IRIS - QUALITY MANAGEMENT FOR THE RAILWAY INDUSTRY

Essential Quality Systems helps raise quality standards for the railway industry by providing certification services against the IRIS International Rail Industry Standard

Overview

IRIS (International Railway Industry Standard) is the quality standard for the railway industry. Developed by UNIFE, the Independent Association of European Railway Industries, and supported by system integrators, equipment manufacturers and operators, IRIS is an internationally recognised standard for the evaluation of railway industry management systems.

Industry suppliers can demonstrate compliance with this industry best practice via third-party certification.

Who is it for?

IRIS is principally for any equipment or component suppliers to the European railway industry. It is particularly applicable if you are a supplier to the rolling stock and signalling sectors since IRIS certification becomes mandatory in 2009. In the future it is expected that other industry sectors, such as track, will also be affected.

BENEFITS OF IRIS CERTIFICATION

Provides a competitive edge

In a competitive market, differentiation is crucial and the IRIS certificate can give you a ‘licence to trade’. When certified you will also be part of the UNIFE database, which is accessed by all major railway industry manufacturers.

Enhances brand and reputation

Certification demonstrates your commitment to deliver quality products and services to your customers.

Provides identification and recognition

IRIS certified companies are included in the UNIFE database which is used by buyers from major railway industry manufacturers through out the world.

Cost and time savings

You can save costs through reducing the number of internal and external audits by being certified to one best practice standard.

Supply chain management

IRIS certification can be used as a management tool through out the supply chain to enable collective best practice to be followed.

Continual improvement

The regular assessment process drives continual improvement of your organization’s quality performance, potentially reducing variation of quality while increasing efficiency.

Provides international identification and recognition. IRIS certified companies are included in the UNIFE database which is used by buyers from major railway industry manufacturers.

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