Toolless Plastic Solutions: ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Toolless Plastic
ISO Certification

TOOLLESS PLASTIC SOLUTIONS, INC Receives Accreditation for Custom Plastic Enclosure Manufacturing

PRI Registrar recognizes TOOLLESS PLASTIC SOLUTIONS, INC for its commitment to continual improvement in their management system, their ongoing commitment to quality by satisfying customer requirements and industry specifications.

“Toolless Plastic Solutions has demonstrated its commitment to world-class quality management by implementing and becoming certified to the ISO 9001:2015 standard. They have joined an elite number of organizations worldwide who have achieved certification to this globally recognized quality standard,” said Randy Daugharthy, Director of the Registrar Program at the Performance Review Institute Registrar.  “PRI Registrar is proud to partner with Toolless Plastic Solutions, Inc in this accomplishment and look forward to the continued support of their objective of quality excellence.”

A word from the President – Brice Benard:

“The long journey towards ISO 9001 certification has finally ended. When we first started to carry out procedures more than 10 years ago, it did not cross my mind that we were on the road to ISO certification. This was not even a thing. I thought it was out of reach for us. However, as we were getting more familiar with our process, we started to educate ourselves about ISO standards. After reading a few books, I concluded that I needed help to achieve this goal. Two years ago, Scott became the new leader of our ISO quest. I gave him a goal of 2 to 3 years to get us there. Scott was the perfect fit for this “mission”. His expertise in the Air Force gave him the confidence and the know-how to turn words into facts and actions. 

It was a great pleasure to announce the news to all my employees that put so much work into this project. As a small business owner, I am very proud of my team and realize all the sacrifices made to get this certification. I believe hard work always pays off. It was amazing to see how our employees had different visions, but always approached them very positively, and we were always open to a dialogue. Of course, any suggestions or improvements were subject to changes upon compliance to ISO, but the team was determined to do well and follow their procedures. We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but in this difficult time, the good news is always welcome!

TOOLLESS ALWAYS ONE STEP AHEAD”

A few Words from the crew:

Scott – Quality Coordinator

                “Almost since my arrival at Toolless nearly 10 years ago, the boss would occasionally mention he wanted to get ISO certified.  Then 2 years ago he made it a true goal.  So, we started researching online, read a few books, and started our road forward.  We were not starting from scratch.  The boss had worked at a company in France that does the same thing as Toolless and they have an ISO certification, which meant we had many of the processes and procedures we needed in place already.  We were doing many of the things that ISO required, and we were already making a good, quality product.

                Work on our QMS taught us a lot we had never intended to learn.  A good example is the 5 S’s (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).  We cleaned the shop from top to bottom.  If we didn’t need something we got rid of it.  If we needed something we kept it and organized it.  We looked at flow, arrangement of functions, clarity of work instructions, documenting shortfalls, and determining how to measure successes.  

                Looking back, our two biggest hurdles were documentation and understanding exactly what ISO:9001 was looking for.  

                We reached out to a company to help us with understanding the ISO standard and where we needed to improve our documentation in order to meet the standard.  The folks that came to assist were extremely helpful and after the first visit, we had a much better understanding of what we needed to do to meet the ISO standard.  We spent the next 6 months improving our documentation, establishing policy, and codifying procedures.  

                We had our first internal audit and did very well, although there were a few things we needed to tweak.  Then came a pre-audit and a stage 1, both done virtually.  They went well but made me realize one problem with the ISO:9001 standard – everyone has a slightly different way of interpreting the way the standard should be implemented.  Our final audit for certification went well, but there were still a couple of findings to address.  Again, I think due to a different auditor’s view of the standard.  However, as frustrating as the process was, I must note that everyone that helped us in preparation and the audits – was very professional and knowledgeable of the standard.  I believe they all had the intent to help Toolless improve and achieve ISO certification. “

Lena – Operation Manager

“Working up to getting ISO certified felt longer than 5 years and it went by really fast. My challenge was to get “people” on board and be part of the change. And that has also changed how my workday is. More to check to make sure the work instructions are being followed and 5 S adhering to. But that is black and white and, in the end, makes it easier. 

Very thankful to Brice and Scott who took it on and carried us through. It was a proud moment when we got the certificate. We did it! Looks really good on the packing slip/invoice 😊

Thank you all for your hard work and commitment to keep it going, every day.”

Sonya – Head of Design

“ISO and the building of the QMS established a directive on how we design, review and manage our information. In the beginning, we had some structure, but it was easy to take shortcuts and as a result would cost us time, money, and embarrassment. Before we began the ISO / QMS process, documentation was vague or not complete, Drawings & 3D not updated, etc.

We have come a long way and it good to see we are all working together toward traceability with our files and data that fits a format that we can all follow. I have always pushed for up-to-date 3D models, and I am glad to see that is now a requirement. Talking with Scott I was able to implement my ideas on how to improve how we do our job in the design department. I think the QMS, will help us make fewer mistakes and improve overall.”

Dan – Sales Coordinator

“ISO has been a long journey starting with Stephanie Benard, all that time to getting organized enough to begin the process. There were challenges along the way finding our way through the forest of paths and possibilities.

Settling on the verbiage for our forms making sense of the process and simplifying the forms in an efficient manner which is an ongoing process. Scott was paramount in this I believe he was the right person for the job. It has changed the way we do things by adding checks and balances along the way. It helps us to continue to improve and catch things here reducing RMA’s as well as the flow of work through the shop.

The main ways it has changed for me is simpler forms to fill out and a more standardized format for getting the work done. Continued improvement and problem solving really improved as well”

Twyla -Office Administrator

“I started working at Toolless Plastic once the ball was already rolling with most of the forms, procedures, processes, and quality standards had already been implemented. However, I was able to help tweak, assist, add to and expand what was in place for the final result. I found the process to be fun and exciting. I liked how things were laid out – for instance, in regards to procedures – and it helped me learn about the company in a more in-depth manner and to be better understand each area in the shop. Since things had already been implemented when I started, it did not necessarily change the way

I worked but it helped to guide me in the right direction. The whole experience came with its share of stress—especially revolving around the audit—but the relief of finally obtaining certification was exciting. I could see on those around me who had worked tirelessly to implement the ISO 9001:2015 standards the relief, excitement, and joy of receiving the certificate.” 

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About PRI Registrar

Since 1995, Performance Review Institute Registrar, a management systems registrar, has helped a multitude of organizations achieve and realize their true potential through the development of management systems and quality systems certification. As an affiliate of SAE International, PRI Registrar is a not-for-profit organization, uniquely motivated with a mission and commitment to raising the bar in any industry it serves. To learn more information, visit www.priregistrar.org.

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