"An absolutely unique event!" This was the way Henk van Helden, CEO of KEMA, characterized the certification of the Philips Corporate Center in Amsterdam and Eindhoven. "It rarely happens that a huge multinational the size of Philips has its Corporate Center certified." Van Helden also took the opportunity to thank Philips CEO Gerard Kleisterlee for the long-term relationship that exists between the electronics giant and certifier KEMA. 

Van Helden: "Twenty years ago, way back in the previous century and a decade before everyone saw the value of the ISO Certificate, KEMA presented its first ISO Certificate. And no one will be surprised to learn that the first certificate went to a Philips factory!"

This illustrates the long road down which Philips and KEMA have been traveling together for years and years. Philips as the professional forerunner, with KEMA alongside as the pilot fish. Always close by for advice and assistance, and with the same objective in mind. 

The certification track took 15 months before the target was reached in the form of the presentation of the certificate on October 9, 2001. During that time there was good, congenial, and enthusiastic teamwork with both consultant KPMG and the staff of Philips. KEMA cited the efforts of top management and the individual staff members, each one of whom made every effort for the BEST Program (Business Excellence through Speed and Teamwork). KEMA made special mention of Joop Dat, manager of the certification trajectory, for his efforts. "He’s a blessing for both the auditor and those being audited."  

The Alternative Method for Certifying for ISO 9000 was used in the certification procedure for the Philips Corporate Center. This method, which was originally developed by KEMA, the Dutch Accreditation Council, and Motorola, is accepted by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). This entails using the internal audit results of the organization that is to be certified. The relevant conditions are that the internal auditors must be qualified by the certifying body, and the organization must have a quality system that runs extremely well and has been in place for three years.