When I first stepped into Integrated Cable South in Fort Valley, Georgia, back in 2000, I had no idea I was witnessing the beginning of an extraordinary quality management journey.
This small company, which started by creating wiring harnesses for Blue Bird Bus Company, was about to embark on a two-decade quest for excellence that would yield astonishing results.
The Numbers That Stopped Me in My Tracks
During a recent review, I found myself staring at their data in disbelief. I had to ask, “Is this real?” The numbers were so impressive that they warranted a double-take:
230 Parts Per Million (PPM) return rate
On-time delivery consistently near 90%
Customer complaints about delivery? Virtually non-existent
Let that sink in for a moment. Only 230 parts were returned for every million shipped. In an industry where perfection is elusive, Integrated Cable South is approaching just that.
The Secret? Unwavering Commitment to ISO 9001
So, what’s their secret? It’s no magic formula, but rather a religious adherence to the principles of ISO 9001 over more than two decades. Year after year, they’ve committed themselves to seeking methods for improvement, and the results speak for themselves.
Key Elements of Integrated Cable South’s Success:
Risk Management: They’ve implemented robust controls for identified risks.
Monitoring and Measurement: Utilizing software to track and analyze their controls.
Continuous Improvement: Not just a buzzword, but a daily practice.
Training Focus: With minimal rework needed, they have time to invest in employee development.
Customer Communication: Their proactive approach has all but eliminated delivery complaints.
The Power of Persistence
Integrated Cable South’s journey shows the compounding effect of a consistent, long-term commitment to quality. Each year brought incremental improvements, and over 23 years, these small steps have led to giant leaps in performance.
Their success in ISO 9001 audits isn’t just about passing - they’re excelling. ISO 9001 isn’t just a standard for them to meet, but a powerful tool for organizational transformation.
From Blue Bird to Industry Leadership
From their humble start with Blue Bird Bus Company to their current status as an industry leader in quality, Integrated Cable South’s journey shows the power of persistence and the effectiveness of ISO 9001 principles.
The Takeaway: You Can Do It Too
The most inspiring part of Integrated Cable South’s story? It’s repeatable. This company in Fort Valley, GA, didn’t have access to secret techniques or unlimited resources. They simply committed to the process, year after year, always striving for improvement.
If a small wiring harness company in Georgia can achieve world-class quality metrics, imagine what your organization could accomplish with the same dedication to ISO 9001 principles.
Are you ready to start your own quality transformation journey? Whether you’re just beginning with ISO 9001 or looking to rejuvenate your existing quality management system, the potential for improvement is always there. Let’s talk about how you can apply these principles to your unique context and begin your path to world-class quality.
Remember, Integrated Cable South’s 230 PPM didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of 23 years of commitment. Your journey to excellence starts with a single step. Are you ready to take it and join the ranks of quality leaders like Integrated Cable South?
I know that you are!
Debra Matthews Hampton, PE
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22000, ISO 13485
P.S. Are you ready to embark on your own success story? Email me at debra@ce-q.com and let’s make the future you happy with the present you!
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