Introduction

The 1994 version of the current ISO 9000 series of quality management systems has been revised and updated to a new version namely ISO 9001:2000. This new version has undergone a profound change toward a more fundamental and integrated system with a greater emphasis on the internal activities which effect customer satisfaction. One major change is the requirement for business to ensure a non negotiable measurement, analysis and improvement dimension as part of day to day business activities resulting in the managing of actionable data.

When?

The standards ISO 9000, 9001 and 9004, version 2000 has been Internationally accepted and was published on 15 December 2000.

What is the effect on an existing ISO 9000 organisation?

From the release of the formal publication, business will have 2 years to progress to and fully implement the new set of requirements. Confirmation has been received that the Third Party Certification Bodies will be ready by January 2001 to assess, upgrade and certify organisations to the new standard.

Organisations certified to the 1994 version and who have decided to upgrade their ISO system will have to undergo major documentation change and ensure their business systems and processes are strategically aligned and integrated to address all the additional focus areas and requirements.

Systems will have to be defined and incorporated to ensure effective customer focus, measurement and continuous improvement on all appropriate levels in the organisation.

What are the major changes?

Integrated process management approach using the process model as basis.

Customer focus and interface - voice of the customer.

Satisfaction / dissatisfaction measurement results and feedback is now mandatory, providing key information for the continuous improvement process.

Measurement, analysis and continuous improvement is a major focus resulting in actionable measurement data - focussed on product and service output.

Service organisations are eventually accommodated.

Applicable regulatory and statutory requirements to be adhered to.

There are 28 distinct and auditable new requirements.

Reference to ISO 14000 - environmental issues.

Full application and integration of business objectives on all appropriate levels.

Greater emphasis on management responsibility and management review within the process structure.

Increase in resource management requirements to include additional elements such as information, communication, infrastructures and work environment protection.

Many sections have been revised, updated, restructured, expanded, de-emphasised or emphasised.

The numbering system and layout of the quality system is more process oriented and practically aligned.

"It's just not the same as the old version - don't be fooled"

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