Unlocking Global Markets: Doubling Turnover with IRIS Certification

Industry: Rail | A Case Study in Quality Management and Growth

Certification Consulting Training

A client in the rail industry had a strategic goal: export their products to the lucrative European market. The key barrier was achieving the mandatory ISO 22163 (IRIS) certification. Our integrated teams provided a complete solution—from implementing a robust quality management system to delivering hands-on operator training for critical special processes—paving the way for certification and extraordinary business growth.

The Challenge: Meeting Europe's Elite Rail Standards

A rail component manufacturer was poised for expansion but was locked out of European markets by the formidable ISO 22163 (IRIS) standard. Achieving this certification required a complete overhaul of their quality management, demanding strict adherence to:

  • Developing a comprehensive, rail-specific quality management system from the ground up.
  • Mastering and documenting highly specialized processes like torque tightening, gluing, sealing, wiring, and harness manufacturing.
  • Training their entire operational team to execute these special processes flawlessly.
  • Creating exhaustive documentation to ensure audit-readiness.

Without IRIS certification, their European growth ambitions would remain unrealized, capping their potential and leaving significant revenue on the table.

Our Integrated Solution: A Three-Pillar Approach

We deployed a comprehensive strategy, leveraging our Certification, Consulting, and Training expertise to guarantee success:

  • Our consultants developed a world-class quality management system and created meticulous work instructions for every process.
  • Our trainers delivered specialized, hands-on workshops for operators on critical skills, including:
    • Precision torque tightening procedures.
    • Advanced gluing and sealing techniques.
    • Best practices for wiring and harness manufacturing.
  • Our certification experts guided the entire process, implementing rigorous quality controls and preparing the client for a successful audit.

This seamless, integrated approach ensured that the client didn't just aim for compliance, but embodied a culture of quality, preparing them for long-term success in the global market.

The Results: Certification, Market Access, and Doubled Turnover

The successful IRIS implementation was a watershed moment for the client, delivering immediate and substantial returns:

  • Achieved full ISO 22163 (IRIS) certification on the first attempt.
  • Gained immediate access to previously inaccessible European rail markets.
  • Unlocked a wave of new business opportunities with international partners.
  • Doubled their company turnover directly as a result of the certification.
  • Embedded a higher standard of quality and operational excellence across the business.
  • Significantly enhanced their reputation as a top-tier supplier in the global rail industry.

This project proved that investing in a robust quality management system is not just a cost of compliance, but a direct driver of exponential business growth.