In the April 2009 issue of Quality Progress, John E. “Jack” West described that minor revisions in the new fourth edition of the International Organization for Standardization’s quality management standard (ISO 9001:2008) can lead to major benefits.
Other than clarifications of certain terms, there are no new requirements. The clarifications also make ISO 9001:2008 more compatible with the environmental management standard (ISO 14001).
“ISO 9001:2008 clarifies legal requirements, outsourcing, competence, design and development, internal audit, monitoring and measurement of processes, and control of nonconforming product.
The new version can be used as a way to improve your organization’s quality management system and profitability.
There is a 24-month implementation plan.”
Given that minimal changes are required, West suggests using the revision as an excuse to review the existing quality management systems (QMS) of organizations and to upgrade as needed.
Connect with Dr. John A. Estrella via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.