The interview with Szymon Głuchy: the architect behind the success of EcoWater’s ISO 9001 certification!
In an exclusive interview, we met Szymon Głuchy, the esteemed Project Leader of EcoWater Systems, whose leadership and unwavering dedication have pushed our company to reach an important milestone: ISO 9001 certification. Discover the insights, strategies and extraordinary journey by Szymon which led to this prestigious result.
1. What does ISO:9001 certification mean for EcoWater?
ISO 9001 certification is a strategic step towards the recognition of high quality standards. It means that the European factory, located in Poland, has successfully implemented a quality management system in the production unit. For EcoWater, the ISO:9001 certification is also a confirmation of our commitment to continue the improvement process. It is a testament to the company’s ability to effectively manage quality at all stages of production, resulting in increased efficiency and competitiveness. The certification is also a showcase for the company, which highlights its ability to provide products and services with the highest quality standards.
2. What does ISO:9001 certification mean for EcoWater’s customers and end consumers?
For our customers, it means that we are a reliable partner, providing products and services based on high quality standards. It is also a guarantee of stability, compliance with international standards and availability for effective collaboration. For end customers, ISO:9001 certification is the guarantee that EcoWater water softeners are of high quality and in compliance with international standards, which strengthens trust in the brand.
3. Why did EcoWater apply for ISO:9001 certification?
We have decided to request ISO:9001 certification to effectively respond to the growing expectations of companies and end consumers regarding product quality. We also wanted to systematize the internal processes of the newly built European factory, which will be operational from 2022. The certification therefore has a real impact on improving operational efficiency and increasing the competitiveness of our company in Europe.
4. How was the certification process carried out?
We began the certification process with an understanding of the ISO:9001 standard, thoroughly analyzing and aligning business processes with the requirements of the standard. We then implemented and optimized the quality system, which was verified during the first cycle of internal audits. Thus prepared, we were able to begin the actual certification process, which is divided into two phases. In the first phase, an external auditor familiarizes himself with the company, documentation and processes, so that he can verify the correctness of the certification application. The second phase consists of a certification audit that lasts several days. My years of experience in the quality control department have taught me that there is always room for optimization, so in the next phase, based on the auditor’s insights, we implemented some improvements in our processes. January 2024 marked the end of our journey towards ISO:9001 certification. With success, of course, and great pride of the whole team involved in this project!
5. What changed in EcoWater from the moment the certification process began to the moment the company obtained it?
EcoWater has undergone a significant evolution. We focused on process analysis, on the introduction of optimization and continuous improvement measures, which very quickly translated into the ability to react more quickly to dynamically changing market realities. Tackling the certification process together also had a positive impact on cooperation within the team: we strengthened internal relationships and increased employee involvement in the quality improvement process.
6. What was the key to obtaining EcoWater certification?
The key was concentration. Focus on the continuous improvement process, focus on meticulous compliance with ISO:9001 requirements, focus on the awareness that achieving certification is a process that requires commitment at many levels of the organization. Another important ingredient for success was turning the results of the certification audit into a real opportunity for improvement, which strengthened EcoWater’s quality management system. Equally important was the involvement of all EcoWater team members in the developed improvement process, which is the basis of building a quality culture in EcoWater.
