The way we do business has fundamentally changed. Just as remote work has become commonplace, professional services have adapted. ISO certification, a process that once relied heavily on multi-day, on-site audits and workshops, is no exception.
Remote ISO consulting has emerged as a flexible and highly effective alternative to the traditional model. But is it the right choice for your organization? Like any business strategy, it comes with a distinct set of advantages and potential drawbacks. Let’s explore the pros, cons, and the best practices to make it work.
The Pros: Efficiency and Access
Opting for a remote consultant offers several immediate benefits that are hard to ignore.
- Significant Cost Savings: This is the most compelling advantage. You completely eliminate the budget for a consultant’s travel, accommodation, and per diem expenses. This often makes top-tier expertise, which might have been geographically and financially out of reach, suddenly affordable.
- Ultimate Flexibility: Instead of dedicating several consecutive 8-hour days to on-site workshops (and pulling your team away from their core duties), remote consulting can be done in shorter, focused 2-3-hour sessions. This “micro-consulting” approach is less disruptive and often leads to better knowledge retention.
- Access To The Best Expertise: Your options are no longer limited to the experts in your city. You can partner with the best specialist for your industry—whether they are across the country or on another continent—ensuring you get the highest quality guidance.
The Cons: Bridging The Digital Divide
Remote consulting is not without its challenges, especially for certain types of businesses.
- Lack Of Physical Observation: This is the biggest drawback, particularly for manufacturing, construction, or businesses with complex physical processes. A consultant can’t do a “Gemba walk” (go to the place where work is done) through a video call. They can’t physically observe workflows, spot safety hazards, or get a “feel” for the company culture in the same way.
- Technology Dependence: The entire process hinges on a stable internet connection, clear video conferencing, and a shared understanding of digital tools. Technical glitches, poor audio, or file-sharing frustrations can derail a session and cause delays.
- Potential For Weaker Engagement: It can be more challenging to build rapport and keep a team engaged over a screen. In-person workshops thrive on group energy and spontaneous collaboration, which can be harder to replicate in a virtual setting.
Best Practices: How To Make Remote Consulting Succeed
You can overcome the cons and maximize the pros by following a few simple best practices:
- Appoint A Strong Internal Champion: Designate one person on your team to be the consultant’s “eyes and ears” on the ground. This person can use a smartphone to provide virtual tours, facilitate interviews with shop-floor staff, and ensure tasks are completed between sessions.
- Embrace The Tools: Get comfortable with the technology. Set up a central, cloud-based folder (like SharePoint, Google Drive, or Teams) for all ISO documentation. Ensure your meeting rooms are equipped for clear video calls.
- Over-Communicate: With remote work, clarity is key. Set a firm schedule, have clear agendas for every call, and define “homework” or action items to be completed before the next session.
Find Your Fit With The Right Partner
The success of remote consulting depends less on the model and more on the consultant. You need a partner who has mastered the remote process—one who knows how to keep teams engaged, manage documents efficiently online, and provide value without ever stepping foot in your office.
This is where BCS excels. As a leader in modern ISO certification consulting services, BCS has perfected a flexible hybrid and remote approach. They leverage technology to deliver expert guidance efficiently, helping you build a robust management system while saving you time and money.
Ready to explore a smarter, more flexible path to ISO certification? Contact BCS today to find out if remote consulting is the right fit for your business!
