Labquip (Ireland) Ltd Gains Full ISO 9001:2015 Certification
1 Introduction
Labquip (Ireland) Limited was awarded the ISO 9001 quality certification in September 2021. We currently hold the ISO 9001:2015 quality standard which will be externally audited annually with a commitment to quality in each of our processes.
By gaining full ISO 9001:2015 certification for our operation, Labquip (Ireland) Ltd “Labquip” can focus all the more on increasing our customer service and our supplier brand representation. We are now set to confirm our position as a leading supplier of Chromatography, General Laboratory Supplies, Material Inspection & Analysis and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) equipment and products.
2 The importance of ISO 9001:2015 for Labquip
The ISO 9001:2015 standard further extends our commitment in aligning quality with business strategy. The standard also supports Labquip’s growing reputation in high-end research centres and in leading Irish manufacturing exporters.
A commitment to quality is actively promoted and is part of our culture at Labquip. This quality culture guides our actions in supplying equipment and products that are safe, compliant, and meet our customers’ expectations.
Since our formation in 1982 Labquip has worked to a quality manual. Our commitment to quality is now supported by implementation of ISO 9001:2015. Quality is further engrained in our systems and processes: Our general company performance is annually monitored, audited and reviewed in order to ensure, that our high standards are met continuously. Internally, Labquip conducts monthly quality review meetings with follow up actions and mini projects in order to maintain and continuously improve quality standards.
ISO 9001:2015 covers all our processes, from purchasing, sales, and warehousing and everything in between. As an essential business certification, it shows how our quality systems reach and maintains the highest standards at every stage. Full continuous commitment and accountability is maintained across the entire business.
ISO 9001 also demonstrates our ability to provide equipment, products and support services that meet customer demands. Having this certification is critical when working with certain industries such as the medical device and aerospace sectors.
ISO 9001 further enables us to provide comprehensive local representation to our suppliers, and to be a trusted supplier for our customers. Each Labquip employee is commitment to quality improvement and Labquip management also provides a culture of commitment to quality management systems.
3 Continuous Improvement
On the 3 April 2017 Labquip implemented an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system which linked the operations with all staff (roles) using one encapsulating software platform.
This was in response to a CRM (customer relationship management) upgrade need and a management decision to analyse that need further. A silo based operation of three systems one system for CRM, a second for quotations and third for orders and accounts was limiting.
An encapsulating ERP system NetSuite locally supported by OSSM was selected to meet the current and foreseeable growth needs. This system is now updated twice yearly and Labquip also deploys mini projects for additional capabilities and often enhancements.
Some recent mini project additions include:
3.1 Customer ID for supplier Labquip (vendor ID)
Adding in a vendor IDs (ID numbers that our customers use for Labquip on their systems). The vendor ID is recorded on customers’ accounts, shows on quotations issued and is intended to assist our customers’ procurement with ease of processing.
3.2 Order shipment tracking
In addition we have rolling out a facility whereby our customers can track the shipment of their delivery and receive a notification by email from warehouse dispatch stage of the process.
3.3 Safety stock levels.
Our ERP system sets the stock level for part numbers that are stocked in order to eliminate previous manual warehouse and administration tasks.
If you have a planned project, early communication with Labquip is advisable in order to allow us to increase the stock levels to meet your demand. Safety stock levels on our computer system (ERP – Enterprise Resource Planning) will ensure that stock is always available to you from the Labquip warehouse. Delivery – when ordered before midday – is provided next day from stock.
3.4 Calibration and service reminders
Calibration reminders are provided one month in advance of due date. Service contract renewal reminders are issued 3 months in advance of the due date.
3.5 More to come from continuous improvement
Labquip uses customer feedback for continuous improvement of our performance and to better update and capture customer needs within our lean processes.
4 How we achieved ISO 9001:2015
Staff members Conor Cusack and Erika Murray took on the task of implementing ISO 9001:2015 with the existing quality team – also using the opportunity to create a leaner, more effective business.
The aim was to implement the ISO9001:2015 standard in 2021 – providing for a 4 step process.
- Initial ISO preparation
Erika and Conor studied the full structure of the company and followed through by analysing all the supporting documentation and processes which characterised and underpinned Labquip’s activities.
- Source an ISO accredited company and consultant
In addition to the ISO requirement, we sought a consultancy that would be of practical benefit to our business operations and customers.
4.3 ISO Stage 1 consultancy
Following step 2, NoviQA was selected. The company helped complete our ISO Stage 1 consultancy visit in August 2021.
Following our consultant’s findings we were given mentorship tasks and a list of further improvement actions. These actions included immediate needs such as the creation of formal management review meetings (strategic) and also non-conformance logs.
5 ISO Stage 2 Audit – Full ISO 9001:2015 Approval
With all outstanding improvements actioned and implemented, ISO Stage 2 audit in September 2021 saw Labquip pass our ISO 9001:2015 certification requirements.
We will now be reviewed annually in order to ensure we continue to hit the standards required – and for the betterment of employees, suppliers, customers and the complete Labquip business.
Labquip now has the accreditation we need in order to take us forward and to continue leading in our specialist supply and service work.
Full credit should be extended to Conor Cusack, Erika Murray and David McCallum of NoviQA (ISO consultant) and to the entire Labquip workforce,
You can download Labquip’s ISO 9001 certificate here
For more information on our ISO 9001:2015 certification and what it means for your business, call our team on +353 (0)1 6434586 or email on labquip@labquip.ie. We’ll be more than happy to discuss our quality with you.