When you enlist someone for a service, it’s important to know that the quality of what they’re delivering is up to scratch. The last thing you want is to spend money on something that doesn’t do what you need it to, or on a service that leaves you dissatisfied with the result. That’s where quality management comes in to play. You want to partner with a business that is committed to high calibre outputs, and an effective QMS (quality management system) ensures this happens.
At Nuflow, we’re committed to delivering to the highest standards, and we’ve got the credentials to prove it. Everything we manufacture is up to date with international requirements, backed by our ISO 9001 accreditation. When you choose to work with us, you can have peace of mind knowing we meet and exceed the quality management principles required to meet this classification.
What is a quality management system?
A quality management system (QMS) is a selection of business processes and functions devoted to consistently meeting customers’ expectations in order to increase satisfaction and efficiency within a company. Nuflow applies this to our processes, values, assets and products to ensure our performance is the best it can be when it comes to meeting your requirements. That’s why we’ve been accredited with our ISO 9001 standard.
What is ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 is the international standard of requirements for a business’ QMS to demonstrate its effectiveness in meeting customer and regulatory expectations. It’s overseen by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) – an agency with national standard bodies in more than 160 countries. The ISO provides guidelines to businesses on how to meet these expectations.
To achieve this certification, Nuflow was examined by a qualified ISO representative who found that we:
- Adhere to the ISO 9001 standards
- Meet our own requirements of quality assurance
- Fulfill customer, regulatory, and legislative requirements
- Keep appropriate documentation
To remain certified, we go through an ongoing process of external audits to check we are following appropriate procedures and management systems. Since we consistently meet ISO 9001 requirements, it’s safe to say that Nuflow’s offerings are at a reliably high calibre that leaves our customers satisfied with our service.
What are the ISO 9001 quality management principles?
The ISO provides guidance to help businesses be more consistent, improve customer satisfaction and strengthen performance. There are seven key principles of quality management set out by the ISO, and at Nuflow we work to continuously meet and exceed these principles.
Principle 1: Customer focus
To meet this rationale, an organisation consistently maintains the confidence of their customers, and is constantly seeking to provide more value. This is due to a thorough understanding of customer needs, now and into the future.
At Nuflow, we link our objectives to customer needs and expectations by planning, designing, producing, and delivering products and services with a customer focus. We understand that our customers are seeking a fast, less disruptive solution for their pipe issues, and we deliver unique offerings to help them achieve this. And when the job is done, we listen to feedback from our customers to make sure they’re happy.
Principle 2: Leadership
Leaders are responsible for the purpose and direction of an organisation, and for creating an environment that has all people working towards a shared goal of quality outputs. In order to achieve key objectives, an organisation must align its strategies, policies, processes and resources by unifying purpose with engagement of people.
Nuflow has a set of values that represent what we stand for, and these carry throughout the whole organisation. This helps us maintain a strong culture that has all staff working towards a shared purpose of delivering innovative and creative solutions for our customers.
Principle 3: Engagement of people
Proper quality management includes the treatment of the people within the organisation. Engaging people effectively by recognising their skills has people at all levels working towards key objectives. Plus, the better and more confident the people, the better the output.
Nuflow lives and breathes this philosophy, made clear through the words of Managing Director Ed Ahern:
“When people know they are valued, appreciated and respected in the workplace, not only do they achieve great things, they get great satisfaction from their job – regardless of the actual tasks they’re performing.”
Principle 4: Process approach
The best results are achieved when all tasks and procedures act in tandem with one another, and are treated as related processes that form one well-managed system. The results from this system allow organisations to optimise performance and produce better outputs.
At Nuflow, we achieve this by clearly communicating about the operation. We are constantly improving, monitoring, analysing and evaluating our systems to make sure they’re fit for purpose. Our ongoing education and training are vital to the maintenance of quality control, ensuring that our everyone is on the same page.
Principle 5: Improvement
A focus on ongoing improvement is a necessity for successful organisations committed to quality management. It means maintaining current performance levels, and responding to conditions that present new opportunities.
In Nuflow’s internal training workshops, we discuss ways to improve our offerings and installation methods. This helps our research and development team shape future research and improve our products. All our products are developed to exceed ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards, and are ASTM 51216-99 accredited.
Principle 6: Evidence-based decision making
Better results come from decisions backed by effective analysis and evaluation of data. Tangible facts and evidence mean greater objectivity that leads to confident decision making.
Because our research, development, manufacturing, and installation all happens in-house, we know exactly what’s happening through every stage of our process. Our research and development team use existing data and information from products to guide them with future developments.
Principle 7: Relationship management
To achieve ongoing success, an organisation must maintain effective relationships with interested parties, as they can have an effect on performance.
Nuflow is a franchise business, and all of the franchisees in our network contribute to the success of the organisation. We maintain great relationships across the network, and head office supports franchisees with things like training, education and business development. This means that any Nuflow you choose to partner with will have the same level of expert service.
Why choose businesses with an ISO 9001 certification?
When you spot a business with an ISO certification, you know they are dedicated to constantly striving for better. You’ll receive excellent customer service, and a product that fulfils your needs and requirements in the exact way you need it to.
Next time you need help with your pipe problems, come straight to Nuflow. You can be confident that you’ll be satisfied with the quality of our service. Find your local Nuflow and get in touch today.
