With an eye for quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction, SimulTrans has a recognized, comprehensive system through which to achieve goals effectively and systematically.
SimulTrans is ISO 9001 certified, further confirming our dedication to our core ideals of time, quality, and technology. SimulTrans was able to attain ISO 9001:2000 certification in record time because we already had quality systems and processes in place. Having worked with an ISO consultant for several months, SimulTrans refined its processes in documentation, contingency planning, and creating, measuring and ensuring high quality deliverables. The ISO certification validated the quality-oriented processes our company has had in place and has continually improved during our 25-year history.
ISO certification allows SimulTrans' customers to meet their own certification requirements by providing an assurance to notified bodies and regulatory agencies that translations are completed according to a documented and quality-oriented process. Some customers and prospects, particularly companies in the medical field, have requested that SimulTrans hold this certification.
Quality Management System
To improve and track quality, SimulTrans employs an extensive Quality Management System. Encompassed within this system are a number of elements to insure continuity and consistency over time including the following:
- Quality Manual
- Standard Operating Procedures Manual
- Localization Process Outline Manual and Outline Chart
- Quality Database
- Standard Forms and Registers
- Folder structure
- Quality Committee
Perhaps most notable among SimulTrans' ISO certification elements is the SimulTrans Quality database. Originally developed two years ago, the database has grown in functionality over time and was recently updated to incorporate recommendations from the ISO auditor. This database is a fully automated system that is email-enabled, spans all of SimulTrans' offices and departments, and is easy to use. All SimulTrans' staff members were trained on and use this database actively. Through this database, SimulTrans is able to monitor, index, and respond to different quality issues in an effective and timely manner, while seeking opportunities for process improvement.
For almost 25 years, SimulTrans has been dedicated to its customers and continuously creating value and opportunities that better our clients' goals. ISO 9001:2000 certification further confirms the company's long-term commitment to quality.
Quality management processes are crucial to the success of any business, and can be considered exceptionally critical when referencing a localization provider.
Upgrade of ISO 9001 Certification to 2008 Standard
In July 2009, SimulTrans had its quality management system recertified using the updated ISO9001:2008 standard.
The ISO9001 quality standard was changed, from ISO9001:2000 to ISO9001:2008. The three major changes to the certification were designed to not only improve consistency throughout these certified quality processes, but to also clarify existing requirements. One change is the redefinition of the in-house quality management system, and the required documentation for this system. ISO9001:2008 specifies that documents of external origin are now considered to be part of the quality system, and must be considered a requirement for any audit.
A second change to the standard included a change from conformation to "product requirements" instead of "quality". This clarification is useful for both clients and localization providers alike, as it enables the system to track the requirements of the client in terms of every service provided. It also allows the client to set requirements in terms of the product, and not simply be held to a level of "quality", where quality can have multiple definitions and interpretations.
The final change to the ISO9001 standard for 2008 is the increase in protection of a client's assets. This change requires an ISO9001 accredited firm to account for the security of a client's information, in any format, within their quality management system. In effect, this allows a client to have more confidence in an ISO9001:2008 accredited firm, as they know any data they provide would be under a greater level of scrutiny and security than ever before.
With this ISO9001:2008 recertification, SimulTrans is reaffirming its commitment to its clients and their overall success. We strive to provide our clients with the highest quality translation and localization services possible, and ISO9001:2008 is just one more way we provide that quality management to our clients.
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