What do quality management practitioners (consultant, auditor, or trainer) need to know about the standards?
As a minimum, quality management practitioners should familiarize themselves with the requirements of ISO 9001:2008, and also with the content and philosophies of ISO 9000:2005, ISO 9004 and the Quality Management Principles. Practitioners whoa are already familiar with ISO 9001:2000 should become aware of the clarifications introduced in ISO 9001:2008, and their implications, prior to conducting audits to that standard, or giving training and consultancy. They should understand their client’s activities and processes, before providing appropriate interpretations of the requirements of the standards, to add value to the client’s operations. ISO/TC 176 has developed the standard ISO 10019 Guidelines for the selection of quality management system consultants and use of their services, which may be useful to refer to for further guidance.
