We were audited yesterday by a new customer that wanted to make sure we were, basically, what we said we were: an ISO-certified, precision- and quality-focused metal manufacturer with the ability to effectively handle both large and small scale projects.
For most, being audited ranks up there with root canals and trips to the DMV. But, here at IMEC, we actually kinda like it when a customer wants to come and see our facility, meet our team. We work hard to maintain a clean and modern facility that has been ISO certified since the late 90s. We like showing it off. It’s also nice to get an outside set of eyes on your operation and to have to answer some tough questions about why you do something a certain way.
Yesterday’s audit was certainly thorough: they went through our entire process, from quoting, to order entry and product flow; reviewed multiple NCRs and corrective actions; checked calibration records; talked with a lot of our people, both on the shop floor and in the office, asking what they do and why they do it that way.
The audit went well and is best summed up in the words of our auditor, which he sent over after getting back to his office:
“You and your staff are true professionals. I have already texted my Boss and informed him IMEC was the best machine shop and fabrication shop I have audited in my career and I have audited quite a few of them.”