In conversation with Henry Verdonschot
If you have been following our social media and news posts, you will have read that we are ISO 27001 and 9001 certified. This is a wonderful formal confirmation of the fact that we meet all requirements relating to quality and information security aspects. Someone who played an important role in this certification is product manager Henry Verdonschot. We spoke to him about the road to certification, his role at Shift2, and how he ensures success for municipalities.
Not many people can say they have been working for their employer for 30 years. Henry Verdonschot can. That's because he has been able to fulfill various roles over the years and no two days are the same. His very first position at Shift2 (then Procura) was as a developer, and over the years he has fulfilled various roles to get to where he is now: product manager of Procura Elections. He now manages several developers and works closely with product owner/consultant Maarten van der Veer, whom we spoke to last time.
Henry, what exactly do you do for Shift2?
I am the product manager for the Procura Elections application. That means I keep an eye on the big picture and consider the question: where do we want to go in the future? In daily practice, this means that I consult a lot with the team, check whether everything is going well, whether we can do what we want, what is needed, and what still needs to be arranged.
I also have a lot of contact with customers. I discuss their wishes and requirements with regard to the application, and ensure that we respond to changes in a timely manner so that we can always deliver the best product.
Because our company is not very large, we all take on tasks in addition to our daily work, such as ISO certification in my case. These are important certificates that demonstrate that the quality within the organization is up to standard, but also that our work processes are secure.
You recently became ISO certified. What does that entail?
We have obtained two certifications: ISO 27001 and 9001. This means we have an integrated management system that meets the requirements of both standards. Shift2 uses this management system to manage the quality and information security aspects of its business operations, thereby complying with all relevant legal, business, and contractual security obligations.
The ISO 27001 standard is the international standard that specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, executing, monitoring, evaluating, and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS). This focuses on the continuous management, control, and improvement of information security risks.
ISO 9001 is the international standard that sets requirements for quality management systems. Important topics include quality policy, process management, customer focus, and continuous improvement. Working in accordance with ISO 9001 guarantees the quality of the products and services provided and can lead to increased customer satisfaction.
We already had both processes in place, but now we have the certificate to officially substantiate our story.
Why are these ISO certifications so important?
ISO certifications are increasingly becoming a customer requirement. Some customers will not do business with you if you do not have them. So once you have the certificates, you have a quality mark that shows you meet the requirements. That makes you a reliable partner for the customer.
But that's not all: the certificates are just as important for your company. They guarantee that all your processes are in order. They form a structure that allows you to specify: if you do this, make sure you record everything and have everything in order. If someone does not comply, you can also hold them accountable.
At first, it may feel like a chore for the team. But over time, people see the added value of having and maintaining the certificates. Now there are documents that set out the rules and processes, and everyone knows where to find them. This benefits all parties.
After obtaining certification, you will be checked every so often with an audit. That way, you can be sure that everything is still going well and that you are complying with the requirements and rules.
The great thing is that we already had everything in place, it just hadn't been formalized yet. Now we've actually obtained the certification, which makes it easier for us to achieve success for our customers.
How do you ensure success for your customers?
“That mainly concerns the application. It must never stand still and must continue to develop. Only in this way can we ensure that customer requirements are incorporated into the application, that we grow along with those requirements, and that we respond to the requirements of legislation. We work on this all year round. In the run-up to the elections, the focus is on customer support. And afterwards, we ensure that the application is completely up to date and that new developments are added. Then we can move on to the next election period."
What do you like most about your job?
The best thing about my job at Shift2 is that every day is different. Our roles are broad; you don't really have one job or one hat. One day I might be taking care of the catering, the next I might be working directly with customers. I really enjoy that contact, including with our suppliers.
We may be a small company, but we have a great product and satisfied customers. I am proud that we can serve so many municipalities with this small team and get everything done properly.
What are your expectations for the future?
Over the years, we have seen competition increase. For our product, this means that we must continue to develop so that it works well and customers remain satisfied. That satisfaction is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain, which is why we regularly ask our customers for feedback on our application and services, have a roadmap for the developments we are going to make, keep an eye on the competition, and ensure that we remain at the forefront. Technology never stands still. There is always something new. You can't imagine what it was like five years ago and what it will be like in five years' time. But that's what makes my job so interesting."
Curious to find out if Procura Elections is right for you?
Could you use some support from Henry and his team for your upcoming elections? Or are you curious about what else Shift2 has to offer municipalities? We would be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.
