January 2022

TUV USA, Inc. is proud to announce TÜV NORD Cert’s designation to EU (MDR) 2017/745

Today, TÜV NORD Cert has joined the list of notified bodies designated under the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR). We are now accepting applications and are ready to start the review of medical devices for the MDR under our German-based notified body (0044).

The MDR was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on May 5, 2017 with a three-year transition time. Due to the pandemic, the official date of implementation was delayed for one year to May 26, 2021. The MDR replaced directive 93/42/EEC Medical Device Directive (MDD) as well as 90/385/EEC Active Implantable Medical Device Directive (AIMD). Medical devices subject to the MDD and AIMD requirements are now subject to the new requirements under MDR. Read more  >

December 2021

TUV USA is pleased to share 2022 Training Schedule

We offer a wide collection of virtual classroom and E-learning on-demand training courses. ­­­­Our featured courses are listed below. Click on the course title to learn more and how to register. 
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If you are interested in any courses not currently listed on our training website, please send us an e-mail at academy-us@tuv-nord.com.  Our training representative will reach out to you within 48 hours.   

November 2021

9 Benefits to E-Learning 

Contributed by: Fanny Ho 
 

TUV USA, Inc. is currently offering a series of e-learning courses, which means that you can take our world-recognized courses at your own time following your own pace.  

Benefits of taking our TUV USA, Inc. E-learning courses:

• E-learning is self-paced: You have a lot of flexibility in controlling your pace to complete the course.
• E-learning is student-centered: Our e-learning courses are created in a way that focuses on our students’ comfortable learning environment and makes our platform user-friendly for our students to complete the course easily.   
• E-learning is cost-effective: Our e-learning courses are priced very competitively.  You will gain a lot more from our courses than what you pay for. 
• Individual learning styles: You can adjust your own learning styles while taking our e-learning courses.  
• Customizable learning environment: Our e-learning courses are professionally designed for a virtual classroom learning environment.
• E-learning fully utilizes analytics: Our e-learning platform will allow you to monitor your learning progress and provide you with a lot of data about your learning on the dashboard. 
• E-learning is environmental-friendly:  All our course materials are presented electronically.  No paper is needed in your learning which suits our current environmental-friendly world. 
• No need for textbooks: No need to pay for textbooks anymore.
• E-learning is time-efficient: You can take our courses on your own time while managing your daily routine activities. 

Read more about our E-learning 
 

October 2021

October is National Cyber Security
Awareness Month

In October 2004, as more and more people used the internet on a daily basis for work, school, shopping and to stay connected to others throughout the world, we became aware that Cyber Security was becoming a genuine concern; An increase in users and usage meant an increased risk for security breaches in internet safety.

By this time, the internet had been a public space for a decade or so. Hackers went to work getting in where they didn’t belong; and cybersecurity has been an issue ever since.

Did you know?

• 95% of cybersecurity breaches are due to human error
• Even your printer can become victim to a cyberattack without proper precautions
• Cybercrime damage costs are predicted to hit $6 trillion annually by the end of 2021

National Cyber Security Awareness Month was established out of this need to raise awareness for internet security and safety that is a critical concern to every internet user today.

Billions of people use the internet to accomplish tasks in cyberspace each day. This can be risky for those who do not know what to watch out for; or how to protect themselves. Thousands have their networks compromised and their security stolen, because they just do not know how to secure their web-equipped devices properly. Desktop computers, laptops, tablets and phones, all have important information stored that can be particularly sensitive, perhaps dangerous, if accessed by the wrong individual.

Technology advances so quickly that it can difficult for people to keep up with it. National Cyber Security Awareness Month reminds us all how important it is.

Here's what you can do:

• Run Anti-Virus Programs; Since computer viruses have a tendency to evolve, it’s important to install updates when prompted to.
• Change Your Passwords; We know we should, but we don't do it often enough. The inconvenience of remembering a new password is better than the inconvenience of being hacked.
• Get Educated About CyberSecurity; the more people learn, the more equipped they are to protect themselves against nefarious creatures who are out on the web.

Do you know how to recognize a security threat? Those who are serious about their online security may consider investing in trainings that are specifically designed to educate users more about this topic.

Business owners and managers, team leaders and members, and pretty much anyone who ever uses a computer can benefit from learning how to identify phishing schemes, suspicious links, and email attacks.

TUV USA Inc. offers a wide collection of cyber security and data protection training courses. In addition, we offer on-demand E-learning Courses, which will give you the flexibility to take our courses at your own pace and follow your personal schedule. 

September 2021

TUV USA opts to meet virtually, moves toward a permanent remote model

Plans were in place to hold the first in-person, all-employees Company meeting in nearly two years this month with several guests from TUV Nord Mexico invited to attend. Alas, with so many variables still to consider for those traveling, the decision was made to postpone and meet virtually. Once again, they managed to make the most of the opportunity. 
 

Due to the ongoing concern for employees’ health and safety in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of staff at TUV USA continues to work remotely. Now, steps are being taken to continue to do so permanently. 

TUV USA was swift to action implementing a fully remote model in March 2020. The decision to extend the work at home protocol was made several times throughout the last eighteen months.

While management continued to monitor the situation around the world, they also considered their employees' performance and well-being, as well. Many stated they could perform not only the tasks of their job, but they could provide better service to our clients with the convenience of working from home; allowing for the flexibility to be available to meet our clients’ needs at their convenience, which may be outside of regular business hours in the Eastern Time zone.

Considering TUV USA employed several remote employees living in other states throughout the country, the discussions began about making the remote model permanent. Local employees gathered in person in July at their office located at 215 Main Street in Salem, NH to discuss the many pros and cons of moving to a permanent remote.

“TUV USA has been working remote since the start of COVID" said Offcier Manager, Lisa McKiel. "Our employees are productive and our customers remain happy.  It is our goal to exclusively work from home while maintaining top-quality service to our customers, keeping our employees safe and our business cost effective.“

August 2021

5 Reasons Why Investing in Employee
Training is Essential

Contributed by: Katie Lehoullier

Companies increasingly require employees with proven knowledge specifically tailored to their functions within the organization. Investing in your employee shows how you value them as a worker and certifies a person's competence to perform certain practices. 

Here are 5 reasons why investing in your employees training is essential to growth and successful in your business:

1. Practice

Every company needs to operate according to the latest editions to stay competitive and relevant in the industry. The more certifications your employees possess, the better it reflects on your company. It signals the forward thinking and progressive approach of both the employee and business.

2. Networking

Attending training courses or seminars along with other professionals in the field allows your employees the opportunity to network with individuals in related fields and hear other points of view. This can also lead to partnership between the companies.

3. Contribution

Businesses want individuals who can apply their knowledge by preventing mistakes and minimize risk factors. Trained employees with current certifications can operate systems and programs more efficiently.

4.Skills

In order for an individual to be efficient at their position, skills such as, collaboration and communication are imperative. Training and qualification are the keys to finding the right opportunities for full utilization of individual skills.

5. Knowledge

If an individual is pursuing a specific division, attending a training course can demonstrate commitment and comply with standard requirements. In many divisions such as Quality Systems or Food Safety, professional knowledge is vital to ensure that the job is done successfully. Gaining accreditation from a trustworthy and relevant resource will boost your business and satisfy industry requirements.

These 5 key points to investing in training for your employees are just a few of many reasons. Experience is necessary for most positions, however, continuing education is needed for keeping an individual’s skills and knowledge current to standards and practices of your business. 

TUV USA, Inc. Academy Division offers a variety of trainings to suit your needs. Including Quality System, Food Safety and Medical training courses. We strive to keep your company compliant by offering trainings of the newest standards and practices. Visit us and learn more on what we offer and our Academy Division.

Invest for the best.

July 2021

Digital Signatures: Expectation vs. Reality

Contributed by: Stephanie Stephen  

With the digitization of documentation these days, it can be challenging to understand exactly what is needed when a “signature” is requested. Sometimes it is simply typing a person’s name in a box, when other times it is required to provide an actual hand-written signature. Whether this is on a contract or something as simple as an attendance sheet, the purpose of a ‘signature’ is to provide evidence of acknowledgment for a specific document to maintain its authenticity.

In order to maintain document authenticity, there are some helpful points to consider. In cases where a wet signature (ink on paper) is necessary, like on a contract or attendance sheet, free smartphone applications like Tiny Scanner make it easy to snap a photo of the document directly into PDF. If the signature is required within a database that requires a private login and password, it is sometimes acceptable to use a typed “signatures” on non-contractual documents such as internal audit reports sent through email or uploaded to internal databases.

If one does not have access to a stylus to hand-write signatures electronically, there are also online signature services such as My Live Signature and DocuSign, which have tools and resources to help create a personalized signature. Having a unique signature can eliminate the confusion about whether or not a typed font will be acceptable and prevent the “back and forth” of getting documents signed and completed in a timely manner. With these tools, one can create a unique signature for all digital documents that can easily be inserted into word, excel, PDF and other formats.

Finally, there are times when documents are deemed incomplete due to the appropriate signature not be obtained. This means that the signature that was given may have been done electronically when in fact a handwritten signature was required. For the sake of being environmentally friendly and avoiding printing, there are options such as Adobe Acrobat’s “fill and sign” option, in which case a signature can be added via photo, unique typed signature font, or stamped electronic signature requiring a pin to access for more security and protection from copying.

The topic of signatures is evolving so continuously with the rapid developments in technology and security. For this reason, we find it necessary to discuss and provide resources for safe and effective ways to get documents signed so that this one aspect does not slow business processes. Whatever the case may be, we are willing to help ensure our documents are safe and meet the requirements of each situation to provide a smooth cooperation effort.

June 2021

Cybersecurity Vulnerability Found in Large Food Processing Plant Network

Contributed by: JR Long

A top meat processing company, JBS was subject to a cybersecurity attack at multiple locations in North America and Australia, with exception of their backup servers. The company took immediate action in suspending all affected systems and notifying the company's global network of Cybersecurity experts to resolve the attack. JBS has not confirmed evidence of customer, or other data that was exploited as a result of the attack.

A small delay in processing can vastly impact the food supply chain. And only a small number of companies process the majority of meat in North America. In response, the U.S. is considering all options in dealing with the attack that many experts suggest originated in Russia, who’s been accused of harboring cybercriminals.

Unlike other food-oriented certification bodies that may not offer Cybersecurity services, TUV USA can be a one-stop-shop providing food safety certifications such as SQF, as well ISMS.

The objective of the ISO 27001:2005  standard itself is to "provide a model for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining, and improving an Information Security Management System". Regarding its adoption, this should be a strategic decision. Further, "The design and implementation of an organization's ISMS is influenced by their needs and objectives, security requirements, the process employed and the size and structure of the organization". The standard covers all types of organizations (e.g. commercial enterprises, government agencies, and non-profit organizations) and all sizes from micro-businesses to huge multinationals. This is clearly a very wide brief.

May 2021

8 Mistakes Your QMS Makes

A Quality Management System – any management system, is only as good as the sum of its parts. Lots of things go right, and we all try our best. Yet, out in the world I see the same mistakes over and over again. I want to share those things with you now. Here they are, in a particular order.

1st of 8 Mistakes: Focusing on Manufacturing

A business is a complicated thing. No kidding, it really is. But it is too easy to think that the sections of it that appear to actually produce tangible objects are the most important.

Quite simply – it’s all important. The more you want to get the most out of everything you’ve got, the more important everything you’ve got becomes. If you own a racehorse (and who doesn’t?) it’s easy to think the galloping equine beast is the main… workhorse. But what about the shoes, and the guy who puts them on? (it’s a farrier, but that sounds highfalutin, so I didn’t say it).

And there’s the jockey- and the jockey’s Jockeys, the nutritionist, stable boy – and a whole slew of influential entities. If any of those are non-optimal, do you think the whole system can be optimal?

Many companies I go to have continual improvement projects related to assembly areas but neglect sales departments, or purchasing groups or human resource departments. There are always better ways of doing things, mostly because “better” is an evolving concept. Options need to be considered and tried out in all areas – not just manufacturing.

I’ll take a second to cover the frequent exception. Design functions, along with production, are often targeted for streamlining. Or rather, they become streamlined over time. It may be a stereotype, but engineers tend to find optimum paths somewhat organically. Or they are at least interesting paths.

This may be influenced by two factors. One is that 9001 and the related standards that share design and development pieces with it, provide a good skeleton that hasn’t really changed in lots of years. It just might be a common-sense starting point or the successful modifications to it have traveled from company to company along with the migrations of engineers.

The other factor is, I believe, the cerebral nature of the activity itself. When you get a bunch of brains focused on development, the tendency for self-development; the development of the organism that’s developing – is a genetic inclination. It’s a bit like cleaning your office instead of working – but in a good way. Read more  >

March 2021

Coronovirus: One year later

It is hard to believe March 11, 2021 marked one year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, and a State of Emergency was declared here in the U.S.

We fully understand and reflect upon the challenges everyone has faced.  We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your tremendous support during the most challenging year of our history.  As a proud 153-year-old company, we have experienced many obstacles before – but never a year like the one we have all just experienced.

From the beginning, our focus at TUV USA has been on putting all of our clients and their safety - as well as the safety of our employees - first. That commitment has never wavered; and never will.

Your support, calls, notes of appreciation for the care and service you received from our employees, inspectors and auditors have made a difference. Messages such as “Please hang in there - We miss you!” and notes from customers not cancelling audits, and working with our staff on transitioning to “remote audits” and finding options to keep their certifications was inspiring.

As we continue along the road to recovery, we will persist in our goals to be more resilient and more appreciative of those around us, and the meaningful work we all do for each other. These efforts to find solutions through collaboration, continue to motivate us, and give our teams the courage, drive and strength to push through to get all of us to the other side.

Even though there are challenges, uncertainties and obstacles ahead, I remain immensely hopeful and expect 2021 to be the year of opportunity to reconnect with the people and places we interact with as vaccinations continue, and our world safely reopens.

On behalf of TUV USA and our 15,000 employees worldwide, we thank you. To those of you who have worked with our staff during these last twelve months, thank you for trusting us. To those of you who are planning to expand your business, thank you for considering us. And to those of you who are unsure what your company will do moving forward, we welcome the opportunity to connect with you.

Your support and loyalty means more to all of us than you will ever know – thank you again for sticking with us. We look forward to being able to demonstrate how together we can make the world a safer place again very soon.