More laboratories achieve accreditation

Having a SATRA-accredited laboratory has proved to be a major selling point.

Each year, a number of laboratories around the world gain SATRA accreditation – recognition that testing plays a vital role in the control of product quality and that establishing in-house test facilities is seen as a sound business move by modern manufacturers.

The SATRA accredited laboratory programme is recognised throughout the global footwear and leathergoods industries as a stamp of quality, and is of benefit to companies throughout the supply chain. Manufacturers and material suppliers, for example, are able to present meaningful and accurate test data, and resourcing companies can gain a more reliable evaluation of products and general improvement in quality and fitness-for-purpose.
 

To achieve accreditation, laboratories undergo a rigorous auditing process, based on an ability to test to particular test methods and standards.

Any in-house laboratory needs to be well controlled, and have clearly defined responsibilities within the facility. The quality system, the equipment, the environment and members of staff must prove to be of a very high standard.

Regular SATRA audits ensure an ongoing commitment. The accreditation is based on the essential elements of ISO 17025 – ‘General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories’.
SATRA can assist with provision and calibration of test equipment, test methods and standards, and training of laboratory technicians, as well as the development of product performance specifications.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 8 of the November 2013 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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