Association Delivers Unique Internet-Based ISO Certification Program
NEWS RELEASE
International Warehouse Logistics Association
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bert Stephens, PR/Media Coordinator
International Warehouse Logistics Association
(847) 292-1891
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September 18, 1998 (Park Ridge, IL) — As the leading supplier of outsourced warehousing logistics services in North America, members of the International Warehouse Logistics Association recognized early in 1997 the need to become ISO certified. Increasing world markets and direct requests from customers made certification not only a marketing advantage for the industry, but a critical necessity to stay competitive in today’s marketplace. However, the cost of obtaining ISO 9000 certification and the timeline usually associated with private consultant services made the process difficult. Today, members of the International Warehouse Logistics Association are becoming completely certified in one year or less at nearly 80% below traditional cost.
“We are convinced that ISO certification is an important requirement for our industry to stay viable and remain competitive in the new global economy,” stated Mike Jenkins, President and CEO of the International Warehouse Logistics Association. “Our partnership with Total Quality Management Systems, Inc. (TQMS) of Montreal, Canada has allowed us to bring a valuable quality service to our members.”
This first-ever Internet-based certification program not only includes document preparation, implementation and training, but also certification and re-audits for two consecutive years.
In 1996, our members began looking for a solution to the high cost and significant staff preparation involved with becoming ISO certified,” said Kevin McNulty, Director of Member Services for the International Warehouse Logistics Association. “Working with TQMS has allowed us to provide full certification services to our members at a fraction of the cost. We have accomplished this by boilerplating documentation for our industry and providing consultant services live via the Internet using the latest video techniques.”
Members of the Association begin the process by attending a half-day seminar which trains them in the entire ISO process, use of the Internet, and manipulation of the documents online. During the preparation stages, members can download pre-designed documentation, upload revisions and get approval from consultants online. Users may discuss implementation procedures and instructions as established in the program by talking directly to consultants on the Internet.
“Our first member company was certified in 11 months at a cost of under $20,000. A unique aspect of our program is the emphasis on implementation and training rather than excessive documentation on daily procedures that are intuitive in the training process,” stated McNulty. Consultants involved in ISO training in the United States often have a background in military, aerospace or other highly technical industries. Along with their background, however, most consultants bring with them the practice of detailing specifications at the level that creates volumes of paperwork. Certified member companies in the International Warehouse Logistics Association’s ISO Internet Program create a minimum of paperwork that can easily fit in a single binder. The focus is more intent on the implementation process and a genuine upgrading in the level of quality management in their companies.
Members are very pleased with the ISO Internet Program. Joe Sullivan of Intercontinental Warehouses, Inc. of Toronto states, “We needed ISO certification to not only stay competitive, but to maintain our current customer base. Two years ago, a major customer set a deadline for certification for their company. The International Warehouse Logistics Association’s program is the only way that we could acquire certification in the time required and with a reasonable cost.”
An additional benefit to these longstanding third-party companies has been the increase in understanding the latest in Internet technology. In recent communication to the Association, John Eubanks of member company Supreme Distribution Services, Inc. in Memphis, TN states, “The three-hour session we had on 7/17/98 made a believer out of me. The voice link, video capability and the document sharing features make this effort a real partnership. Thanks for putting TQMS in position to provide a great service and for saving us big bucks!”
As part of the buying co-op program, the ISO 9000 service has been extended to other associations in a partnership with the International Warehouse Logistics Association. The first member of the Distribution and LTL Carriers Association began the process last June. The International Warehouse Logistics Association frequently partners with other trade associations extending their innovative buying co-op programs to like groups.
According to Kevin Williams, President of the Distribution and LTL Carriers Association, “We believe that the International Warehouse Logistics Association’s ISO program is efficient as well as unique. We are strongly promoting it to our members.” Currently over 50 members of the International Warehouse Logistics Association are in the program. The warehousing group conducts start-up training sessions each month throughout different locations in the United States and Canada.
The International Warehouse Logistics Association’s ISO 9000 Certification Program is the only complete process of its kind in use today. With the ease and efficiency of their ISO 9000 Internet Program, the International Warehouse Logistics Association anticipates that many more members will take advantage. With a complete program tailored to their every need and the cost and time saving implications involved, the Association expects a high percentage of members will become ISO certified within the next several months.
For any questions concerning the International Warehouse Logistics Association ISO 9000 Internet Program, please contact Kevin McNulty, Director of Member Services at the Association (847) 292-1891 X230. In addition, the Association encourages other trade associations interested in offering the ISO Internet Program to their members to call for more information as well.
Address:
1300 W. Higgins Road, Suite 111
Park Ridge, IL 60068-5764
(847) 292-1891
Fax: (847) 292-1896
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