Left to right: P Thalai Malai Rajan, certification and business enhancement business manager – UAE, SGS Gulf Limited; Sebastian Schirmers, operations manager, Cargo iQ; Ariaen Zimmerman, executive director, Cargo iQ; Kester Meijer, director operational integrity, compliance & safety - ISCM Air France KLM Cargo, and vice chairman, Cargo iQ
Cargo iQ has appointed SGS to take on its member Audit and Certification Scheme, working with external auditors for the first time.
Members will be audited to demonstrate, through certification, that their processes and services are compliant with quality standards for the worldwide air cargo industry, as created and implemented by the Cargo iQ membership.
Over 30 SGS offices will be involved in the process, which will kick off in June, with each audit including a desk review and a two-day on-site visit.
Members have previously been audited internally, by the Cargo iQ’s own Management Team.
“It makes a difference that we now have external validation, and an external auditor, allowing us to be more objective in regards to the criteria,” said Ariaen Zimmerman, executive director, Cargo iQ.
“We had to re-evaluate all criteria to ensure there was no room for misinterpretation.
“The criteria will have to be met in an objective manner that satisfies an external auditing company.
“We are extremely serious about quality and this partnership will add to the reliability of our brand.
“Our aim is to always make sure we have true operational relevance in our quality management.”
SGS is an inspection, verification, testing, and certification company, with over 2,000 offices and laboratories worldwide.
Cargo iQ is planning for all members to be audited under the new scheme within three years.
“Our members are ready to undertake the auditing process,” said Zimmerman.
“There will be adjustments, but overall the criteria are well known to the membership, and will be logical extensions of the standards they are accustomed to, and have come to expect.”
SGS will provide Cargo iQ members with support and guidance on how to comply with the audit scheme, so that they can maximize the benefits they have from passing it.
“We will audit Cargo iQ members and take samples of their process steps to ensure that they comply with the scheme rules,” said Jeff Dowson, global head international sales and accounts, SGS.
“Working as an extension of the Cargo iQ team, we will help them monitor the scheme and ensure that it is practical and effective, with local auditors carrying out site visits.
“Members receive a verification of their compliance to the scheme, boosting confidence in its compliance level.”
Cargo iQ’s new Audit scheme is part of a series on initiatives aimed at improving the value Cargo iQ delivers to its members and to the global air cargo community.
Cargo iQ announced the partnership at the 2017 World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where the group also showcased its new Smart Data portal during a live demo.
