WHILE THE first focus is on gaining ISO-accreditation, the second area of concentration is in maintaining the standard on a continuing basis, according to Roland Raath, m.d. of Cargo Care.
Everybody knows what ISO is and does, he said. A system of controls and quality standards.
Looking down the line from certification, nothing changes but your ability
to focus internally on the discipline.
The system is there, Raath added, everything is documented. Essentially, when a complaint comes in, a report must be made,
he said. The issue must then be addressed and
corrected.
That's easy in theory. But, in practice, you must have the discipline to do what is needed - and you must maintain the standard. That's the hard bit.
The November changes to the ISO don't disturb Raath.
We went the Dekra route, he said, the European system of ISO.
That means that, for us, there is no big change in adapting to ISO 9000:2000.
That certification also adds value to the company - gives us authority with
customers.
It has been a comfort
factor for Cargo Care, according to Raath. Dealing with people at the ISO European standard gives you recognition. That's where the comfort lies.
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