Government and technical contracts require product certification as evidence of a company’s ability to manufacture parts and equipment within stringent specifications. Having a product certification program in place speeds up the bidding process and pushes your business ahead of the competition.

New product certifications are available with national and local product certification vendors and product certification services providers. Specialists in virtually all manufacturing industries can benefit greatly from having a product certification program in place to monitor quality on a continuous schedule. Consider the following when choosing product certification programs:

1. Product certification providers must be respected within their industry.

2. Testing systems must be compatible with your equipment.

3. Product certification services must provide fast and responsive service for time-critical requests.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the right product certification service to enhance business

Finding the right product certification program for any business is a serious decision. Save time and money by knowing who can help get you in touch with the industry leaders and and keep your business' work force focused on manufacturing.

I recommend: Accutek Testing Laboratory, Inc. provides conformance, materials identification and failure analysis for manufactures in many industries. Request a representative's help. International product certification is available through Underwriters Laboratories Inc. in material and chemical certifications and analysis.

Have industrial tool calibrators keep your business eligible for product certification

Certification requires maintaining precise weight, size and quality specifications every step of the way. If calibration machinery or internal systems are unbalanced it can mean lost product, money and time. Reduce error and material loss through a tight calibration schedule.

I recommend: Polymer Standards Service-USA Inc. offers a full range of products to keep scales calibrated with persistent monitoring. Chemical quality requires constant monitoring as well and Intertek Group, Plc provides information and calibration testing for all your chemical composite testing. Send them a request if you have a specific calibration need not listed.

Use ISO standards to simplify international product certification programs

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international non-government body that establishes standards for use in production, systems and materials to ensure compliance and compatibility between businesses and manufacturers. Maintaining products to ISO standards allows your business to compete in a global market.

I recommend: Core Business Solutions, Inc. offers training and support for new entrants in the ISO 9000 certification process. Advanced ISO users looking to expand their certification can look to AQA Company's training materials and information. Whatever the size and level of business, an ISO certification opens doors because of its international recognition in all manufacturing industries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Industry compatibility and quality control are available in many forms and certifications. Select product certification services providers carefully by researching the standards preferred by the companies you supply. Many businesses meet multiple certification standards in order to comply with all of their clients needs.