There are several reasons an organization may choose to implement an ISO quality system.  As with many things in business (and life!) this is a subjective evaluation, and a matter of opinion.

One of the concrete benefits of becoming ISO certified is being able to do business with certain customers who will otherwise not purchase from you.  Becoming ISO certified can be viewed as a sales tool.   In some industries (aerospace, medical, food, for example) there are companies that will only purchase from vendors who are ISO certified.  Becoming certified to the ISO standard can open doors to customers that are otherwise closed to you.

Having an ISO quality system is a way of telling potential customers that you have your act together, that you are serious about quality, and that your company is worth looking at as a supplier.  Your ISO certificate can be seen as a calling card to new customers.  It will open doors that were previously closed to you.  And although ISO is very popular in the United States, it is even more popular and recognized throughout Europe, and is gaining recognition in Asia as well.  It truly is an international quality standard.

Another benefit of getting ISO 9001:2015 certification is the organizational benefits it will bring to your company.  Following the ISO quality standard requires that you implement certain procedures in your company, such as inspections and keeping track of customer satisfaction.  If implemented and followed faithfully, an ISO quality system will result in fewer defective products, fewer delays, happier customers, and increased profits.   

Many of the provisions of the ISO quality standard may seem like common sense.  For example, it is necessary to have your products identified in some way throughout production and storage.  It is necessary to preserve your product during production and shipping to prevent damage.  It is necessary to have some kind of inspection prior to shipment to make sure only good products get shipped to your customers.  Personnel must be adequately trained to perform their specific jobs.  While some of these things may seem like common sense, maintaining an ISO quality system forces you to follow those provisions in a standardized manner, and keep records and undergo audits to ensure they are being followed.

The benefit of being able to sell to large potential customers is huge and can not be overlooked.  However the organizational and profit benefits of having an ISO quality system should not be ignored.

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