The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has released a fun video animation that shows how to understand quality assurance - and in particular, accreditation - like the layers of an onion.
The video equates the center of an onion to a product. The next layer is the manufacturer, followed by the certification body or lab, which tests products to verify their safety. The final, outermost layer is the accreditation body, which assures that the certification body conforms to international standards.
ANSI accreditation provides assurance that standards, goods, personnel, and services meet requirements throughout the global supply chain - engendering consumer trust and fostering competitiveness.
The video elaborates: "You probably wouldn't buy an onion that was missing its outer skin. Just like that onion skin, accreditation provides a layer of confidence in the entire system. And ANSI accreditation is the strongest assurance of accuracy, quality, and competence."
ANSI itself operates in accordance with an international standard - ISO/IEC 17011. ANSI is also a member body of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), and signatory to IAF and Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC) Multilateral Recognition Arrangements. This is testament that ANSI successfully withstands rigorous audits by its international peers and holds its accreditation programs to the highest standards. It also allows ANSI-accredited certifications, validations, and verifications cross-border recognition, reducing the need for costly and duplicative conformance measures.
For more on ANSI accreditation, visit ansiaccreditation.org.