in the flow! Kiwa:

Ask anyone what a ‘TIC company’ is and you’ll probably be met with a look of puzzlement. Yet the world of Testing, Inspection and Certification is vast, vital, and deeply embedded in our daily lives. In this domain, Kiwa is a major – if relatively small – player with international ambitions.

With 13,000 professionals, €1.8 billion in revenue and over 200 locations across 40 countries, Kiwa is a sizeable organisation. But in the global TIC market, estimated at €250 billion, its market share remains modest. That’s why Kiwa is fully committed to growth – both organically and through a ‘buy & build’ strategy. In 2021, the renowned Belgian testing company Vinçotte joined Kiwa, followed in 2024 by five peers from the UK and the US.

Growth and acquisitions have propelled Kiwa forward but also led to a fragmented IT landscape and a variety of working methods. CEO Luc Leroy explains: “Teams operate slightly differently everywhere, and processes aren’t always standardised. That makes integration complex, while technology should help us work safely, quickly, and reliably.”

The answer is FLOW!, Kiwa’s strategic initiative for a single integrated platform and harmonised operating model, built on Microsoft Dynamics technology. For managing certification processes, they are integrating industry solution ECERT from provider Intact. Luc: “With FLOW! we bring together processes, technology, and people. It gives us scalability and agility. Soon, we’ll be the first TIC company with a single global IT platform. In our sector, that’s truly different.”

While FLOW! lays a solid foundation, Kiwa is also investing in Data & AI. “In our field, everything revolves around trust,” says Luc. “Whether you’re crossing a bridge, buying groceries, or taking medication – you need to be confident it’s completely safe. That’s why our testers, inspectors and auditors work strictly independently, without any external influence. That’s why AI doesn’t fit into our core processes. But around them, it offers huge potential.”

In the food sector, for example, reporting time has dropped by 80%. “This allows auditors to conduct more audits while maintaining full control.”

Kiwa is increasingly data-driven when inspecting bridges, locks, and oil tanks. “This used to be dangerous work,” Luc explains. “Now drones collect the data, and our engineers analyse it from the office. It’s not only more efficient, but also more accurate. A drone doesn’t miss a single hairline crack.” Retail also benefits from data analysis. “A supermarket chain no longer receives separate reports per store but sees at a glance how all locations perform against various standards.”

Kiwa recently launched the internal programme Digital & Cyber, which has already generated over sixty innovation initiatives. “Anyone with a good idea can come forward,” says Luc. “We assess scalability, feasibility and whether the idea fits our organisation. If it does, we invest.” Luc shares an example: “During inspections of industrial assets, we place a QR code linking to maintenance documentation. Thanks to a Digital & Cyber initiative, every asset now gets a QR code that provides access to the full information dossier. This simplifies management and enables data analysis. For example, on the effectiveness of maintenance methods.”

This example reflects Kiwa’s new direction. “Our managers run their units as if they were their own business. They show entrepreneurial spirit and embody our core values: Ambitious, Reliable and Engaged.”

Luc believes the first two values speak for themselves, but the third deserves emphasis. “It’s a cliché, but you need good people who are committed and willing to go the extra mile.” This also creates opportunities for employees. “Our growth opens doors for those who take the initiative – they’re given space to innovate, make an impact and grow internationally.” The individual behind the QR innovation is now Global Business Sector Leader.

What has Luc learned from Kiwa’s growth and transformation journey? “We’ve sharpened our focus by concentrating on specific sectors, and that’s paid off.” Focus also helps Kiwa remain agile while continuing to grow. “Growing organisations tend to develop rigid structures, which slow things down. That’s why I push back against bureaucracy. Growth requires flow.”