Consumer Protection

Minerva officially joined the NMi Group this summer, solidifying a relationship that has lasted over twenty years. Daniëlle Dikkeboom from NMi Certin shares her insights and experiences working closely with Minerva throughout this partnership.

Daniëlle, it’s great to talk to you about the longstanding cooperation with Minerva. Could you share a bit about your role as a technical manager?

“I’ve been working at NMi Certin, a member of the NMi Group, for over six years and took on the role of technical manager on July 1st. In addition to this role, I’ve also been the SHEQ coordinator for several years—SHEQ stands for Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality. In that capacity, I manage all our measurement equipment, including its maintenance, which has allowed me to become very familiar with Minerva. On September 1st, my successor will take over the SHEQ responsibilities”.

Please tell us a bit about what NMi Certin does.

“At NMi Certin, our core mission is consumer protection. We ensure that measurement devices, such as supermarket scales and fuel dispensers, provide accurate, tamper-proof readings to prevent overcharging consumers. Only devices that meet these strict standards are approved for sale. NMi Certin supports over 11,000 companies globally across industries such as liquid and gas, retail, automotive, medical devices, and marine equipment.

Beyond traditional measurement devices, we contribute to the development of protocols that facilitate the energy transition. For instance, NMi co-authored a measurement standard for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) and provides expertise in the integration of direct current (DC) power systems. DC power improves energy efficiency, reduces conversion losses, and enhances grid stability, making it essential for renewable energy and EV infrastructure. By collaborating with governments and industry partners, we offer impartial technical guidance to support the adoption of these technologies.

As trusted technical advisors, we ensure that consumer protection and the development of reliable measurement standards remain at the forefront of evolving industry needs. We also created a video that demonstrates how NMi Certin’s diverse and impactful work influences everyday life”.

Calibration Services and Collaboration with Minerva

For which equipment does NMi Certin rely on Minerva’s calibration services?

“We rely on Minerva to calibrate high-precision instruments, particularly those that measure pressure with very low uncertainties. For our electrical equipment, we have also worked with Minerva, who collaborates with a specialized partner to handle the calibration. Additionally, Minerva calibrates our reference standards for temperature measurements. We occasionally seek their advice on technical issues related to equipment repairs and calibration, and they have been consistently supportive in addressing technical queries about instrument functionality”.

Exceeding Expectations

How would you describe the collaboration with Minerva?

“NMi Certin has been working with Minerva for over 20 years, and I’m very satisfied with their work quality and turnaround times. If a job takes longer, Minerva is transparent about it from the start, which ensures we always know what to expect.

Their service is excellent. Communication is clear and straightforward, and they’re proactive in offering alternatives when needed. A strong sense of mutual trust and understanding makes the working relationship very open, transparent, and pleasant”.

What moments have stayed with you during your time working with Minerva?

“One instance that stands out is when we consulted with Minerva over the phone about a pressure coupling issue. To our surprise, Siebe Borger, Minerva’s general manager, personally visited us to check whether the coupling had the correct threading. That level of service went beyond our expectations.

On another occasion, we had an issue with a pressure clutch that we sent to Minerva. A partner had misplaced some parts, leading to a delay of almost three weeks. My colleagues were understandably frustrated, but Minerva worked hard to find an alternative. While it was difficult to find a substitute, they kept us informed, and, in the end, when the missing parts arrived, Minerva prioritized the calibration and personally delivered the pressure balance. That personal touch really stood out”.

Consistent Communication and Reliability

Minerva promises “carefree traceability.” Does this promise seem fulfilled in your experience?

“Absolutely. Their logistical process is seamless. Once I receive an offer and submit a PO, I don’t have to worry about anything. They even prepare the shipping documentation for me. I receive constant updates about where our instruments are and the status of each job. Plus, I can easily access the corresponding certificates through Minerva’s portal and even get reminders when a device needs calibration.

When we receive requests for references to reliable calibration services in the BeNeLux region, we often recommend Minerva. Their service is consistently excellent, with clear communication and a smooth process well-suited to the needs of clients in this region”.