The added value of the NBN standards portal for Deceuninck

Efficiency, simplicity and certainty: the added value of the NBN standards portal for Deceuninck

Deceuninck operates worldwide as a designer, producer and recycler of window, door and building profiles in PVC, aluminum or wood composite. Innovation, sustainability and quality are central to everything the Organisation does. Standards are an essential foundation in this regard. "They underpin our technical approvals, certifications and product development," says Anne Marie Dalle, Standardization & Sustainability Expert at Deceuninck. "Without access to the right standards, we cannot possibly meet the requirements of our markets."

"Without standards no certifications, without certifications no market access"

For Deceuninck, standards are not an administrative obligation, but a strategic necessity. Standards are fundamental to the organisation's success. The Organisation has a wide range of technical approvals such as ATG, KOMO, RAL, BSI, CSTB and AENOR. "All these certifications are based on national and international standards. They give confidence to our customers and are crucial for gaining access to certain markets. Standards determine how our products are tested, assessed and certified."

Management standards such as ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 17025 (laboratory testing) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety) are also crucial. "They help us streamline processes, manage risks and ensure consistent product quality. As do product standards related to CE marking such as NBN EN 14351-1 and NBN EN 13245-2. Standards really touch every aspect of our operation."

Always the right standard, at the right time

To avoid risks, Anne Marie ensures that all standards within Deceuninck are up-to-date and correctly available. ". An outdated standard can lead to non-conforming products, missed certifications or even missed projects. That is why we follow standards development closely, both in Belgium, Europe and worldwide."

Efficiency, cost savings and clarity through standards

With activities in Europe, the UK and Turkey, among others, harmonization is of great importance to Deceuninck. The better standards are aligned internationally, the easier it is for us to design, test and certify uniform products worldwide. This prevents duplication of work and leads to cost savings."

A concrete example is test methods and test equipment: "If each country were to prescribe different test methods, we would have to perform multiple tests, possibly purchase different devices and provide additional time. Thanks to uniform standards, we avoid this complexity. Clear descriptions of requirements and test methods are invaluable."

Moreover, standards are essential for sustainability and product compliance. "In order to prepare correct Environmental Product Declarations, REACH declarations, safety data sheets and quality labels, up-to-date standards and guidelines are indispensable. Without that basis, correct reporting is impossible."

"One platform, one collection, available everywhere"

Since the introduction of the NBN standards portal, standards management at Deceuninck is much smoother and more efficient. "Previously, each standard was ordered, managed and followed up manually. That took a lot of time and was error-prone. Now updates to a standard are automatically added to the system, in all available language versions, and users are automatically notified when updates are made."

The portal is also available to all users in all European countries where Deceuninck operates, as well as in other regions beyond. "Everyone involved in product development, quality, production, R&D or sales, among others, has access, in their preferred language: Dutch, French, English or German."

That choice of language is important, Anne Marie stresses: "In an international Organisation , it is important that colleagues can consult technical documents in their native language. That prevents interpretation errors. Via the NBN standards portal, we easily consult every standard in the correct language, without additional purchases."

An added bonus: previous versions of standards also remain available in the portal. "That's important when we review new standards drafts or provide feedback. Without that comparison, you can't give informed comments on standards."

"No duplicate purchases, no administrative hassles, well copyright compliance."

Centralized management through the NBN standards portal prevents not only fragmentation but also unnecessary costs.

"Previously, departments in different countries sometimes purchased the same standard separately. That is now a thing of the past. Everyone now uses the same standards collection.

Adding new users on the NBN portal is also easy. "A few mouse clicks suffice. Moreover, there is no limit on the number of users - which is ideal for a large organisation like ours."

The legal aspect is also not insignificant. "Standards are protected by copyright. The NBN platform is the only way for an Organisation to be fully compliant with copyright rules. This is important to us, also from our sustainability principles. We want to handle intellectual property correctly."

"No duplicate purchases, no administrative hassles, well copyright compliance."

‍"The platform grows with our needs."

Deceuninck was one of the first companies to help shape the NBN standards portal. "The platform was launched based on our needs, and that commitment has remained," he says. "If we have feedback or suggestions, they are always discussed with the NBN team. They listen and think with us."

The recent switch to the updated portal went very smoothly. "The new platform is faster, more user-friendly and requires much less administration. That really makes a difference in our daily operations."

"NBN is a partner who listens and thinks with you."

Anne Marie describes the cooperation with NBN as positive and constructive. "They listen to our feedback, think with us and provide quick follow-up. That is valuable, especially in a field that is often complex and technical."

Anne Marie concludes with a clear recommendation:

"For any Organisation that uses standards - and there are many - the NBN standards portal is a real added value. It is user-friendly, cost-saving, compliant and future-proof. And the support from the NBN team is top-notch."

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