Kiwa opts for quality and European network of CBC
Kiwa belongs to the worldwide top 20 of companies when it comes to testing, inspection, and certification. April this year saw the SERMI certification enter into force for companies that work in security-related vehicle repair. Kiwa received its European SERMI accreditation, set up their quality management system, and partnered up with CED CBC for practical assistance.
Since 1 April 2024, any work on components and software that is related to vehicle security can only be conducted by companies and mechanics that are SERMI certified. That is much-encompassing. For example, it includes any work on security-related parts of vehicles and campervans, such as keys, contact locks, door locks, and the ECU. And it also includes working from a distance on security-related software. Mounir El-Berrah is Managing Director SCM & Mobility at Kiwa Netherlands. He gives an example. ‘If you have lost your car key and a new one needs to be programmed, the car company or mechanic has to be able to access the software of the car manufacturer. From now on, companies and their employees need to comply with and be certified for SERMI in order to get access.’
Benefits of certification
SERMI is an abbreviation of Security Related Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information, in which European car manufacturers and independent car companies collaborate. Kiwa has been a long-term market leader of certification institutions for vehicle security and is one of the first companies in Europe to become an accredited inspection institute for SERMI. ‘The SERMI certification has major benefits for garages and mechanics,’ says Mounir. ‘Each brand has its own subscription, assessment, and log in to access the software. After their SERMI certification, garages and mechanics can use a single login to connect to all affiliated manufacturers. That is simpler and cheaper than the old system. The certification procedure also moves quicker than the access procedures of car manufacturers, and the certification lasts for 5 years.’
Photo: Drazen Zigic on Freepik
Check and visit
The certification procedure at Kiwa consists of uploading a few documents that show that a company and its employees comply with the requirements. Additionally, there will be one unexpected company visit during the certification term to check if, indeed, all requirements have been met. ‘That is where CED CBC comes in,’ says Mounir. ‘CED CBC conducts an administrative check of the uploaded documents. And their experts unexpectedly visit each company once every 5 years. That is easily combined with necessary visits for their damage expertises.’
Well-oiled and good
Kiwa and CED have collaborated since the nineties. ‘The power of CED CBC is that they employ highly trained people, and they are present in the field. They know the companies, because they visit for damage expertise, and they speak the language of the entrepreneur. And they work throughout Europe. They are ideal to do this work on behalf of Kiwa.’ For now, CED CBC does this in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. ‘Since then, our collaboration has become more of a partnership,’ concludes Mounir. ‘In which CED is of even more added value. CED’s customer support also helps entrepreneurs if they have issues with the web application or uploading their documents. The partnership is well-oiled and very good. Any potential issues are immediately discussed and solved. It’s a collaboration that calls for more.’
Photo: Drazen Zigic on Freepik