The International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) is revising the widely recognised quality management standard, ISO 9001:2015. The goal of this update is to ensure the standard is still applicable and useful in today’s corporate world.
The following is a comprehensive overview of the key changes, the timeline, and how your organisation can prepare for a smooth transition.
Key aspects of the revision:
ISO standards undergo periodic reviews to maintain their alignment with current best practices and address emerging trends.
While the final version is still under development, here are some key aspects to expect:
- Stronger stakeholder focus: The revision emphasises understanding and addressing the needs of all stakeholders, not simply customers.
- Enhanced clarity: The standard will be user-friendly, with clearer requirements and guidance.
- Harmonised structure: Alignment with other management system standards will facilitate easier integration.
- Focus on risk-based thinking: The revision will reinforce the importance of risk-based thinking in quality management.
- Addressing emerging trends: The updated standard will likely address new challenges and opportunities, such as those related to digitalisation and sustainability.
Revision timeline:
- September 2026: Expected publication of the revised ISO 9001 standard.
- Three-year transition period: Organisations will have three years after publication to transition to the new version.
How to prepare for the transition:
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest developments by following ISO’s official channels, industry publications, and trusted sources like WWISE.
- Assess your current QMS: Review your existing QMS to identify areas that may need to be updated to align with the revised standard.
- Engage with experts: Seek guidance from quality management experts or consultants to understand the implications of the revision for your organisation.
- Train your team: Ensure your team is aware of the changes and receives the necessary training to implement the revised requirements.
- Plan for implementation: Develop a clear implementation plan with timelines and resources allocated for a smooth transition.
How WWISE can assist:
WWISE offers a range of resources and services to support your organisation through the ISO 9001 revision process:
- Expert consulting and implementation: Our experienced consultants can provide tailored guidance and support to help you adapt your QMS to the new requirements.
- Training and development: We will be offering comprehensive training courses and workshops aligned with the revised standard.
Contact WWISE:
- Visit our website: www.wwise.co.za/
- Follow us on LinkedIn: www.https:linkedin.com/company/wwise
The ISO 9001 revision is an opportunity to enhance your QMS and drive continuous improvement. By proactively preparing and partnering with experts like WWISE, you can ensure a smooth transition and leverage the benefits of the updated standard.