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 Proving that innovation and a solutions-based approach is at the core of business development, manufacturing solutions company Horizon West is most definitely ‘ahead of the curve.’
Having recently harnessed cloud technology to enhance their existing business framework Horizon West successfully implemented IS0 9001:2008, receiving certification in September 2011.
A fast-developing SME, Horizon West has experienced strong growth in its first twelve months, a fact which the company’s management attribute to their client-focused approach – “we feel our unique selling point is our depth of manufacturing knowledge and experience of the team. It’s been garnered across the manufacturing sectors, throughout the value chain over the past 20 years. The team has evolved like the Irish Manufacturing sector. Irish manufacturing has come from the days of ‘high volume non complex production’ to building complex pieces of equipment which enhance people’s lives. We have seen at first hand the issues and challenges facing manufacturers and start-ups alike. We listen to the clients’ needs, advise and implement, offering follow-up and support – every organisation has different requirements and we understand the need for experienced technical assistance”, says Aiden Corcoran, MD.
Offering a portfolio of manufacturing solutions including Quality Management, Process Excellence and Engineering Project Management, Horizon West caters for the Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Biotech and manufacturing industries. They utilise a large network of equipment producers and specialist vendors to solve and enhance the needs of customers, specifically around process, product development and compliance. Given the business of Horizon West is knowledge and delivery of technical skills, two items were identified as key strategic goals for the company to achieve. The first was to obtain the ability to access information easily and quickly across multiple locations to allow for team member collaboration and the second was to structure the company in a way to ensure quality service delivery to clients in a repeatable and robust manner.
Having researched the various options available to meet the requirements of their business model, Horizon West’s decision to use Cloud based technology, specifically MS Sharepoint, was the logical solution. Given the highly-regulated industry in which the company conducts much of its business the Cloud needed to provide a controlled environment. Validation provided by certification permitted Horizon West to analyse and develop its systems in line with strategy, ensuring cost-effective deployment of technology - “we needed a self-sufficient system which could be managed in-house with minimal financial outlay, Cloud provided this and gave us the flexibility to structure our business systems in a way that suited us” says Lorraine Patridge, Engineering Manager.
ISO 9001 standards cover an organisation’s practices in fulfilling the customer’s quality and regulatory requirements, whilst also aiming to enhance customer satisfaction and achieve continual performance improvements in pursuit of these objectives. The decision to obtain ISO 9001:2008 was an obvious one for Horizon West. According to Seamus Reidy, VP, “We continually strive to improve the way we do business –and seeking ISO 9001:2008 was paramount for our business structure and control. This defined model enables us to deliver formulated quality based solutions to our customers. We’re young, innovative and industrious so obtaining certification within a year of our foundation is testament to our ambitions.”
Cloud was chosen as the platform to operate and consolidate information, it was broken down by department, and into sub-categories – all in line with ISO 9001:2008, allowing Horizon West to manage their Quality, Finance, Project Management, Business Development and Operations systems in one location. While all areas are separate entities, Cloud provided a framework where all departments were interlinked – a ‘closed-loop’ system. It also allows offsite management and access for all personnel, keeping security to the fore by enabling control of permissions. Access to information can be obtained via, PC, iPad, Smartphone and is, in effect always on.
To fully maximise the business’s growth, Horizon West created a strategy for 2011 and beyond – outlining their key milestones and objectives – the first being the attainment of ISO 9001:2008 certification, awarded in September 2011. The company has maintained its resolute dedication to excellence, having accomplished certification so promptly whilst also utilising one of the most significant and contemporary pieces of technology.
“Our commitment to innovation and excellence in engineering is clearly demonstrated through our achievement of ISO 9001:2008 certification and MS SharePoint integration. I think it’s hugely important for SMEs like ourselves to realise what is possible with Cloud – we don’t consider ourselves IT specialists – we simply leveraged our IT skills from previous experience, harnessing Cloud with minimal financial outlay”. – Aiden Corcoran, MD.
What do ISO 9001 and Cloud mean to Horizon West from a practical perspective? The company can now provide on-site Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing expertise through a controlled Quality Management, Documentation and Project Management system. Horizon West’s team have solutions at their fingertips – all updates to projects are live and instant.
“The ISO 9001:2008 accreditation with a Cloud based framework keeps our competitive advantage to the fore – it enables us to control our information and processes while also acting as foundation for strategic growth and development. It has allowed us to minimise capital investment and outlay in expensive IT hardware and by structuring it with ISO 9001 certification it has enabled us to structure our business at an early stage. I’d advise any business to consider it as an option.” adds Aiden Corcoran MD.
If you are interested in hearing more about Horizon West’s Manufacturing services, or would like their expertise in helping your business achieve Quality standard accreditation, please contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
(098 50600) or visit www.horizonwest.ie.
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