What are the main changes to the standards?
The main changes that have been introduced in the consistent pair of quality management system standards are: • A new process-oriented structure and a more logical sequence of the contents • A continual improvement process as an important step to enhance the quality management system • Increased emphasis on the role of top management, which includes its commitment to the development and improvement of the quality management system, consideration of legal and regulatory requirements, and establishment of measurable objectives at relevant functions and levels. • The concept of “Application” of the standard has been introduced (in clause 1.2) as a way to cope with the wide spectrum of organizations and activities. • A requirement for the organization to monitor information on customer satisfaction as a measure of system performance. • Significant reduction in the amount of required documentation. • Terminology changes/improvements for easier interpretation. • Increased compatibility with
The main difference is that the 1994 Standard was based on a life-cycle model, and the 9001:2000 Standard is based on a process model. The process model emphasizes managing key processes to continually improve them. Some of the changes to the quality management system standards. • It emphasizes a process model, continuous improvement, and the commitment of management. • It considers legal and regulatory requirements. • It establishes measurable objectives. • It presents permissible exclusions.
