ISO 9000 now considered essential in the electronics industry

16 Feb 2000 News News Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI

Increased competition and export-led business growth are among the key factors that are causing executives in the electronics industry to acquire the internationally recognised quality standard, ISO 9000, for their companies.

As competition increases, both from within the country and without, many firms are discovering that potential customers are demanding that suppliers must provide tangible evidence that quality is at the heart of its management philosophy.

Overseas, where ISO 9000 has been established for many years, it is seen almost as a prerequisite when tendering for new business.

As a result, a number of companies, which offer specialist advice leading to ISO 9000 certification, have set up in South Africa.

Quality Assurance Systems (QAS), which has successfully guided over 3000 companies in the UK, France, Germany and the USA to achieve ISO 9000 recognition, has been helping businesses in South Africa since 1996. With seven business managers based in the key commercial centres of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, QAS has helped over 330 companies in South Africa to achieve ISO 9000 certification.

One such company is Tycom, based in Johannesburg, which sells and repairs electronic, test and measurement equipment. With a workforce of ten, it trades throughout South Africa, as well as in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland. Its key customers are electrical wholesalers in the mining industry and government ministries, including defence.

Managing Director Frank Barnes decided to acquire ISO 9000 to formalise their own quality procedures, to improve overall efficiency and to meet demands by potential customers, both at home and overseas and to ensure that they had a recognised quality standard in place.

Barnes commented, "We were recommended to QAS by another company we know well, whic had engaged QAS's services, with which they were very impressed. With their UK base and international experience, they seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

"QAS had a good understanding of the needs of small businesses and were willing to adapt and build upon our existing documentation systems, rather than impose new procedures. This helped to expedite the acquisition of our ISO 9000 certification."

With the exchange rates so favourable for South African exporters, the potential for developing more business overseas seems excellent, providing companies are fully prepared to meet the highest international standards. This in turn filters back into the domestic market.

ISO 9000 certification is becoming an essential for any one in the electronics sector.

For further information contact QAS on 881 5822.

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