Multitone quality lead sets out ISO standards strategy for critical communications

Multitone quality assurance expertise in critical communications

Multitone has published an interview with Sarah Cannon, Group Quality Assurance lead at Multitone Electronics, outlining how ISO compliance, governance and risk management are applied across its critical communications operations.

The discussion focuses on oversight of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22301 and ISO 27001 and how these frameworks are embedded across international teams to support reliability, information security and business continuity.

Cannon linked standards compliance directly to trust in high-risk settings where systems must operate without failure.

Cannon said: “Compliance with ISO standards such as quality management and information security isn’t just about certification – it’s about trust.

“Our customers rely on Multitone for solutions that must work first time, every time, often in high-risk environments.

“By embedding these standards into our daily operations, we reduce risk, improve reliability, and ensure consistency across everything we deliver.

“For customers, this means confidence that their data is protected, their systems are robust, and their supply partner takes governance and accountability seriously.

“That trust is the significant competitive advantage in critical communications that Multitone has always offered and always will.”

The interview frames ISO alignment as an operational discipline integrated into routine decision-making rather than treated solely as an audit requirement.

Multitone approach to consistent quality across international teams

The interview addresses the challenge of maintaining consistent quality assurance practices across the UK, Malaysia and Germany without imposing rigid uniformity.

Cannon described the focus as clear communication, practical guidance and engagement with local teams so processes are understood and used rather than simply recorded.

Cannon said: “It is making sure we’re consistent without being rigid.

“Different locations naturally have different ways of working, so it’s important not to take a one-size-fits-all approach.

“I’ve focused on clear communication, practical guidance, and working closely with local teams so they understand the “why” behind the processes.

“Through regular check-ins, internal audits and open discussions, I ensure teams understand, support, and always use our quality systems, rather than simply documenting them.”

She also outlined how legislative compliance is positioned as a shared responsibility linked to safety, customer satisfaction and protecting the business.

Multitone links compliance discipline with structured decision-making

The interview draws parallels between compliance work and Cannon’s role as a magistrate in the family court, identifying shared skills such as evidence assessment, impartiality and consistent application of standards.

Cannon said: “Surprisingly, yes. There’s a lot of overlap.

“I think compliance and the magistracy share a similar ‘DNA.’

“Both roles draw their strength from fairness and integrity, requiring me to apply rules and frameworks consistently while remaining mindful of context and impact.

“In each case, there is a responsibility to make balanced, well-reasoned decisions that stand up to scrutiny.

“Many of the skills I rely on in compliance translate directly into the magistracy.

“These include strong attention to detail, the ability to assess evidence objectively, and confidence in interpreting and applying standards or legislation.

“Equally important are good judgement, clear communication, and the willingness to ask the right questions to fully understand a situation before reaching a conclusion.

“Perhaps most importantly, both roles require empathy alongside professionalism.

“Whether working in compliance or sitting as a magistrate, you are often dealing with complex situations that affect people in very real ways.

“Being able to remain impartial while understanding the human impact of decisions is a shared and essential skill in both.

“Ultimately, both roles are about responsibility, judgement, and doing the right thing, even when decisions aren’t easy.”

The interview positions Multitone’s compliance strategy within the context of delivering critical communications systems used by fire and rescue services and other emergency response organisations.

Blackline Safety expands quality assurance program in Canada

Blackline Safety expands in-house quality testing capacity

According to Blackline Safety, its Canadian manufacturing facility has expanded in-house quality assurance operations to increase product testing, add new equipment and grow the specialist team.

The firm said the expansion includes adding more staff, upgrading inspection equipment and increasing testing across its entire product range.

It stated that the upgrades build on a previous CDN $2 million investment in Surface Mount Technology and inspection tools to improve oversight during production.

The manufacturer added that devices are tested for resistance to water immersion, dust penetration and extreme temperatures, alongside reliability checks on physical components such as buttons and connectors.

It confirmed that all testing is carried out at the company’s Canadian site.

Testing process conducted in simulated environments

Blackline Safety said its quality assurance testing is completed in simulated conditions that replicate real-world operational environments.

The company noted that this proximity to the production floor allows immediate response to any identified issues.

It explained that such responsiveness is harder to achieve when manufacturing is outsourced.

Blair Svoboda, Director, Quality Assurance at Blackline Safety, said: “All of our quality assurance testing is done in true-to-life simulated environments just steps from the manufacturing floor to enable us to react in real time as needed – a process that just can’t be achieved when manufacturing is done elsewhere.”

Staffing growth in quality assurance operations

Blackline Safety reported that its quality assurance team now includes 35 specialists worldwide.

It stated that this represents an increase of more than 250% compared to previous staffing levels.

The company said the team carries out a 68-point quality test on every safety device before it ships.

It explained that these checks include testing radios, sensors and alarms, and verifying connectivity across both cellular and satellite networks.

Focus on product reliability before deployment

Svoboda said: “When most people think of safety technology, they think about the moment it matters – a gas leak detected, an SOS alert triggered, or a worker protected – but our team is focused on everything that leads up to that moment because protection starts on the bench, in the lab, and on the line.”

He added: “Every test and check in our QA process comes down to one simple question: will this device keep someone safe when it counts?”

Svoboda said: “At Blackline, quality assurance isn’t about ticking boxes – it’s about protecting professionals like the lone worker in a remote oilfield, the firefighter charging into danger, or the technician maintaining a power grid in a storm.”

Product features and safety functions

According to Blackline Safety, its connected safety wearables and area gas monitors are currently used by more than 2,200 organisations.

It stated that these devices protect over 165,000 workers worldwide.

The manufacturer explained that the equipment provides live monitoring, automatic incident alerts and location-based insights.

It said the technology is designed to help teams respond more quickly, prevent incidents and make operational decisions using real-time safety data.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This development is relevant to fire and safety professionals because it highlights advancements in product quality testing for safety-critical equipment.

The expansion in staffing and testing capacity may improve the reliability of devices used in hazardous environments.

For professionals relying on connected safety systems, enhanced quality assurance can reduce the likelihood of device failure during an emergency.

It also demonstrates an example of in-house testing processes designed to maintain control over product quality.

Blackline Safety expands quality assurance program in Canada: Summary

Blackline Safety has expanded its quality assurance program at its Canadian manufacturing facility.

The company has increased its quality assurance team and upgraded its inspection equipment.

Testing capacity for all products has been expanded.

The expansion builds on a CDN $2 million investment in production technology.

Devices are tested for durability under environmental and operational stress.

Testing is conducted in simulated real-world environments.

The quality assurance team has grown by more than 250%.

Each device undergoes a 68-point inspection before shipment.

Products are used by more than 2,200 organisations worldwide.

Over 165,000 workers are protected by the devices.

The technology provides live monitoring and automatic incident alerts.

It also offers location-based insights for operational decision-making.