The Challenge
With the mandated sunset of their Q-Base system, a local QMS based on ISO 9001:1994, in 2019, Pace Engineering was forced to transition to ISO 9001:2015. For them, it wasn't just a technical update – it was a cultural shift that threatened to disrupt a decade of hard-won operational rhythms.
Disrupting Deep-Rooted Habits: The challenge wasn't building from scratch, but translating a familiar, trusted system into a new framework without losing the simplicity that made it effective on the workshop floor.
Fixing Inefficiencies: Process inefficiencies in production and administration, once tolerated under Q-Base, now demanded solutions that respected their engineering ethos.
Ensuring Continuity: This complex transition had to happen without disrupting ongoing critical projects, all while navigating the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We knew we could do it by ourselves with the right tools. Nobody knows our business like we do.
Steve Day
Managing Director
Pace Engineering
The Solution
As a company that prides itself on internal expertise, hiring consultants was never the plan. Pace Engineering needed a solution that respected their culture of self-reliance and their hands-on approach. After extensive research, they selected the 9001Simplified ISO 9001 Certification Toolkit:
Pragmatic Approach: The comprehensive DIY framework bridged the gap between Q-Base's practicality and ISO 9001's rigor without bureaucratic bloat.
Efficient Customization: Ready-to-configure documents for machining tolerances and equipment logs mirrored their real workflows, allowing them to focus on implementation, not translation.
The Certification Toolkit was user friendly and easy to interface with our previous program. There was very good information in the kit, including the user guide.
Warren Osborne
Senior Project Manager
Pace Engineering
The Implementation Phase
Launching in January 2020, the lean implementation team, consisting of Senior Project Manager Warren Osborne and a colleague, faced a skeptical workshop. Their team was deeply fluent in Q-Base's pragmatic Kiwi approach, and the shift to ISO 9001 felt like learning a new language. Their first win was using the toolkit's embedded training – it translated the complex standard into their language, turning initial skepticism into understanding across the entire team.
The real test came in application. Warren and his partner became translators, using the toolkit's ready-to-configure QMS documents to carefully convert a decade of Q-Base habits into ISO-compliant processes. They battled the "this is how we've always done it" mentality by proving each new procedure's worth on the workshop floor.
When COVID-19 hit, the toolkit's digital format and clear instructions allowed them to maintain momentum through lockdowns. Pre-loaded checklists and instructions supported their self-guided approach, and they needed their assigned consultant only briefly.
The team, once skeptical, began actively shaping the system to fit its workflows and suggesting improvements. The project had transformed from a compliance task into a shared effort.
We were surprised at how easy it was to implement the 9001Simplified system and gain the certification we were after. It took us less than 9 months to achieve certification and was manageable with two of us engaged in the implementation.
Warren Osborne
Senior Project Manager
Pace Engineering
The Certification Audit
By October 2020, Pace Engineering was ready for its two-day certification review by Telarc. The auditor identified two minor nonconformities and seven opportunities for improvement, which the team used as a roadmap for further development.
The completed QMS was comprehensive yet tailored, reflecting the team's focus on operational reality rather than unnecessary paperwork.
Keys to Success
We asked Warren for tips or lessons learned for other companies when reflecting on his experience transforming Pace from Q-Base to ISO 9001.
Be Courageous but Patient
Warren's advice to other companies is concise: "Be courageous but also be patient." Pace maintained momentum through a major system transition and COVID-19 disruptions without expecting every benefit to appear immediately.
Use Certification to Improve the Business
The team treated implementation as an opportunity to improve its existing system rather than merely replace Q-Base documentation. The toolkit's training and step-by-step guidance helped employees understand the changes and contribute to practical improvements.
The Results
For Pace Engineering, ISO 9001 was not about fixing what was broken – it was about improving what already worked and demonstrating its commitment to quality, even when clients did not explicitly require certification.
The new system delivered practical value. Warren reported improved quality in both operational and administrative work, less rework, and referrals from satisfied clients. At the time, any effect on sales was not yet quantifiable.
The company planned to continue using the QMS as a framework for continual improvement. The documented workflows and stronger focus on quality also supported better risk management and greater resilience.
Ready to Replicate This Success?
Pace Engineering proved that a hands-on team can seamlessly transition from a legacy system to ISO 9001, achieving greater efficiency and resilience.
Pace Engineering Ltd.
85-95 Katere Road, Fitzroy, New Plymouth, 4341 New Zealand
https://www.paceengineering.co.nz
