 “Apogee” is defined as “the highest point”, so when a business of that name grows from 2 people in 1993 to 118 today, you know they are doing things right. And for the Apogee Corporation, which provides digital photocopiers (nowadays multi-functional devices), networks, and comprehensive service agreements, part of that growth has relied on having a structure and consistency throughout the business, supported by international quality management Standard ISO9001. 10 years ago, Apogee contacted the Standards specialist IMSM to make sure that all sections of the business, whether internal or acquired, work to an agreed set of procedures. Service Director John Carter notes, “It is important that we have an externally audited process, especially for the service elements. Many of our machines are integrated into our customers’ networks as their main print device, so efficient, well trained engineers and fast fix times are business critical. The Standard helps to ensure our people understand our processes, and also provides a mechanism to give feedback, so that we can continually improve our service.”
Apogee Corporation’s customers include government departments, blue chip organisations, smaller companies, and even the corner shop. John Carter continues, “When the team in our Business Development Department is completing tenders, being able to tick the box to say we hold ISO9001 saves time- in fact most tenders virtually insist on it these days. Just recently, again through IMSM, we have achieved ISO14001, to show our customers and staff that we are taking the environment seriously, too. It is too early to calculate any cost savings, but people are remembering to switch off lights and equipment, which will all add up. We were doing a lot already, but through IMSM’s support we learned how to integrate our own systems and handle some of the external issues, such as drainage, conforming to EU legislation, and using the right people to dispose of old equipment responsibly.”
“We were pleased that the IMSM team understood the nature of our business, and were able to apply their experience to help us achieve and maintain the Standards. They were responsive; they kept in touch, and provided us with a lot of useful information. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.”
www.apogeecorp.com
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