ISO 9001 Certification Success at KMAX Inspection
Client: KMAX Inspection
Industry: Oil & Gas Pipeline Inspection Tools
Engagement: ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Design, Implementation, and Audit Support
About KMAX Inspection
KMAX Inspection is a rapidly growing small business that designs and manufactures self-contained pipeline inspection tools used across the oil and gas industry. These tools are engineered to travel through pressurized pipelines, gathering real-time data on pipeline conditions such as corrosion, deformation, and other structural risks. With clients in multiple countries and a reputation for innovation, KMAX is expanding its global footprint from its local roots.
Project Background
With fewer than 20 employees and no prior ISO experience in-house, KMAX recognized that ISO 9001 certification was essential for unlocking new client opportunities—particularly with large operators and international partners. It was also a critical step toward obtaining other certifications such as ATEX and IECEx, which would support global expansion.
However, building a Quality Management System (QMS) from scratch presented significant challenges for a technical team new to structured compliance frameworks.
Alex’s Role
Alex Lackey was engaged to lead the development and implementation of a fully customized ISO 9001-compliant quality management system. His local presence made the partnership cost-effective, and his practical approach made the complex process accessible to the KMAX team.
Alex’s contributions included:
Designing and structuring a QMS aligned with KMAX’s real operational workflows
Creating compliant documentation, forms, and database tools
Assigning responsibilities and building ownership within the team
Providing hands-on guidance, process design, and problem-solving for implementation hurdles
Preparing the team for audits and ensuring continued alignment with ISO requirements
Client Perspective
Background:
KMAX Inspection is a fast-growing small local business that is less than 10 years old, has less than 20 employees with clientele in several countries. KMAX designs and builds pipeline inspection tools primarily used in the oil and gas industry. These self-contained tools travel with the flow of the product in the pipeline gathering information about the condition of the pipe including corrosion, dents and other harmful conditions.Challenge:
ISO 9001 certification was viewed as a necessity in order to open doors with new clients in addition to allowing KMAX to obtain additional certifications such as ATEX & IECEX which could open doors internationally.
The challenge KMAX faced was that while they had more than 50 years of combined experience in the field of pipeline inspection, none of their employees had ever been involved with ISO or implementing and running a Quality program. We needed someone that understood the process of building and implementing a Quality system from the ground up. We needed ISO expertise, and we needed them to be local (to keep costs down).Solution:
KMAX found Alex, and together we built a Quality System from the ground up, including the required documentation and procedures, assignments and responsibilities. It was often a complicated process and had a steep learning curve for all involved at KMAX. Several times Alex used his ability to help KMAX build a database, a form, or a process for a particular requirement.Outcomes:
KMAX recently successfully completed its third annual ISO audit, which was made possible in-part by all the effort and input received from Alex.Recommendation:
KMAX has greatly benefited from its association with Alex, with his expertise and profound working knowledge of ISO 9001, and recommend him to any that might need ISO expertise.
Results
Successfully implemented a functional, certifiable ISO 9001:2015 system
Achieved three consecutive successful surveillance audits
Increased internal quality ownership and confidence across departments
Established systems now supporting global certification goals like ATEX and IECEx
Need to implement ISO 9001 from the ground up?
Let’s talk about how Alex can help your team build a real-world quality system that meets certification goals and scales with your business.