Quality management

The aim of an audit is to achieve a systematic, independent investigation of activities and results on the basis of defined requirements. This helps identify problems and weaknesses and then address them with suitable measures. The effectiveness of these measures is also assessed. Product, process and system audits are performed in-house. These assess the performance of internal procedures, as well as suppliers. Customer and certification audits are also performed.

This standard defines requirements for a quality management system. The relationship between a regulated organization and company success is presented through application of a document QM system. Overall success should be secured via product quality and customer satisfaction with unique provisions, clearly defined responsibilities, and actions within the process structure. A uniform basic structure and basic system are created with the High Level Structure in DIN ISO 9001:2015.

Initial sample test reports are predominantly used to approve new products and processes in the automotive industry. Initial samples are generally specified as per VDA 2 or PPAP. However, they need to be agreed in the order. As per the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), no initial sampling is generally provided for standard parts. The costs of producing samples are generally very high relative to the parts price. A simplified form of the product and process approval procedure should definitely be applied here.

We place great emphasis on customer satisfaction at our company. The motto of "the customer is king" is actively lived out and represents a foundation of our company policy. Various KPIs such as delivery performance, number of complaints, audits, evaluations, and sales revenue are used as the basis when measuring customer satisfaction. The objective is to further increase customer satisfaction through various improvement measures, particularly in logistics systems, CIP, eLogistics, etc.

A structured supplier management system should ensure that only suppliers with the requisite quality capability are used for procurement. Well-founded supplier selection that is performed using various criteria forms the basis for making decisions. This builds on ongoing supplier evaluation, which itself encompasses both hard and soft facts. The overall performance of our company is incorporated with a systematic process of supplier development and promotion.

As a general rule, Keller & Kalmbach pursues the objective of zero errors. The process structure is designed to meet this objective. A key factor here is avoiding errors, while incorporating employees, processes, and suppliers. The test laboratory on our premises with comprehensive equipment and qualified employees supports the zero-error program. A continuous process of improvement and further training for our employees also provide valuable support.

In 2007, we had our environmental protection system certified as per the City of Munich's Eco-Profit (ÖKOPROFIT) standard and worked on continuous improvement. In November 2017, we were presented with the EMAS certificate. The environment represents an important element in our company policy. We make our contribution to better understanding of the environment with the EMAS environmental management system and the permanent ambition to lighten the load on the environment. We pursue these guiding principles in the environmental policy.

To boost the trust of our customers in our company, we have been certified in various areas: DIN EN ISO 9001 / VDA 6.2 / IRIS - DIN EN ISO 22163 / EMAS

Further awards:

Keller & Kalmbach is the first company that has been presented with the Bavarian Quality Award twice (2001 and 2010).