I wrote here a few months ago about our recent AS9120 recertification, emphasising the importance to customers of dependable business credentials, and our own commitment to best practice and continuous improvement. As always, actions speak louder than words, and in this update I’m really pleased to confirm another reaccreditation – JOSCAR.

For those who don’t know, JOSCAR stands for the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register. It’s a tried, tested and respected tool that enables organisations in the aerospace, defence and security industry to access supplier pre-qualification and compliance information for smarter procurement. In short, using JOSCAR can help to determine whether a supplier is fit for business, along with their suitability for a particular type of contract.

JOSCAR accreditation is a rigorous process, with the first stage involving the supplier establishing their legal entity, financial status and the type of products and services they can offer. More detailed information can then be requested depending on the supplier’s resulting risk profile. At Nicofe, we see the attainment and maintenance of certifications like JOSCAR as an essential pillar of our business – and a real benefit for our customers.

At the same time, we understand that accreditations are just one important part of the ‘doing business better’ equation. Another crucial element is the commitment to invest in key processes – the processes that underpin certifications, increase product reliability, enhance service levels, and ultimately give a customer the confidence to work with you.

For example, we’ve just acquired some sophisticated metrology equipment that’s adding an extra dimension to our quality control procedures. Our new surface roughness tester provides an accurate indication of how a product will react with its environment, especially in relation to adhesion processes, and whether there is any likelihood of cracks or corrosion in the future. We now also have straightness and roundness testing apparatus that accurately measures whether a product conforms to a specific tolerance range. The equipment provides very precise results and is essential for applications where there’s no room for any error.

If there’s a common theme in these monthly updates, it’s around improvement. Whether it’s with our processes, our people or our products, we’re always moving forward and looking ahead for opportunities to improve the service we offer our customers. In the coming months I’ll be sharing more examples of the progress we’re making and how these changes will benefit you – with one very important announcement coming a little later in the year. Stay tuned for more information!