Quality management systems. Requirements

What is this standard about?

With more than a million organizations certified to it globally, ISO 9001 is the most widely recognized standard in the world. It sets out what’s needed to implement a quality management system – the purpose of which is to improve overall performance and provide a sound basis for sustainable development initiatives.

Who is this standard for?

It’s suitable for all types of organization, irrespective of size, location or sector.

Why should you use this standard? 

ISO 9001:2015:

• Enables you to better align and integrate multiple management standards
• Takes a risk-based approach, becoming a tool for preventive action
• Moves away from prescriptive paperwork
• Helps organizations of every kind to improve customer satisfaction and build a sustainable future

What’s changed since the last update?

This fifth edition of the standard cancels and replaces the 2008 version, which has been technically revised through the adoption of a revised clause sequence and adoption of revised quality management principles and new concepts.

The 2015 version reflects many changes in the way we do business now – using new technology, with greater access to information, higher customer expectations, globalization and the increasing importance of service industries.

The standard has lost none of the rigour of earlier versions, but cuts bureaucracy by being less prescriptive and focusing more on the context of each organization. It guides organizations to build a management system suited to specific organizational needs without imposing irrelevant paperwork or requirements which add no value.