Exico builds in quality management as it grows

Exico UK supplies standard motors to many sectors of industry and also offers specials, customised motors and bespoke drive packages. As such it meets the need for non-standard voltages, shaft modifications, fitted brakes and encoders, ATEX and marine motors as well as multi and variable speed systems.

Lucie says: "ISO 9001 approval was high on our to-do list from day one, as it is essential for leading onto ATEX (explosion proof) certification. Also, many potential customers insist that all their suppliers have it, so that there is consistent certification right through their supply chain.

"However, even without these requirements we would have sought ISO 9001 anyway, because it encourages us to ensure that all of our administrative processes and quality management procedures are fully documented. In short this means we can look up every detail of every operation we have ever performed, so it is great for traceability and keeping on top of everything, no matter how busy we are."

ISO 9001 is a standard for quality management systems that helps companies and other organisations maintain comprehensive information about stocks, sales, customer requirements, safety standards as well as the statutory and regulatory requirements related to their industry.

Right from start up, Exico knew it would be applying for ISO 9001, so ensured that all of its information systems were designed to accommodate it. However, the company went far further than the basics, by fully integrating all of its information systems into one.

Lucie explains: "Our ERP (enterprise resource planning) works seamlessly with our CRM (customer relationship management) and so on. And further than this, it is all kept completely up to date in real time because the stock is bar-coded so that we know exactly where everything is, whether it has been sold, if it's awaiting servicing or customisation, or if stocks of particular items are running low and need to be re-ordered.

"It is a very sophisticated system, yet is easy to use. Every member of the Exico team is trained to use it and we can say that it is running with very nearly zero errors. In fact, on the rare occasions we do find an error, there is an immediate review to find out what went wrong and how to fix it."

Currently Exico is on target for supplying 1,000,000 worth of electric motors in its first year of trading. It has built up a network of distributors around the country and is already taking steps to establish overseas customers. To learn more about the company please go to www.exico.co.uk.