Certification systems aim to signal compliance with specific standards related to quality, sustainability, or ethics. Certifications influence buyer decisions and market positioning.
However, certifications have limitations. They represent minimum thresholds rather than comprehensive guarantees. Compliance does not automatically ensure quality or profitability.
Effective use of certification requires alignment with business strategy. Certifications should support operational goals rather than exist as marketing tools alone.
Professionals must understand both the benefits and constraints of certification systems to deploy them strategically.