Transition to ISO 9001:2015 Before Time Runs Out

ISO 9001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). The final date to transition from ISO 9001: 2008 to ISO 9001: 2015 is quickly approaching.

When does this transition need to happen by?

There is a transitional period of three years after the publication of each new version of ISO 9001. The most recent standard ISO 9001:2015 was published September 2015.  Organizations must therefore implement the new ISO 9001:2015 standard before September 14, 2018 in order to be considered ISO 9001 compliant.

The ISO 9001:2015 standard is constructed around seven quality management principles:

1. Customer focus
2. Leadership
3. Engagement of people
4. Process approach
5. Improvement
6. Evidence-based decision making
7. Relationship management

What are the main differences between ISO:9001: 2008 and 2015?

• ISO determined that all Management System standards shall use a common framework containing: Unified High Level Structure (HLS) and Common Text and Terminology. ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and the upcoming ISO 45001 are all using the common framework.
  
• “Risk based thinking” as basis for the management system is embedded throughout standard.
  
• Deepened emphasis on “Leadership” and management commitment.
  
• Process approach is still an important concept – with extended explicit requirements.
• More detailed attention to the control of externally provided processes, products and services (requirements do not distinguish between purchasing and outsourced process, all is dependent on risks and required control).
• More focus on determination of extent of post-delivery activities (also based on product risks etc.).
• Extended requirements related to planning of needed changes to the management system.
• Extended requirements for review and control of changes essential for production or service provision to ensure conformity with specified requirements.
  
• Included new clause “Organizational knowledge” covering a more “strategic” consideration of knowledge needs.
  

Making the transition.

• Read and understand the new ISO 901:2015 content and requirements.
• Identify the current gaps that need to be addressed to meet these new requirements.
• Design an implementation plan.
• Execute implementation plan and update your management system to meet requirements.

For assistance in making this transition, contact BDeWees Consulting today.