Search
Close this search box.

Engineering Reliability on the Rails of Quality

ISO 22163 - Railway applications — Railway quality management system — ISO 9001:2015 and specific requirements for application in the railway sector

Introduction to Quality Management in Rail Systems

Railway applications — Railway quality management system — ISO 9001:2015 and specific requirements for application in the railway sector.

Effective quality management is essential in the railway industry to maintain safety, dependability, and operational efficiency. The following standards are pivotal:

Key Components

ISO/TS 22163:2017 (Previously Issued)

ISO 22163:2023 (The Current Standard)

Key Features

Overview

ISO/TS 22163

ISO/TS 22163 is recognized internationally as the benchmark for quality management systems within the railway sector. This standard enhances the ISO 9001 framework, integrating specialized requirements tailored for rail operations. Launched in May 2017, ISO/TS 22163 succeeded the former standard, IRIS Rev. 02, setting a new precedent for quality in the industry.

Why is certification important?

ISO/TS 22163 has been crafted to raise the bar for quality in relation to the rail industry’s infrastructure, machinery, and services. It aims to harmonize terminology, evaluation protocols, and auditing processes worldwide, thus promoting greater clarity throughout the railway supply chain.

Rail organizations that secure ISO/TS 22163 certification reap multiple benefits

Upholding and consistently meeting superior quality benchmarks.

Meeting the unique quality management criteria of the rail sector.

Promptly identifying and resolving issues within quality management systems.

Gaining a competitive advantage by showcasing a robust commitment to quality management.

When the certification should be considered?

Streamlined Project Execution

Ensure the successful completion of projects that require multi-party cooperation.

Fostering Sustainable Partnerships

Develop lasting alliances that encourage the exchange of resources, expertise, and capabilities.

Strategic Risk Handling

Manage the potential risks that come with forming new partnerships.

Optimized Contract Management

Showcase enhanced contract administration to unlock new ventures in key supply chains.

Need Help with Easier Solutions? We Are Experts!

How can I assess if certification is in alignment with goals?

Strategic Business Objectives & Skill Development: A Synergistic Approach

Defining Strategic Business Objectives

  • Begin with a crystal-clear articulation of your organization’s strategic business objectives for the forthcoming period.
  • Contemplate key factors like growth targets, market expansion, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Setting Related Training Goals

  • From the identified skill gaps, derive specific training objectives that will directly bolster the attainment of business goals.
  • These objectives should be in harmony with the organization’s strategic trajectory.

Communicating Purpose and Objectives

  • Transparently convey the rationale behind the training to your employees.
  • Clarify how this training underpins the organization’s objectives and its relevance to their roles.

Evaluating Skill Gaps

  • Pinpoint the essential skills and competencies that are critical for realizing these strategic ambitions.
  • Gauge the current proficiency levels of your workforce in relation to these objectives.

Developing Targeted Training Programs

  • Craft tailored training initiatives that bridge the identified skill gaps.
  • Ensure that the program content, delivery mechanisms, and experiential learning are pertinent to the business milieu.

Measuring and Iterating

  • Consistently assess the impact of the training programs.
  • Employ metrics like performance enhancement, knowledge retention, and behavioral transformation to evaluate their alignment with business objectives.

QMet: Your Trusted Certification Partner: At QMet, we take pride in our track record of certifying a wide range of organizations. Our portfolio includes esteemed entities such as STC, Saudi Investment Bank, Salaam, and TABADUL (Saudi e-Tabadul).

What occurs when your business experiences alterations in the current situation?

Adaptable Certification Solutions with QMet

At QMet, we understand that businesses are dynamic entities. They grow, evolve, and change shape. Whether it’s the addition of new locations, the introduction of novel activities, or changes in staff numbers, rest assured, we’re equipped to support you through every transition.

Our commitment is to provide flexible certification solutions tailored to your evolving business landscape. We offer adaptable options to modify your scope, standards, and management system, ensuring they remain in perfect sync with your operational needs.

Honesty is the cornerstone of our partnership. We ask that you keep us informed of any changes as they occur. This transparency allows us to maintain a collaborative partnership, where certification is a seamless aspect of your business growth, not a hurdle to overcome.

Benefits for my organization

ISO 20121 is designed for:

Certification as Evidence

Obtain verified evidence that meets the stringent requirements of the rolling stock industry.

Elevated Quality Standards

Enhance quality benchmarks within your organization and throughout the entire supply chain.

Strengthened Market Standing

Bolster your market position through recognized quality assurance.

Enhanced Industry Presence

Gain a competitive edge and elevate your organization’s profile.

Advantageous Tendering Position

Improve your standing in the bidding process for new contracts.

Integration with Existing Standards

Merge this certification with other Quality Management (QM) system standards for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

IRIS Database Inclusion

Become part of the IRIS database, managed by UNIFE, the Association of the European Rail Supply Industry, which is a comprehensive resource utilized by numerous entities in the railway sector and includes detailed certification outcomes of all registered organizations.

Need Help with Easier Solutions? We Are Experts!

Intended Audience

ISO 22163 represents a pivotal industry standard within the rail vehicle sector. Achieving certification and subsequent inclusion in the IRIS database, maintained by the Association of the European Railway Industry (UNIFE), fosters a mutually beneficial environment for all supply chain participants:

  • Railroad operators
  • Rolling stock manufacturers
  • Suppliers of original series equipment
  • Suppliers of spare parts
  • Maintenance firms

Additionally, service providers specializing in:

  • Research and development
  • Project management
  • Requirements management
  • Procurement, also stand to gain from this standard, ensuring a comprehensive win-win scenario across the board.

QMet: Pioneers in Certification and Quality Excellence

Why QMet

QMet: Pioneers in Certification and Quality Excellence

QMet stands as a beacon of certification excellence, with a rich history of involvement in a diverse array of management system certifications, inspections, calibrations, testing, and personnel qualifications. Our journey towards accreditation is in full swing, aligning with esteemed bodies such as the Gulf Accreditation Center, Saudi Accreditation Center, SASO, Saber, and SFDA. This strategic move is in accordance with the standards set by the International Accreditation Forum and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation. Since our inception in 2005, QMet has been at the forefront of industry innovation. Our dedicated team has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to grasp the intricate needs of the industry, crafting reliable and robust solutions that cater to a wide spectrum of requirements.