Top 5 Companies Providing Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) Services

Digital transformation has brought a paradigm shift in Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC), with well-established and emerging players gearing to tap into the global market. Prevailing trends, such as technological advancements, regulatory factors, and an increased emphasis on product safety and quality, will trigger investments in TIC services. Notable demand for regulation of materials, expanding trade flows, and increased outsourcing of research and development activities could underpin TIC service providers in the long run. Fortune Business Insights™ estimates the market for Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) to touch USD 328.23 billion by 2029.

Leading companies focusing on digitization could be the winners in the long term. Some of the prominent companies propelling their TIC portfolios are delineated below:

1. SGS SA

SGS SA is a Switzerland-based multinational company founded in 1878. The Swiss company deals in inspection, verification, testing, certification, and quality assurance. The company also offers services in food & beverages, mining & chemistry, and others. The company offers testing services for ultrasonic testing, pipeline welding inspection, and radiographic testing, among others. To illustrate, in June 2021, SGS SA announced the acquisition of Metair Lab, a provider of air sampling and asbestos testing services in France. SGS believes it will boost its position as one of the market leaders in health and hygiene testing in France.

2. Bureau Veritas

Founded in 1828, Bureau Veritas specializes in testing, inspection, and certification and is headquartered in Paris, France. The French company has a strong presence in 140 countries and serves around 400,000 customers. The company provides laboratory and on-site testing, analysis, inspection, and certification services. Bureau Verpitas also provides a host of testing services in oil & petrochemicals, metals, and minerals. The company has also expanded its presence in transportation, shipbuilding, construction, automotive, government services, chemicals, and consumer products & retail. For instance, in November 2020, Bureau Veritas teamed up with the Airports Council International (ACI) to introduce the Airport Health Measures Audit Programme.

3. Dekra Certification B.V.

Dekra Certification B.V. is one of the leading expert organizations founded in 1925 in Berlin. The Germany-based company specializes in testing, inspection, and certification. The company operates in eight business segments such as claims & expertise, vehicle inspection, industrial inspection, and product testing, among others. The company is reported to have inspected around 27 million vehicles globally in 2020. In September 2020, Dekra Certification B.V. and Movon Corporation announced the expansion of their vehicle testing and certification services in Asia.

4. Intertek Group PLC

Intertek Group PLC is a U.K.-based company founded in 1888. Headquartered in London, England, the company operates more than 1,000 laboratories and offices in over 100 countries. The British company offers assurance, testing, inspection, and certification services. The company offers surveys to plant operators, traders, retailers, manufacturers, and governments, among others. To illustrate, in July 2021, Intertek Group PLC joined hands with Meydan Hotels & Hospitality to provide protek safety and health certification.

5. TUV SUD AG

Headquartered in Germany, TUV SUD AG is a safety, quality, and sustainability solutions provider founded in 1866. The company offers testing, certification, auditing, and consulting services across consumer and retail, chemical and process, infrastructure, rail, and manufacturing industries, among others. For instance, in February 2021, TUV SUD AG collaborated with ViewSonic Corporation to form the testing of color blindness feature in monitors and set updated testing methods for the electronics industry.

What Lies Ahead—TIC Companies in a Digitized World

TIC players could cash in on the exponential rise in digitization of goods and services. It has unlocked new market opportunities and brought challenges to the fore. For instance, burgeoning connectivity has posed an increased risk of tampering, digital intrusion, and functional failure. Cybersecurity has become a pivotal portfolio among Testing, Inspection, and Certification companies. Soaring number of cyberattacks will further the need for advanced TIC services. Technological innovations will continue to redefine the inspection process with the rising popularity of drones, automated systems, and integrated sensors.

Advanced technologies, such as cloud and cybersecurity, smart sensors, connected devices, Big Data and analytics, and augmented reality, will serve as a precursor for robust growth of the TIC sector. In essence, smart sensors could be sought for monitoring and inspection while Big Data will streamline data management. Digitization will leverage Testing, Inspection, and Certification companies to extend their business models, counting on strategies that have brought a paradigm shift in industries, including e-commerce.