Fastening + Joining

work since the pandemic. It’s a web-based platform o ering built-in security and redundancy, with no servers to manage. Users can access documents via a mobile device or desktop computer and quickly connect with their supply chain. It can also be integrated into existing ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems.

“The workforce is a changing landscape,” says Kie er. “More people are working from home and others are nearing retirement. It’s important to o er the tools and technology that will attract someone out of college who is simply not going to be excited about paper. It’s just not their world.”

Perhaps somewhat ironically, SmartCert developed the way many start-ups do, with a pen and napkin. The initial idea was that of Kie er’s husband and business partner, Lyndon Lattie. He’s worked in the fastener industry for 20 years, on both the manufacturing and distributing sides of the business.

“What’s interesting is he worked at Century Fasteners, a distributor, before leaving to start SmartCert, which they fully supported and are now one of our customers,” says Kie er. “But over the years, he experienced first-hand the frustration of waiting on documents that delayed parts and created bottlenecks. He dealt with this as a salesperson and saw how it repeatedly a ected supply chains — you’re always at the mercy of how manufacturers or vendors are sending in certs and the same goes with customers.”

When Lattie shared his idea with Kie er and his long-time friend and colleague, Paul Decker, both agreed it was brilliant. Decker, who has years of experience running industrial technology companies, joined SmarCert as a third founder.

“At first, I worked the sidelines, but once the beta went live, I joined fulltime to help onboard our customers and ensure their success in using the platform,” says Kie er. “And I love that we have smaller mom-and-pop shops, testing labs, as well as massive fastener corporations with multiple companies under their umbrella.”

SmarCert’s goal is to become the industry standard for the aerospace and fastener industries and to work with other critical supply chains. The company is already making headway in the automotive, electronics, and food sectors.

“Fasteners have become a quick favorite of mine though,” she says. “It’s such a unique and tight-knit community, yet so welcoming. We were recently at the Mid-West Fastener Show and despite a room full of competitors for many of these companies, everyone came together to support each other. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I’m proud of what we do and to be a part of it.”

Kie er adds: “We’re taking companies from paper to digital and helping automate processes. That’s a huge leap forward and an exciting one for the future of fasteners.” FE