Polishing the Quality Management System Gold Standard

ISO 9001:2015 has just been launched.  It will replace the 2008 version placing a new shine on the quality management system gold standard.

ISO 9001 is a standard that sets out the requirements for a quality management system. It helps businesses and organizations to be more efficient and improve customer satisfaction.  It is is considered the gold standard of quality management system evaluation.   Originally published by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 1987, its foundation is the 1979 version of the British Standards Institution’s (BSI) BS 5750 series of standards. However, the rational for its existence can be traced back some twenty years before that, to the publication of the United States Department of Defense MIL-Q-9858 standards of 1959.

ISO standards are reviewed every five years and revised if needed. This helps ensure they remain useful tools for the marketplace. The challenges faced by business and organizations are continually changing.  The scheduled revisions of the standard take these changes into account.  As such, all ISO standards are living documents that are adapted to new environments as they occur.

What are the major differences?

The overall structure of ISO 9001:2015 is the most noticeable change to the standard. Its structure (known as the High-Level Structure) now follows the same format as other ISO management system standards.  This makes it easier for organizations that use multiple management systems.

Another major difference is the focus on risk management. While managing risks has always been part of the standard, the ISO 9001:2015 gives it increased prominence. PBSI consultants can assist your organization adapts to this risk-based thinking model.

What benefits does the new version bring to the Standard?

ISO 9001:2015 brings the following benefits to the Standard.

• ISO 9001:2015 places a greater emphasis on leadership engagement
• Helps address organizational risks and opportunities in a structured manner
• Uses simplified language and a common structure and terms, which are particularly helpful to organizations using multiple management systems, such as those for the environment, health & safety, or business continuity
• Addresses supply chain management more effectively
• Is more user-friendly for service and knowledge-based organizations

What should I do if I am currently using ISO 9001:2008?

ISO 9001:2015 has officially replaced the ISO 9001:2008. Since the revisions have been made to meet the needs of today’s business environment, we recommend that you update your quality management system to address the changes.

The steps required to adjust your quality management system will to be unique to your situation because every organization is different. However, since the Standard is written to address quality management systems in general, there are generic this an organization and to transition from 2008 to 2015 Standard.  The following tips that will help you get started on the journey.

1. Familiarize yourself with the new Standard, noting the differences. While some things have changed, many remain the same.  This CORRELATON MATRIX CLICK HERE, will help you identify if parts of the standard have been moved to other sections.
2. Identify any organizational gaps which need to be addressed to meet the new requirements.
3. Develop an implementation Planning is a key to streamlining the transition process.
4. Update your existing quality management system to meet the revised requirements using your existing document control procedures.
5. Provide appropriate training and awareness for all parties that have an impact on the effectiveness of the organization
6. If you are certified to the standard, talk to your certification body about transitioning to the new v

What should I do I am certified to ISO 9001:2008?

There is a three-year transition period from the publication date of the Standard (September 2015) to move to the 2015 version. At the end of September 2018, a certificate to ISO 9001:2008 will no longer be valid.  If you wish to maintain your certification to ISO 9001, your quality management system will have to be audited for conformance to the ISO 9001:2015 requirements.  Check with your certification body for their specific transition requirements