AxFlow – Case Study – ISO Accreditation
Introducing AxFlow
The AxFlow group is the largest distributor of positive displacement pumps and related products and services in Europe. In essence, AxFlow install and maintain simple and complex pump systems that literally keep companies ‘processes running’.
Whether it’s working with the chemical, food & beverages or water treatment industries, AxFlow systems are integral to their success in delivering services to their customer and clients.
Why ISO Accreditation was an important objective
AxFlow’s consideration of ISO certification was something the organisation had discussed on and off for many years. But perceptions about how labour intensive the process might prove and secondly how difficult it might be to run had always proven a barrier.
But then a consideration became a requirement.
Deirdre Dixon, Finance Manager with AxFlow Ireland, explains: ‘We had been receiving more and more requests from customers inquiring about our processes and asking had we the ISO standard. It didn’t take us long to realise that without gaining ISO accreditation we could potentially lose future customers.’
The benefits of partnering with CGBC
Deirdre is wonderfully honest about her initial fears before embarking on the process: ‘To put it mildly, I was not looking forward to it at all. Some of our staff had previously worked with the ISO standard and some had found it overly complicated and labour intensive. But then we met Caroline. We were immediately impressed, especially when she played such as active role in helping us on our journey to achieve certification. Suddenly we had the staff on board with us too; as Caroline was able to communicate the efficiency benefits that would ultimately make everyone’s job easier.’
‘I found CG Business Consulting extremely easy to work with,’ Deirdre says. ‘When Caroline came in she documented everything, and I mean everything! She worked incredibly well with the staff and management alike. For a company that had no idea about how to go about getting certification Caroline ensured everything made sense for us. She harnessed the systems we already had in place and helped us fine tune them in order to achieve the standard. While I won’t say it was easy, Caroline simplified everything and was always available to help with queries. I would say to anyone thinking of going for certification to contact CG Business Consulting, it is definitely money well spent.’
The Future
Having achieved their ISO accreditation AxFLow are already enjoying the benefits. ‘From a customer perspective ISO certification enhances our image in the marketplace,’ Deirdre explains, ‘And internally it has certainly improved our processes, and with everyone working from the same page it means our systems are easily understood and followed. Even if someone is on holidays now there’s no problem with another team member picking up where they left off on a project, and likewise, when we recruit new staff members training is infinitely easier. I definitely feel that ISO certification was worth achieving, and achieving with CG Business Consulting.’