Case Study: ADA Networks
ADA Networks Ltd, formed in 1994, is a specialist provider of voice, video and data communications solutions. Their clients include SMEs, Global Enterprises, NHS, and Local Government.
ADA Networks has held ISO 9001 certification with the British
Assessment Bureau (BAB) since 2007, and have also demonstrated
their commitment to improving their environmental performance by
adhering to the ISO 14001 standard, which they have successfully
maintained since March 2009.
Why ISO certification?
Peter Keast, Operations Manager at ADA Networks Ltd, explains the importance of maintaining standards. “We are in a very competitive industry and it is essential that we manage and maintain a formal quality system. ISO 9001 has ensured that we have exceeded the service requirements of our customers.”
Many of BAB’s customers choose to combine their management
system standards. ISO 9001 and 14001 share many of the same
principles and can be integrated seamlessly, offering
outstanding value for money. “We decided to implement ISO 14001
as our industry has a massive impact on the environment. We have
always strived to mitigate this impact by delivering solutions
that maximise energy efficiency and reduce organisations’ carbon
footprint,” says Peter.
Why BAB?
BAB has over 40 years experience in the assessment industry and is UKAS accredited. Their reputation was established in 1969 as a specialist in certification scheme management. In 1997, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry approved the use of the word 'British' in the corporate title in recognition of their pre-eminent status. Peter tells us why he chose BAB, “After searching Google, I was impressed by what I saw on the BAB website. Following an initial meeting, I was sure that BAB was the right organisation to help us achieve our ISO certifications.”
The certification process
BAB undertakes an initial gap-analysis, to assess an organisation’s readiness for certification. The organisation is then provided with a detailed pre-audit assessment report and is required to work through any required actions.
Peter says of this process, “The whole process was made so simple by means of an initial gap analysis and a thorough explanation of what was required of us. Guidance through the whole process to make us ready for assessment was excellent and we were surprised how easy it actually was.”
Once an organisation is ready for a formal Audit Assessment, a
Lead Assessor will make the required arrangements for the Audit
to take place. Peter says, “The audits
were thorough and useful. Although we passed our assessment, we
were given guidance on how to further improve our processes to
ensure continued improvement.”
Benefits of implementation
Today, quality isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. Whether your organisation is in the Public sector, Private sector, is a charity or you serve a membership, your clients want to be sure they’re in safe hands. Successful organisations recognise that their quality and its assurance is most credible when validated by a respected third party. The benefits include a more motivated workforce, less costly re-work and increased client satisfaction.
Being certified can also help you to gain external finance, qualify for tenders and set you apart from your competitors. In fact, 1 in 5 of BAB’s clients see an increase in new orders as a direct result of achieving ISO certification, according to findings from the 2010 client satisfaction survey. Peter says, “ISO certification has improved our internal processes and awareness of how we operate and transact business. In more and more commercial situations, having ISO certification has helped us to differentiate ourselves from competitors. It is fair to say we have won business that we may not have done without ISO certification.”
Contact
Clare Tiley
The British Assessment Bureau
Research and Analysis Manager