World first accreditation for Vecta!
It took a river of coffee, reams of paper and four years of hard work but in March 2021, Vecta Pty Ltd were delighted to finally be granted accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025!
The accredited electrical test methods are in Passive RF and Microwave Devices; intermodulation level measurement (PIM); Return Loss (uniformity of impedance) and Insertion Loss and Isolation.
In fact, the company faced significant challenges meeting the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. The Standard requires that the Laboratory performs proficiency testing. Equipment must have a calibration certificate with metrological traceability in place. Under normal circumstances, these requirements wouldn’t pose too much of a problem.
But when no one else in the world has accreditation to the tests you’re performing, that’s a massive obstacle to climb!
Darren Webster and his colleagues had to develop an action plan that demonstrated how they could achieve accreditation for their testing methods and processes.
The available equipment used by Vecta was highly specific. There were no manufacturers whose calibration certificates could receive an endorsement from an accreditation body. This meant that establishing the metrological traceability requirement a high hurdle to jump over.
In addition, there were no Proficiency Testing Programs available in the market for intermodulation measurements. Vecta had to devise, implement, perform, analyse, and document its own inter-laboratory test plan. This had to satisfy the requirements of the accreditation body and ISO/IEC 17025.
Accreditation support
Throughout the lengthy process, Darren was gratified by the level of support and interest he received from A2LA. In addition, the US based accreditation body regularly encouraged Vecta’s efforts and urged them to continue with the process. Their representative said:
“A2LA is pleased to have worked with VECTA Pty Ltd towards achieving accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025. Darren and his team were diligent in addressing their unique circumstances and demonstrated the necessary competence to be granted accreditation. It was our pleasure to support this dedicated team and to see them reach a common goal. A2LA welcomes VECTA Pty Ltd to our corps of accredited organizations and looks forward to future participation in our accreditation programs.”
MAS Management Systems came in at the end of the process to provide support in dealing with the issues A2LA raised at the assessment. Despite this, it was easy to see the amount of work and dedication it had taken to get to that point.
Congratulations to Darren and all the staff at Vecta Pty Ltd for this accreditation success story!
If you’re looking for accreditation support, we can help!
You may be right at the beginning of the journey. Or you may need help to get over the final hurdle. But no matter where you are, we have a plenty of experience at every point in the process.
Contact us for an obligation free and confidential discussion. Email info@masmanagementsystems.com.au or phone Maree 0411 540 709.
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