How does Manutan’s quality process ensure the reliability of our equipment?

Since 2016, Manutan EXPERT, Manutan’s brand, has been equipping companies and local authorities with everyday professional products. As these are materials, resources and equipment intended for daily use by employees in their activities, quality is essential. A reliable and efficient product directly contributes to the end users’ health, safety and well-being.

The quality policy plays a central role in our brand. We apply strict quality procedures for each product, thus guaranteeing a high level of quality within our Manutan EXPERT range. Such a high level of quality requirements allows us to offer a policy that is unique on the market: An up-to-10-year guarantee on all products and 3 years on PPE and electrical products.

How does Manutan EXPERT’s quality process work?

As a private label, Manutan EXPERT has the same responsibility as a manufacturer. To ensure that our products meet high-quality objectives. Our dedicated department is involved throughout their life cycle:

• Upstream, by analysing the items before they are listed;
• Downstream, by relying on customer service data (breakage rate, overall customer satisfaction, etc.).

To engage in a real quality approach and promote continuous improvement, the upstream phase is essential. The organisation of this process begins with an in-depth analysis of suppliers, a key element in our strategy.

After identifying and mapping the supplier and the product we are considering listing, we proceed step by step:

• Identifying the target product, i.e. a product that serves as a benchmark for us in terms of quality;
• Collecting the product sample and relevant documentation (regulatory documentation, instruction manual, certifications and labels, etc.);
• Analysing this product through internal and external testing, as well as related documentation.

After defining these elements, a complete report is written on the product being evaluated. It then goes before a commission made up of the procurement department, the product managers, the brand manager, and the quality department. Together, they decide whether or not the product is eligible to be listed in our Manutan EXPERT catalogue.

To recap, Manutan EXPERT’s quality control process is divided into several tasks, ranging from test management to product management (from entry to exit from our premises) to ensure the efficiency of the quality chain steering process.

What does in-house product testing look like as part of Manutan EXPERT’s quality process?

As mentioned above, the manager designs specific tests for each listed product, thus committing to conduct a thorough and relevant evaluation. The product sample is carefully examined and compared to a target product, previously selected as a quality benchmark.

These in-house tests are a cornerstone of our continuous improvement process, guaranteeing the performance and reliability of each product. This quality process is also essential to make sure that each product meets several fundamental criteria.

As part of this evaluation phase, the product’s cleanliness is checked to ensure that it reaches customers in perfect condition. Next, the assembly is tested to ensure that it is simple, intuitive, and matches user expectations. Robustness is also an important quality since it indicates the product’s longevity and robustness over time. Finally, safety is thoroughly tested to ensure that the product poses no harm to the consumer.

During Manutan EXPERT’s product testing, we put ourselves in the end user’s shoes. The goal of the quality control team is to recreate every scenario in which the product may be used, testing it under different conditions to ensure that it fulfills customer demands and adds true value. As part of this complete approach, the product’s composition is rigorously checked, with each component examined for quality and compliance.

Manutan EXPERT is committed to offering products that are not only reliable and high quality but also sustainable and socially responsible. This commitment is highlighted by the certifications that our products, including tools, have received. Every Manutan EXPERT product is certified by the FEVAD and has received dual HQE (High Environmental Quality) certification, as well as ISO 9001 and Ecovadis certifications. These certifications reflect our commitment to adhering to high standards of quality, sustainability as well as social and environmental responsibility.

In what cases do we use external laboratories to strengthen our quality process?

As part of Manutan EXPERT’s product quality assessment, it is sometimes necessary to carry out additional tests to check their compliance and reliability. The relevance of these additional tests, whether it be mechanical or electrical tests, is determined according to the specific nature of the product.

The Supplier Quality Assurance Manager plays a key role in this process: They carefully pick a specialised laboratory for each type of test. This laboratory then suggests suitable test protocols and implements the selected protocol for an in-depth evaluation of the product.

This rigorous and meticulous evaluation process is representative of Manutan EXPERT’s uncompromising quality approach. By combining rigorous supplier selection and comprehensive analysis of each listed product, we guarantee the quality and durability of our products. It is thanks to this exhaustive and meticulous approach that we can offer an up-to-10-year guarantee on our products, thus demonstrating our confidence in their quality and reliability.

Find all Manutan EXPERT products by clicking here!