Product Safety: Approval and Certification Support
In the world of product safety, achieving certification and approval is a critical step. These certifications are typically issued by official TIC (testing, inspection, certification) bodies, such as those responsible for evaluating safety components in accordance with regulations like the machinery regulation. These certification bodies, holding accreditations such as IEC 17020, IEC 17025, or IEC 17065 by national institutes like DAkks in Germany, play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compliance of products.
However, the road to functional safety certification and approval can be a challenging one. Each assessor may have their unique approach, and interpretations of requirements can vary. Moreover, different notified bodies may set their own basis for approval, even though it should ideally be based on harmonized standards and agreements from working committees.
Ensuring Compliance and Success in Functional Safety
At innotec, we recognize the complexities of the approval and certification process. That’s why we work closely with internationally recognized testing institutes and notified bodies. In cases where certification and expert assessments are conducted in Germany, we maintain a particularly close cooperation with the “Institute for Occupational Safety and Health” (IFA) of the German Accident Insurance, as well as the global branches of “Associations for Technical Inspection” (TÜV) and “Underwriters Laboratories” (UL).
Some of the main testing and certification institutes we collaborate with include:
- TÜV Süd Group
- TÜV Austria
- TÜV Rheinland Industrie Service GmbH
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
- TÜV Nord Group
- IFA
We support you through the following steps:
- Assessment plan: Innotec can take care of the initial discussion to find out and get the best quotation in terms of costs, timeline and scope (from inquiry to TIC institute to creation of the final quotation).
- Preliminary gap analysis: we can prepare the initial discussion with the assessor, like creating the initial concept documents, plan, etc. to introduce the project and perform the so called “concept” or “pre-assessment” phases.
- Development accompanying certification support: we support the discussions related to the list of open points, clarification of issues and monitoring of assessment activitites.
How We Can Help You
At Innotec, we go beyond the standard by providing comprehensive support during the approval and certification process through third parties. Our team includes experts with extensive experience working at major internationally recognized institutes. We understand the intricacies of the certification process and can help you navigate its complexities.
By choosing innotec, you can take advantage of our one-stop solution, which eliminates the need for time and effort spent synchronizing activities with external institutes. Our support streamlines the certification process, ensuring that your safety products meet the necessary standards and compliance requirements efficiently and effectively.
Read our article about the topic: do we really need TÜVs?
FAQ
How can our team help with ISO 26262 or IEC 61508 certification?
For a smooth certification process, it is essential to start in the right direction. We guide you through the entire certification process, from the initial gap analysis to the development of safety cases, supporting risk assessments, and preparing for audits. Discussion with certification bodies can be challenging. We know how to deal with them, and support our customers through the certification path. We can also support on special topics, like AI, Cybersecurity, Semiconductor, etc.
Does innotec assist with ASPICE assessments?
Yes, we support ASPICE assessments, particularly for teams working in functional safety, to ensure compliance with both ASPICE and ISO 26262 requirements. See also ASPICE consultancy
How long does the certification process typically take?
The duration depends on the complexity of your project and the specific certification you are pursuing. We can provide an estimated timeline after evaluating your requirements, based on our experience with the dedicated certification body.
Does innotec provide training for in-house teams on certification processes?
Yes, we offer tailored training sessions to ensure your team understands the certification requirements and processes related to functional safety and cybersecurity. See our training offer under https://innotecsafety.com/training-and-workshops-overview or build your own training using our assistant form.
Can innotec help if our project has already started but needs certification?
Absolutely. We offer gap analyses and can step in at any stage of your project to help you meet certification requirements. Of course starting from the beginning is beneficial for all stakeholders, to save time for preparation, and discussion of already adressed topics.
Can innotec help in case we have issue with the certification body?
Yes, innotec can help to solve issues during certification by means of analysis, discussion and solution proposal with the certification body. Having worked on more than hundreds of certification projects, put us in the position of looking and finding the best possible solution.
Does innotec work only with a specific assessment/certification body?
No, we work with all the major TIC institutes. Even if innotec GmbH is 100% part of the TÜV Austria group, we believe in serving our customer at best, choosing and working with the preferred TIC solution (depending on the project, timeline, etc.)
Ready to integrate Functional Safety into your project?
Contact us now, and together, we will discover the perfect service for your needs.