In September 2015 the long awaited revision to ISO 9001 – the Quality Management System Standard, was published. Organisations have a 3-year period to update their management systems to the new ISO 9001 standard, and complete the necessary certification audits to receive an ISO 9001:2015 certificate.
However, despite having this 3-year period, here are Five Reasons to make the transition in 2016.
1. Re-affirm the Benefits of your Quality Management System.
Preparing your QMS for the ISO 9001:2015 transition will give you an opportunity to review the business case for the certification.
Why Are We Doing This?
The latest revision of the standard asks for a more detailed consideration of the “Context” of your Organisation, which can be a good way to identify the benefits of having the certification.
2. Re-engage the entire organisation in ISO 9001.
One of the key changes in the new standard is the emphasis on ‘Leadership’ and the involvement of top management in the day-to-day running of the Quality Management System (and taking part in external certification audits).
However, this aside, preparing for the transition will give you the opportunity to re-engage at all levels of the organisation, by understanding how the quality and business processes have evolved – and promoting awareness of the quality management system requirements.
3. Protect the Organisation by Looking at Risks.
A completely new requirement of the standard is “Actions to Address Risks & Opportunities”, and it’s not surprising that this is of particular interest to the boards of companies, investors and other stakeholders.
Taking a risk based approaching to quality management offers refresh perspective to setting objectives and priorities.
4. Update & Simplify Documents
The amount of mandatory documentation required has been reduced in the new standard, and it is more important to consider the benefits of documenting a process to ensure it is effective.
Mature management systems can also become document heavy, so this is a good chance to archive old records, and review what’s left.
5. Remind Your Customers What You’ve Got
Transitioning to ISO 9001:2015 early is great publicity and, not only can you promote the certificate but also the benefits you have drawn out of the quality management systems for example the process improvements, the results of customer feedback, risks you have controlled or new objectives.
Creating an area on your website to display quality management information or setting up a Customer Focus Group are just two ways of getting it out there.
Make the ISO 9001:2015 Transition in 2016!
We can support you in making the transition, contact us for more information.
Find out more:
– ISO 9001 Quality Management System
– ISO 9001 Gap Analysis
– ISO 9001 Training
– ISO Certification Process
entry160105-121905
