Update ISO9001:2008

Trevor Smith of Canada, international chair of TC 176 says ISO requires a periodic review of every standard for continuedrelevance. “Driven by ISO to start the revision process we wanted to do a full and thorough analysis of changes that may be needed so that we
can argue on the basis of real data instead of just people’s feelings,” he says. “People can get emotional about changes to the standard just for the sake of it, as opposed to doing a proper impact analysis as to why changes should be done,” says Smith. “I think what came out of this meeting was a mechanism that the group will be using to take the requests for update
and then sort of determine what is the impact of those changes for the benefit of users.”
The design specification had not been released publicly as of press time; however, a copy obtained by QSU reveals that standards writers intend to keep the quality management system standard generic and applicable to all sizes and types of organizations in any sector. “The current scope and purpose of the standard, the title and the field of application shall be unchanged from ISO 9001:2000,” the document states.

According to the document, standards writers intend to retain the model and process approach from the current edition. “The changes shall be restricted so that the impact of the amendment
on the users is limited,” the document emphasizes, noting that compatibility with the recently revised ISO 14001 standard must be maintained.

The document also states that the “concept of ISO 9001 and ISO 9004” shall continue to be perceived as a “consistent pair.” Some experts, however, privately say that the tie between the two standards is still under review.

With respect to compatibility with ISO 14001, the document states that there are two main areas to be addressed: terminology and common requirements.
“Noting that ISO 14001:2004 has been published and is highly compatible with ISO 9001:2000, the proposed amendment to ISO 9001:2000 should aim to maintain or enhance this compatibility,” according to the document.

Nevertheless, the document states that the following areas do not necessarily represent potential compatibility issues:

• Different text in common elements or terminology.
• Different numbering of the clauses.
• Different models and structure.
• Inclusion of guidance, notes or annexes.

In addition to maintaining compatibility with the environmental standard, the document also states that the current level of compatibility with sector specific and other management system standards (MSS) should be maintained.

“A number of other of MSS are based on ISO 9001:2000 and have made use of its structure and text. The writers of the amendment need to be aware of the impact of changes upon the compatibility of these standards with ISO 9001,” according to the document. “The current level of compatibility with the other ISO or non-ISO MSS, not based on ISO 9001:2000, should not be reduced.”

While maintaining a “significantly unchanged” overall structure of the standard, the document advises that some changes may be made provided “the intent of the standard is not changed, the impact on users is limited and it contributes to clearer understanding for users.”