Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAMEverybody has heard of DIN EN ISO 9001. But does it need to be implemented in practice as originally intended? Professor Andreas Groß, Head of Workforce Training and Technology Transfer at Fraunhofer IFAM, believes not: "ISO 9001 is a comprehensive quality management system. Technically qualified personnel are essential" explains Groß. Industry must once again be made aware of this if they want to continue delivering high quality products in the future. Quality awareness in large companies will increase further.
The DIN 6701 standard for the rail vehicle manufacturing industry has already impressively demonstrated how that can be achieved. The Federal Railway Authority (FRA) has decreed that all manufacturers and suppliers must be accredited in accordance with DIN 6701, with one aspect of this being a requirement for workforce training. Standards for other industries that also demand workforce training are currently in preparation. Examples include DIN 2304 for general bonding work that was published at the end of 2015 and E DIN 27201 for FRP remanufacture/repair in the rail vehicle industry. Both these standards are closely linked to DIN EN ISO 9001.
Fraunhofer IFAM recommends all relevant industries to ensure that employees are trained in good time in order to realize competitive advantages.