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Quality is central to all aspects of Kern's
business. Our approach combines formal quality standards with
a general commitment to quality from everyone within the company.
Our belief in continuous improvement is underlined by our adherence
to Six Sigma principles combined with innovative thinking and
investment in our people.
Kern Limited is accredited to the quality
standard ISO 9001:2000 across all parts of the business. All
systems and management procedures comply with this award, which
complements Kern AG's earlier certification to ISO9001.
This
externally assessed award accreditation provides reassurance
to
customers, who expect end-to-end quality from manufacture to
service delivery. The on-going auditing and assessments that
are integral to ISO9001 further help to ensure that the service
we provide continues to improve.
Kern Limited uses Six Sigma principles to drive its ISO 9001 continuous improvement
programme. The fundamental objective of this approach is the implementation
of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation
reduction. In this way, waste and cost are driven out of the organisation as
quality improves, and customer satisfaction is increased through continuous
improvement in quality. Kern also provides assistance and support to customers
who are themselves using Six Sigma as an improvement driver. Key Kern staff
are trained in Six Sigma methods and the company has its own 'Green Belt' to
provide internal and external support to these projects.
Kern remains committed to monitoring and
responding to levels of customer satisfaction. Through our annual
ongoing customer surveys we establish a pattern of assessing
the issues which affect customer satisfaction across all areas
of business. Kern now has a dedicated Business Performance Manager,
who is always available to discuss issues of satisfaction with
customers, and to process and manage feedback to ensure continued
improvement in the service we provide.
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