While previous changes to ISO 9001 varied in significance, the latest ISO 9001:2015 changes to the ISO 9001:2008 standard introduced some new important changes.
The updated International Standard does not include the requirement to “document” the Quality Management System. The term ‘documented information’ replaces the old terms ‘documents and records’. While the ISO 9001:2008 had six mandatory procedures, the new revised ISO 9001 2015 Procedures does not prescribe any mandatory procedure. As noted in clause 7.5 Documented Information, it is to be determined by the organization what documents are necessary for the effectiveness of the quality management system.
4.3 Scope. (same as old 4.2.2)
4.4 QMS processes, as needed, to support the operation of processes. (same as old 4.1)
5.2.2 Quality policy (same as old 5.3)
6.2.1 Quality objectives (similar to old 5.4.1)
Mandatory Documented Information
7.1.5.1 Evidence of fitness for purpose of monitoring measurement resources. (similar to old 7.6)
7.1.5.2 Basis used for calibration or verification, where measurement
traceability is a requirement and standards don’t exist. (similar to old 7.6)
7.2 Evidence of competence (similar to old 6.2.2)
8.1 confidence that the processes have been carried out as planned and
to demonstrate conformity of products and services to requirements. (similar to 7.1d)
8.2.3.2 Results of the review of requirements related to products and services. (similar to old 7.2.2)
8.3.2 Confirm that design and development requirements have been met. (similar to old 7.3.1)
8.3.4 Design and development controls (similar to old 7.3.5-6)
8.3.5 Design and development process outputs. (similar to old 7.3.3)
8.3.6 Design and development changes. (same as old 7.3.7)
8.4.1 Results of external provider evaluations, performance, and re-evaluations. (same as old 7.4.1)
8.5.1 Characteristics of the products and services, Activities to be performed
and the results to be achieved (similar as old 7.5.1)
8.5.2 Unique identification of process outputs,
where traceability is a requirement. (same as old 7.5.3)
8.5.3 Customer property damage notice. (same as old 7.5.4)
8.5.6 Results of the review of production changes, the personnel
authorizing the change, and any necessary actions. (new)
8.6 person(s) authorizing release of products and services for delivery. (same as old 8.2.4)
8.7.2 Actions taken on nonconforming process outputs, products and
services, including concessions obtained and the person or authority
that made the decision dealing with the nonconformity. (same as old 8.3)
9.1.1 Evidence of results that ensure monitoring and measurement activities
are implemented in accordance with the determined requirements. (new)
9.2.1 Evidence of the audit program and audit results. (similar old 8.2.2)
9.3.3 Evidence of the results of management reviews. (same as old 5.6.1)
10.2.2 Nonconformities, subsequent actions taken, and
results of corrective action. (same as old 8.5.2)
7.3.2 Design and development inputs changed to requirements.
7.3.4 Results of design and development reviews and any necessary actions.
7.3.5 Results of design and development verification and any necessary actions.
7.3.6 Results of design and development validation and any necessary actions.
7.5.2 (d) As required by the company to demonstrate the validation of processes.
7.5.4 Customer property that is lost, damaged or otherwise found to be unsuitable for use.
7.6 Validity of results investigation.
8.5.3 Results of preventive actions.
The Quality Manual is no longer required nor is the Exclusions Clause. The old “exclusions” clause 1.2 in ISO 9001:2008 was originally introduced following the decision to withdraw the ISO 9002 and ISO 9003 standards in 2000. Both are replaced by a Mandatory Scope Document: Scope of the QMS (4.3) and justifications of the requirements that cannot be applied. This scope document could be in a quality manual, but the term “quality manual” is no longer needed.
Objectives need to be actionable and accountable. ISO 9001:2015 Quality objectives must now include reference to who is going to do what, by when. A greater emphasis is now placed on processes achieving requirements for goods/services and customer satisfaction.
A greater focus now exists on the management system. The management review must now take into consideration the strategic direction of the organization. Specifically, reporting on the alignment with the strategic direction.
In ISO 9001:2015 there is no requirement for a management representative anymore. The eight Management principles have been reduced to seven. The principle of “A systems approach to management’ has been dropped.”
Risk-based thinking has been introduced throughout the standard and supersedes a single clause on preventive action. The updated standard requires risk based thinking and a risk driven approach to preventive action throughout the development and implementation of the quality management system. This is because one of the key purposes of a formal management system is to act as a preventive tool and to design in quality.
A quality system is about preventing nonconformances by design and not just focus on finding, sorting or inspecting in quality before the customer receives their shipment. Evidence of risk-based thinking should be clear and demonstrate an effecting PDCA process approach in use.
Many tools exist to help an organization identify and work with reducing risk. Below is a list of some of the most common tools.
While ISO 9001:2015 is the only standard with requirements to which organizations can become certified, there is a family of related ISO documents and guidelines.
ISO 9000 Family
ISO 9000 Related Standards and Guidelines
[1] QMS = Quality Management Systems
[2] In the ISO 9000 family, organizations can only be audited and certified to ISO 9001.
The anticipated update to ISO 9001:2008 was introduced in September 2015. ISO 9001:2015 introduces fundamental changes to management, the mechanics of managing a Quality Management System, and what’s included in the system itself. You now have until September 2018 to get ready for the new standard. We have updated our ISO 9001 2015 Procedures to incorporate the latest changes. New procedures have been added to reflect what is now required. If you are ready, download it now.