What next for ISO 9001- The Quality Management Standard?

This system is probably the most well-known standard in the world and provides confidence for customers that their quality needs will be satisfied and that the product or service will meet their specified requirements.

With its origins based on the Defence Standards through to AQAP (Allied Quality Assurance Publications) and BS5750, finishing up as the truly International ISO9001.  The current version is ISO 9001:2008.

It has been the policy of the International Standards Organisation (ISO) to review and update standards on a regular basis.

A review was carried out in March 2012 which decided that it still was fit for purpose for the time being.  However the ISO/TC176/SC2 (the committee responsible for updating the Standard) met in Bilbao in Spain on June 2012 to start the process of updating the ISO 9001 and its complementary standard ISO 9004. 

However this is not going to be completed any time soon, like most update schedules the ISO committee have produced a preliminary time line.

June 2012 the draft design and strategic plan stage 

The draft specification:

1. The main task was to provide a core set of requirements that would be valid for another ten years or so.
2. Continue to remain generic and relevant to organisations of all sizes and types
3. Maintain focus on effective process management
4. Ensure the standard reflects changes in quality management and technology
5. Ensure that the standard meets the changing requirements for complex
6. Ensure that the standard remains compatible with other ISO management standards
7. Facilitates effective implementation by organisations and effective conformity assessment by first, second and third parties
8. To use simplified language and writing styles to improve the ease of use and understanding of the standard.

December 2012 Draft design approved
April 2013  First committee draft for comment
March 2014 First draft ballot
November 2014 Final Draft for public comment
June 2015 Final draft ballot

and if all goes to plan……………………….

September 2015 - Publication

It is encouraging that this standard, which was the basis of all the management standards, will be kept up to date and will continue to be the most effective and visible quality management standard across the world.