In the years since Loos and Company got its start and we set out to be the finest wire and wire rope manufacturer, we have diversified quite a bit. From a business that focused mainly on aircraft cable and fittings, to a company capable of now also making brush wire and medical wire, we understand the importance of having a strong quality system in place. When a business grows the way ours has over the years, having ISO certification provides a sense of reassurance that the business has the tools in place (i.e., the quality management system itself) to meet customers’ and industry quality requirements.
Becoming ISO certified allows organizations to measure their products and services against a defined set of parameters which are used within the industry. To become ISO certified is no easy process, however, for many companies its benefits far outweigh its costs. Many times the decision to take the plunge towards ISO certification is driven by trends happening in the industry, which may include:
- Quality: First and foremost, ISO certification is all about quality. Quality standards are put in place to establish basic practices which businesses can adhere to.
For instance, ISO 9001:2015 defines the requirements a quality management system must have. Certification to ISO 9001:2015 requires that the quality system an organization has put in place actually works. Companies may choose to audit themselves internally or bring in an independent auditor, however these audits are mandatory in order to assure compliance with the standard.
- Market demands: Many times, a company will decide to get ISO certified in order to meet certain demands a market may have. When a company tries to break into a well-established industry, becoming ISO certified may help them understand market demands and gain a competitive edge over other companies also trying to break into the same market.
In the brush industry, there has been an emerging trend to become ISO certified. Loos and Company has been working towards having our Jewel Wire division ISO 9001:2015 certified for some time now. We have recently noticed that many of our existing Jewel Wire customers are also now seeking ISO certification. Having already obtained ISO certification in our Wire and Wire Rope Division gives us the confidence to say that we will be able to attain this certification.
- Management: Having a quality system in place allows management to run the organization knowing the system has passed a set of rigorous tests. Making well-informed business decisions may be a bit easier if the organization is ISO certified.
When seeking ISO certification, audits are conducted to ensure your system as a whole can meet product and quality objectives. Due to its thoroughness, ISO certification can take a while to achieve but once it’s in place, managing the business may be a lot less burdensome. You will worry a lot less about the tedious day-to-day details and will able to focus on the big picture goals that will ultimately make your business a success.
At Loos and Company, we are currently seeking ISO 13485 certification for our Medical Technologies Division. Just as AS9100 is tailored to the aerospace, space, and defense industries, IS0 13485 is tailored the medical device industry. Because we have already obtained AS9100C certification, we are familiar with what it takes to get certified to specific industry standards and what it means to maintain this level of quality.
Through these additional certifications we aim to continue setting the standard that quality and performance matters.
“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” – William A. Foster
