Management + Systems

As the fastener industry continues to evolve, digital transformation is playing a crucial role in improving efficiency, accuracy and compliance. More companies are recognising the need for streamlined certification processes to enhance operational efficiency and maintain compliance. SmartCert is leading the charge in developing and implementing solutions that address these industry challenges. 

Lonni Kieffer, COO and co-founder of SmartCert, explains: “In 2025 several emerging trends are shaping the future of certification management. Our customers are increasingly focused on three key priorities – reducing part rejections caused by error ridden certs, streamlining cert management, as well as gaining greater visibility of their supply chain with vendor scorecards.” 

Documentation deficiencies and errors are the leading cause of product rejections in manufacturing, often halting production and costing valuable time and resources to fix. Missing, incomplete, or inaccurate certs can create bottlenecks, leading to delays and compliance risks across the supply chain. SmartCert addresses this issue with a centralised, secure platform that ensures all documentation is accurate and complete before products are shipped. Acting as a document gateway, SmartCert enables companies to validate certifications before shipments and payments are processed, reducing errors and streamlining approvals. 

As the pressure to deliver fast, accurate certifications increases, businesses also need a streamlined solution that provides ‘real time’ access, organisation and control. SmartCert’s centralised platform transforms certification management giving teams instant access to the certs they need, exactly when and where they need them. By simplifying workflows and enhancing communication, SmartCert helps businesses improve efficiency and stay ahead. In addition, performance transparency is becoming a key competitive differentiator. More companies are adopting vendor scorecards to track certification accuracy, response times and overall reliability. These insights enable businesses to hold suppliers accountable, improve partnerships and make data driven sourcing decisions. SmartCert’s system enables organisations to monitor vendor performance in ‘real time’, ensuring that suppliers meet the highest standards and drive continuous improvement across the supply chain.

“Certification processes have long been a pain point for suppliers and manufacturers, but with the right digital tools, companies can eliminate errors, increase efficiency and improve supplier collaboration,” concludes Lonni. “SmartCert is committed to helping businesses navigate these industry shifts with innovative solutions that drive operational excellence.”