RailQMS – ISO/TS 22163 – IRIS Certification

RailQMS – ISO/TS 22163 – IRIS Certification

What is IRIS Certification ?

IRIS (International Railway Industry Standard) is a globally recognized system for the evaluation of business management systems, tailored to the specific needs of the rail sector. Supported by operators, system integrators and equipment manufacturers, the IRIS Certification system is based on technical requirements (ISO/TS 22163) and conformity assessment (including assessment methodology and a common certification process). The aim of IRIS is to create a culture of quality that brings benefits to all stakeholders in the rail supply chain.

IRIS Certification is a brand for the certification of business management systems in the rail sector. It has been created and developed by the ‘International Railway Industry Standard Working Group’ (IRIS Certification) whose stakeholders include:
• UNIFE – The Association of the European Rail Supply Industry
• IRIS Steering Committee Members
• Rail operators

What is ISO/TS 22163

ISO/TS 22163 is a document published by the International Organization for Standardization, which sets out requirements for a business management system that is tailored to the specific needs of organisations in the rail sector. It contains the requirements of the global standard for quality management systems (ISO 9001:2015) together with a series of specific requirements relevant to the rail sector.

While the content is based on a draft document that was originally developed by UNIFE, ISO/TS 22163 is now (since October 2016) owned by ISO, which is also responsible for the validation, publication, communication and marketing of this document. The current edition (ISO/TS 22163:2017) is available from ISO and from national standardisation bodies (ISO members).

Who can go for IRIS Certification ?

IRIS Certification is only applicable to Rolling Stock, Signalling and Infrastructure companies having manufacturing and/or design and/or maintenance activities.

Rail Companies have activities in at least one of the following areas can go for IRIS Certification.
– Design and development
– Manufacturing
– Maintenance

how can we help you?

Contact us for the more details about our services or submit your inquiry online.

How to get ISO/TS 22163 - IRIS Certification

Purchase the Standard

Before you can begin preparing for your application, you will require a copy of the standard. You should read this and make yourself familiar with it.

Review support information’s and documents

There are a wide range of quality support information’s and documents are available in internet to help you understand, implement and become certified to a quality management system. (You can watch our YouTube Channel for few information’s)

Assemble a team and agree on your strategy

You should begin the entire implementation process by preparing your organizational strategy with top management. Responsibility for a QMS lies with Top Management, therefore it is vital that Top Management is involved from the beginning of the process. With the support of Top Management form a core team. This team can include the process owners, members.

Consider Training

Whether you are the Quality Manager seeking to implement a quality management system or a Senior Manager who would like to increase your general awareness of ISO/TS 22163 and RailQMS Specific training like RAMS/LCC, Control EPPPS, Project Management, Requirements Management, Tender Management, Knowledge Management, Process Review, IRIS KPI data etc. There are a range of workshops, seminars and training courses available. We at Nucleus Consultants conducts these trainings.

Review Consultancy Options

The consultancy is the 3rd party like NUCLEUS, You can receive advice from independent consultants on how best to implement your quality management system. They will have the experience in implementing a QMS and can ensure you avoid costly mistakes.

Choose a register

The registrar is the 3rd party, like (Check with IRQB and IRIS Protal) who come and assess the effectiveness of your quality management system, and issue a certificate if it meets the requirements of the standard. Choosing a registrar can be a complex issue as there are so many operating in the market. Factors to consider include industry experience, geographic coverage, price and service level offered. The key is to find the registrar who can best meet your requirements. A great place to start is by contacting us.

Develop a Business Management System

Yes. It is a Business Management System. RailQMS need a Business Management System (BMS). You need to establish, implement, maintain and continually improve a Business Management System in line with ISO/TS 22163 + IRIS Certification Conformity Assessment:2020. Your processes need to adhere the Plan-Do-Check-Act + Risk Based Thinking.

Develop support documentation

This is typically a procedures manual that supports the Quality manual. Quite simply, it outlines what you do to complete a task. It describes who does what, in what order and to what standard.

Implement your Quality Management System

The key to implementation is communication and training. During the implementation phase everyone operates to the procedures and collects records that demonstrate you are doing what you say you are doing.

Conduct Internal Audit, Process Review and Management Review

At planned intervals you need to conduct an internal audit and a process reivew, management review to verify the established QMS is confirming the applicable requirements and it is effective, suitable and adequate.


Gain registration

You should arrange your initial assessment with your registrar. At this point the registrar will review your QMS and determine whether you should be recommended for registration.

Continual assessment

Once you have received registration and been awarded your certificate, you can begin to advertise your success and promote your business. To maintain your registration, all you need to do is continue to use your quality system. This will be periodically checked by your registrar to ensure that your Quality System continues to meet the requirements of the standard.

QMS Registration

Registration to IRIS Certification takes place when an accredited 3rd party visits an organization, assesses the management system and issues a certificate to show that the organization abides by to the principles set out in ISO/TS 22163 + IRIS Certification Conformity Assessment:2020.

Your Quality Management Systems certificate is a sign of acceptability which saves you having to prove your quality standards to discriminating customers. IRIS Certification speaks an international language. Once you are certified means, the certificate is valid for 3 years and it is subject to the completion of the annual surveillance audit.


Why do I need registration?

Gaining registration to IRIS Certification through a authentic certification body will help your organization flourish. Whether you are looking to operate internationally or to expand locally to accommodate new business, IRIS Certification will help you demonstrate to customers that you have a commitment to quality.

The regular assessment process will ensure you continually use, monitor and improve your processes.

Registration can improve overall performance, remove uncertainty and widen market opportunities.

To know more about IRIS Certification and RailQMS Specific Training and Consultancy Services please contact us on +91 9600001996 and mail to info@nucleus-india.com

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