Delivering Quality Under Pressure

Client: Aviat Networks 
Sector: Utilities 
Services: ISO Management System Development and Maintenance 
Location: USA and UK 

The Client 

Aviat Networks is a leading expert in wireless transport solutions. The company is committed to providing reliable products, services and support to its global customers. With a strong presence in the US and Europe, the NASDAQ-listed company has expanded rapidly through global acquisitions. 

The Challenge 

To meet the requirements of a new client, the company's existing small business team in the UK urgently needed an integrated management system covering ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. We identified gaps in compliance and set about developing the appropriate policies and procedures. 

Working with the UK team, we gathered the necessary operational information and consulted with the corporate quality team in Austin, Texas. The business-critical work involved an incredibly tight deadline. To add to the challenge, we were all working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

iON’s Solution 

Having embedded ourselves in the Aviat business as an outsourced Quality Lead, we swiftly mobilised teams in the UK and US to identify and agree project milestones to ensure that the proposed deadline was achievable. This allowed for a complete route and branch review of the UK business operations. We quickly identified key processes and procedures that needed to be included in the new quality, health, safety and environmental compliance system. 

Once all the necessary preparatory work had been completed, we developed, implemented and audited the new system to ensure the company was ready for certification. This involved field projects and inspections at sites located across the UK. Throughout this time, we liaised with a wide range of stakeholders, including Aviat's quality teams in the UK and US, and the certification body itself. We used a US-based certification body for the Stage 2 external audit, which took place in London and at various field sites around the UK. This was an extremely rigorous and robust audit that stretched everyone. 

We successfully achieved ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification on time and within budget. We are now maintaining the system through the three-year certification cycle as embedded safety, health, environment and quality consultants. We continue to support the business on a number of projects, including the integration of a newly acquired global business into Aviat's systems. 

"We have been working with iON for nearly two years now. They have built a Quality, Environmental and a Health and Safety system for us in the UK from the ground up. Their service has been excellent thus far and we have built a trusted relationship. I highly recommend using them for any ISO type certification consulting." 

Gautam Acharya, Senior Manager, Corporate Quality Manager (US) 

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