MS Certification Services Pvt. Ltd. is the gold standard in certification, inspection, and survey of drones. With an illustrious track record, the company boasts an array of endorsements and accolades from prestigious global authorities, cementing its reputation for expertise and dependability.
As a powerhouse in ISO Certification, MS Certification Services performs meticulous inspections across various products and processes. Their expertise spans food items, jute, minerals, process equipment, and beyond. They excel in third-party audits for FSSAI, FOS TAC Training, and hygiene rating audits, among other critical services.
Elevating value through bespoke solutions, MS Certification Services delivers vendor assessments, production online inspections, final random inspections, and loading supervision, all tailored to meet specific customer requirements. Their certification roster includes ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, ISO 22301, ISO 29990, IS-TS 22165, ISO 31000, ISO 22000:2005, ISO 22000:2018, Codex GMP, Codex HACCP, ISO 22716, ISO 14001:2015, OHSAS 18001:2007, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 27001:2013, and ISO 50001:2018.
Whether conducting third-party inspections across India or globally, MS Certification Services guarantees thorough quality assurance for proprietary equipment, export consignments, packaged units, and more. Their team of elite engineers, each a recognized authority in various management systems, brings unparalleled proficiency to every audit.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Sanmitra Dutta, Director at MS Certification Services Pvt. Ltd., sheds light on the drone certification process. He highlights the significant changes in certification and auditing protocols, elaborates on the compliance requirements for drone safety standards, and offers valuable insights into his team’s expertise. Here are the key highlights from the interview.
Q: Can you elaborate on how MS Certification Services ensures the manufacturing integrity of drones through its certification and calibration processes?
A: Manufacturers of drones are currently aligning with the stringent requirements mandated by DGCA, thereby revealing a notable market gap between production capabilities and necessary certifications. As an auditing body, our approach involves a meticulous audit process encompassing detailed application reviews, stage 1 evaluations, and comprehensive stage 2 audits. Our primary objective is to systematically assess their operations against industry standards, identifying any deficiencies and ensuring robust compliance with regulatory mandates.
By engaging manufacturers in this rigorous audit framework, we aim to bridge the existing gaps in their systems, thereby enhancing overall adherence to safety and quality standards prescribed by DGCA. This proactive approach not only supports manufacturers in meeting regulatory expectations but also strengthens the integrity and reliability of their products in the aviation sector.
Q: In the certification and auditing process for drones, what are the most common areas where deviations occur?
A: Manufacturers frequently encounter challenges stemming from their limited industry experience. Many of these professionals come from startup backgrounds or have recently graduated from prestigious institutions like the IITs, which leaves them with a theoretical understanding but limited practical exposure to industrial operations and manufacturing processes. This lack of hands-on experience creates a substantial gap in their knowledge of industry-specific documentation and standards. As a result, while they may excel in developing advanced technologies like drones, they often struggle with critical aspects such as FEA and other technical requirements.
Despite these challenges, there is a strong motivation among manufacturers of drones to bridge these gaps. They recognize that obtaining industry certifications can significantly enhance their market position and credibility. By addressing these knowledge and technical deficiencies, and pursuing relevant certifications, manufacturers can leverage their innovations more effectively and achieve a notable boost in their operational success and industry reputation.
Q: Safety is a significant concern in the manufacturing of drones. How does your certification process help ensure compliance with safety standards?
A: DGCA has meticulously outlined safety standards for drones, addressing crucial concerns such as fire hazards and potential drone toppling. These risks are thoroughly covered in the drone rules. Furthermore, the Certification of Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) notification plays a vital role in enhancing safety. It provides a detailed framework for all testing requirements essential for ensuring drone safety. This certification scheme not only sets the standards for safety but also underpins the entire certification process. By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that drones operate within a robust safety framework, minimizing risks and enhancing overall reliability.
Q: Do you have the necessary equipment in-house for issuing certifications, or do you also utilize any third-party tools for this process?
A: We are an authorized testing entity for their needs. However, it is essential that testing be carried out at a NABL-accredited laboratory. With numerous NABL-accredited labs available nationwide, they have the flexibility to choose any of these facilities. They should review the specific requirements outlined by the scheme at their selected lab and ensure the tests are completed accordingly. This approach guarantees that all testing adheres to the necessary standards and regulatory guidelines.
Q: Can you provide details on the qualifications and experience of your team in certifying drones?
A: Our team of skilled auditors, with backgrounds in the Air Force, thoroughly examines scheme-related documents and oversees the certification process. They meticulously identify any gaps, promptly notifying the manufacturer. The manufacturer then addresses these gaps and submits the revised documents to us, ensuring compliance with scheme requirements.
