It’s been two months since the newly published ISO 9001:2015 finally materialised, bringing the quality management system standard up to speed with the modern domain of business.

After three dedicated years of expert revision work generated from nearly ninety five observing countries, we are well and truly into the age of the ISO: 9001’s evolution, and are able to witness the changes taking place which reflect the increasingly complex environments organisations are operating in.

Nigel Croft, Chair of the ISO subcommittee that revised the standard has described that process as “evolutionary rather than [a] revolutionary” continuing:

“ISO 9001 allows organizations to adapt to a changing world. It enhances an organization’s ability to satisfy its customers and provides a coherent foundation for growth and sustained success.”

If you’re still unsure, however; of exactly what changes have been implemented and how this effects your organisation, here is a short FAQ outlining exactly how the ISO9001 has been developed to adapt to a changing world and the benefits as a result:

Key Feature Changes

1. 10-clause structure and core text for all Management System Standards (MSS)
2. More compatible with services and non-manufacturing users
3. Clearer understanding of the organization’s context is required “one size doesn’t fit all”
4. Process approach strengthened/more explicit
5. Concept of preventive action now addressed throughout the standard by risk identification and mitigation
6. The term documented information replaces the terms document and record
7. Control of externally provided products and services replaces purchasing/outsourcing
8. Increased emphasis on seeking opportunities for improvement

Beneficial Changes to ISO9001

1. Enhanced leadership involvement in the management system
2. Risk-based thinking
3. Simplified language, common structure and terms
4. Aligning QMS policy and objectives with the strategy of the organization

Potential Benefits for the User

1. Focus on achieving planned results
2. Flexibility for documented information
3. Improved risk control
4. Better process control leading to improved results
5. Improved customer satisfaction
6. Customer retention and loyalty
7. Improved image and reputation
8. Greater credibility

 Key Benefits to the Common Clause Structure

• All ISO management systems standards will look the same with the same structure (some deviations)
• More efficient to address multiple management system requirements
• Provides the option of integrating management systems
• Standardized core definitions

To Summarise

• Determining the organizational context enables a more effective implementation of the quality management system
• Greater emphasis on processes being managed to achieve planned results
• Alignment with strategic direction
• Integration of the QMS into organization’s business processes
• Determining risks and opportunities increase the effectiveness of the organization’s QMS
• Change management has been expanded to add emphasis that the QMS should be carried out in a planned manner
• The concept of organizational knowledge introduced to ensure the organization acquires and maintains the necessary knowledge
• Communication expanded to include external

Are you ready for the next step in achieving ISO9001 accreditation? Mark 1 is here to guide you. For more information on our Titan System, give us a call on +44 (0) 800 458 9630 or send an email to info@mark1systems.com.