How Acron Infra prepared for recertification to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

When Acron Infra was due for recertification to ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environmental management), the company also wanted to review and further develop its management system. With limited internal capacity and a need to consolidate, structure and update existing documentation, Acron Infra brought in external QHSE expertise from Certain.

Acron Infra, which is part of Acron Group, delivers complete technical installations for transport and infrastructure projects in Norway and internationally. The company has expertise in areas including electrical, automation, SCADA and communications, and delivers solutions throughout the entire project lifecycle — from design to completed installation.

For a business that delivers technical installations for large transport and infrastructure projects, systematic work on quality, environment and working environment is an important part of operations.

In the run-up to recertification, Acron Infra identified a need to review and further develop its management system. Documentation and information were spread across different systems, and the company wanted a more cohesive structure that both met the requirements of the standards and made it easier to work systematically with QHSE in day-to-day operations.

To ensure sufficient capacity and progress, Acron Infra chose to bring in external support. The assignment came to Certain through Firstrate, which identified the need for QHSE expertise. Certain adviser Geir joined as the specialist resource responsible for mapping, structuring and further developing the management system ahead of recertification.

The work began with a thorough mapping of relevant QHSE documents and information across existing systems. The content was reviewed and structured, whilst improvement opportunities and necessary actions were identified.

The primary focus was on the requirements of ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management. At the same time, a solid foundation was laid for the further work on ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety.

A key outcome of the work was the establishment of a new, complete and digitalised management system. In addition, a new governing QHSE handbook was developed, tailored to Acron Infra’s operations and updated requirements.

The goal was not only to prepare Acron Infra for recertification, but to establish a management system that is clear, practical and easy to use in day-to-day QHSE work.

The work was carried out in close collaboration with Acron Infra. Through management meetings and ongoing dialogue with, amongst others, the technical lead, design manager, project manager, safety representative and managing director, solutions and routines were developed and embedded in the organisation.

An engaged and professionally strong management team at Acron Infra, combined with QHSE expertise from Certain and a clear progress plan, made it possible to complete an extensive development project in a relatively short period of time.

Martin Ueland, Project Manager at Acron Infra, says the following:

— We are very pleased with the collaboration and the contribution from Geir Piel in connection with ISO 9001 certification. Professional, efficient and with excellent follow-up throughout.

When the recertification was carried out, the preparations produced clear results.

The auditor found no non-conformities on the first day of the audit and commented that the number of findings was very low compared to what is typical. The audit concluded with only two minor non-conformities — both concrete improvement points that were followed up and closed.

The value for Acron Infra, however, goes beyond the recertification itself.

The organisation now has a more complete, up-to-date and user-friendly management system, with clearer routines and an improved set of templates. This makes QHSE work easier to carry out and follow up in day-to-day operations, whilst also leaving the company better prepared for future audits and the continued development of its management system.