing strong ethical standards in AI development ensures that algorithms not only perform accurately but also respect human rights and promote trust between organizations and the public.

The Global Framework: ISO/IEC 42001 and Responsible AI Management

One of the most significant advancements in AI governance is the introduction of the ISO/IEC 42001 standard, a global AI management framework launched to guide organizations in developing and managing AI responsibly. This international standard offers a comprehensive structure for addressing the ethical, technical, and operational aspects of AI systems. It enables companies to balance innovation with governance, integrating accountability, transparency, and risk management into every stage of AI development.

Adopting ISO/IEC 42001 not only helps organizations maintain compliance with emerging regulations but also strengthens their internal processes through better data management and continuous improvement. It demonstrates a proactive commitment to responsible innovation—an essential factor in today’s trust-driven digital economy.

The Role of ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 in Advancing AI Ethics

The development of international AI standards is spearheaded by the ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 subcommittee, formed in 2018 to address the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence. This committee focuses on creating globally recognized standards, technical reports, and best practices that promote ethical and sustainable AI. Their work encompasses critical areas such as data quality, algorithmic bias, model interpretability, and overall system reliability.

Through their efforts, organizations worldwide can align with a consistent ethical framework, ensuring their AI systems meet global expectations for safety, transparency, and fairness.

Benefits of Adopting Ethical Standards in AI Development

Integrating ethical standards in AI development offers multiple advantages:

• Enhanced Trust: Demonstrates integrity and accountability, fostering stakeholder confidence.
• Risk Reduction: Mitigates potential harm caused by algorithmic bias or data misuse.
• Regulatory Readiness: Prepares organizations for evolving global and regional AI regulations.
• Improved Innovation: Encourages responsible creativity while maintaining compliance.

Organizations that invest in ethical AI practices not only future-proof their operations but also position themselves as leaders in responsible technology adoption.

Partnering with PJR for AI Ethics Certification

At Perry Johnson Registrars (PJR), we help organizations align their AI initiatives with international ethical and quality standards. Our certification experts provide guidance on implementing and maintaining frameworks such as ISO/IEC 42001 to ensure your systems operate responsibly, transparently, and effectively. Certification through PJR reinforces your organization’s dedication to ethical excellence and compliance while building credibility with clients and regulators.

To learn more about how PJR can help your business integrate ethical standards in AI development and achieve certification under ISO/IEC 42001, contact our project managers atpjr@pjr.com.