ISO Certification and the Role of Quality Management Systems

In April 2023, Lithon received ISO 9001:2005 certification. While this demonstrates our commitment to exceptional quality, customer satisfaction, and continued improvement, it also means a lot more! Lithon’s Lynn Stephansen was part of the task team that led the implementation and certification process. She shares some insights into how this achievement helps us serve our clients even better than before.

 

Why do Quality Management Systems matter?

The majority of engineering projects are complex, with several stakeholders. Managing the different and constantly evolving components such as budgets, timelines, information and staff etc. requires more than just stellar organisation skills. It takes a skilled project manager and a clearly defined Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure that a project completes on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality. While the QMS of an organisation is usually not visible from the outside, having a solid QMS can be the difference between project success or failure. 

 

What is the ISO 9001:2005 Certification?

ISO 9001:2005 is an international standard that specifies requirements for an organisation’s  QMS. The process of becoming certified requires a company’s QMS to be audited regularly, and the organisation to prove their commitment to consistent quality service and continuous improvement.

 

Lithon’s Journey to ISO 9001:2005 Certification

Lithon started the process of implementing their own QMS that complies with the ISO 9001:2015 standard during the last few months of 2021. All staff were trained on the standard as well as the QMS, and a year later we were confident enough in our processes to arrange for our first external audit in December 2022. We received our certification in April 2023 after our second external audit. We are proud to say that no non-conformities were identified by the external auditor!

 

For Lithon the certification offers benefits such as: 

• Enhanced credibility 
• Improved client satisfaction
• Streamlined processes 
• Competitive advantage
• Risk management
• Operational improvements 
• Access to new markets
• Strengthened partnerships

 

We’re confident that these advantages will contribute to our long-term success, growth, and sustainability as a company. 

 

What ISO Certification means for Client Satisfaction 

Given its emphasis on quality management principles, we’re enthusiastic about the potential impact of the ISO 9001 certification on our client satisfaction. Our QMS focuses on meeting customer requirements, pursuing continuous improvement, and guaranteeing consistent delivery of top-notch engineering services. 

Receiving the ISO 9001 certification strengthens our existing commitment to excellence (one of our core values) and enhances our overall ‘quality culture’. It also further solidifies our systematic approach to quality management – something both employees and customers will benefit from. Simply put, positive reinforcement and confidence in what we’re doing only makes us strive harder.

This results in all-around benefits such as even more cost savings, enhanced productivity, and better resource utilisation.

 

How the ISO 9001 Certification is maintained 

Maintaining the ISO 9001 requires commitment to regular evaluation and continuous improvement. To ensure this happens, Lithon is putting the following into place:

• Conducting regular internal audits
• Periodic management review to evaluate effectiveness of the QMS
• Implementing corrective and preventive actions to address challenges
• Maintaining an updated document control system
• Ensuring personnel receive the required training to be competent in their respective roles and responsibilities
• Continuous improvement of the QMS and overall performance
• Yearly external audits and recertification
• Maintaining of effective communication channels
• Continuously monitoring and measuring key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the QMS
• Keeping up with revisions to the standard

 

Put our Quality Management to the Test

ISO 9001 certification distinguishes Lithon as a company that places quality and customer satisfaction at the forefront. If you’re intrigued by the idea of joining the ranks of our satisfied clients, our team of engineering experts stands ready to implement your engineering projects with pride. To start your journey towards excellence, reach out to us at info@lithon.com.