David Brown Santasalo South Africa receive updated ISO 9001:2015 Accreditation
David Brown Santasalo South Africa were recently awarded their updated ISO 9001:2015 Certification, which was presented to them in a presentation at the Benoni facility at the end of June. We took the opportunity to speak with Bonita Hartman, QESH Manager at our Benoni manufacturing and service location to find out more about the journey that led to the achievement the latest accreditation!
David Brown Santasalo (DBS): What can you tell us about the ISO 9001:2015 certificate?
Bonita Hartman (BH): The ISO 9001:2015 is an international quality standard. Obtaining the certificate is confirmation that we have a quality management system that complies with the international standards and that we deliver quality products through this.
DBS: What did we need to demonstrate to achieve the ISO certification?
BH: In order for us to be awarded the ISO certification, we had to entrench quality in all levels of the organisation. We had to prove that it is not just a “paper exercise” or documented system, but that it is applied in practice as well. We were then certified by independent certification body; SGS to verify that we complied with all criteria required by a quality management system. SGS are recognised as the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification company.
DBS: How long did the process take?
BH: The audit was carried out over three days. During the first two days the SGS audit team consisted of two people and on the third day the Lead Auditor concluded the audit. Before the audit the quality management system was reviewed, improved, and tested internally to determine that we were compliant. The process took eight months to complete following which the certification took place by SGS.
DBS: Were there any areas we excelled in?
BH: Under the leadership of Managing Director, Francois van Tonder, we have seen a huge improvement in all divisions, which has been instrumental in achieving this certification. One of the most important factors in passing the surveillance audit is deeply centred in leadership and their involvement and commitment to the ISO 9001:2015. In preparation for the audit all managers received training on the Standard, along with ensuring they understood their individual roles and responsibilities.
Francois commented, “The achievement of this accreditation was a real team effort by all departmental managers and employees alike. As QESH Manager, Bonita has done a fantastic job in preparing the DBS South Africa team for the audit. A huge well done to Bonita and everyone involved in ensuring we achieved the accreditation! It is a credit to the business, and we look forward to carrying on the great work achieved”.
DBS: Why is this accreditation so important to us?
BH: The ISO 9001:2015 is highly valued by all our stakeholders. Attaining this certificate speaks of the commitment that David Brown Santasalo South Africa has towards ensuring the quality of our products and the services that we offer. It also helps us to build good customer relations and ensure customer satisfaction.
DBS: What does this mean going forward?
BH: The benefits of a sufficient and effective Quality Management System (QMS) include enhanced customer satisfaction and a good company reputation. Building on the success that we have achieved, we’re focused on continuous improvement and demonstrating that we take the quality of our products, services, and customer satisfaction seriously.