AS 6081 & ISO 14001 for electronics distributor.
Rebound Electronics provide supply chain and inventory management solutions so their customers can secure trusted electronic components. With 37 offices in 26 countries, they offer global market pricing and availability.
QFactorial was engaged on two projects, running simultaneously; the first to help Rebound achieve AS 6081 certification in their UK and Hong Kong operations; the second to assist them in gaining ISO 14001 certification. These are two very different standards but by utilising our Q!Network, we were able to put together a small team to tackle all the requirements whilst ensuring both solutions integrated into the client’s management system.
2
standards.
0
non-conformities.
QFactorial Service offering
Implementation
In a way, both projects were ‘classic’ ISO implementation projects, even though AS 6081 is a more exotic extension of ISO requirements. In both cases we used our proven approach, starting with a Gap & Synergy Assessment with Action Plan. Our consultants provided general guidance, bespoke documents and templates, training, mentoring, internal audit and management review input over an 11-month period.
AS 6081 is all about keeping counterfeit electronic components out of the aerospace supply chain. Rebound already had AS 9102 certification as a foundation, so we were able to build on that, adding the specific requirements of AS 6081 into the existing quality management system. A key deliverable and basis for the whole project was the new Control Plan.
ISO 14001 is all about managing the company’s impact on the environment, with policies and procedures aimed at identifying and controlling environmental aspects of the business. Key deliverables for this project included the Environmental Policy, Aspects and Impacts Register, Legal Compliance Register, various procedures, SMART objectives and performance metrics.
It is not unusual for us to work on dual or triple ISO projects, but usually there is more overlap between the standards, and a single client project manager. In this case the client had set up two separate projects with different project managers. By assigning specialist Lead Consultants to each project we were able to mirror the client’s approach whilst also drawing on common resources and co-ordination from Q!HQ.
Rebound passed both their Stage 2 certification audits in February 2024 with zero nonconformities.
We passed in the UK with no nonconformities. It was a fantastic result. The audit in Hong Kong also went well. We passed with no nonconformities and just 2 recommendations for improvements - both minor things which we will implement. I thank you for the help and support to get the process documented.