ISO 9000

The ISO 9000 series of quality management standards was developed by the ISO/TC 176 (ISO Technical Committee 176) convened in 1979. It set out to create a framework of the fundamental generic elements that would form the basis for a series of internationally recognized quality management standards, which it completed in 1982 and published in 1983. The ISO 9000 series of standards represents the essential requirements that every enterprise needs to address to ensure the consistent production and timely delivery of its goods and services to the marketplace. These requirements make up the standards that comprise the quality management system, and their generic nature allow for their application in any type of organization. Consistency in production and reliability in delivery are as important as what your organization is selling in today's marketplace. It is essential to consistently meet all of your customer's expectations all the time, every time, to keep them satisfied and loyal. If your organization does not, the marketplace, and with it your customers, will take its business elsewhere.

The ISO 9000 series is able to provide these quality management benefits to any organization of any size, public or private, without dictating how the organization is to be run.

The system standards describe what requirements need to be met, not how they are to be met. This allows for diverse organizations to apply the same standards in a manner that reflects the reality of their business structure. In essence, allowing each organization to meet the system requirements by implementing the standards in a manner that suits its own unique needs. Increasingly, certification to an internationally recognized quality management standard like one from the ISO 9000 series is becoming an important part of distinguishing an organization from its competition.

The ability to be audited by an independent, third party organization is the foundation of its acceptance worldwide. Companies may now objectively determine an organizations capacity to supply goods or services that meet the specified requirements of the customer. This can attract more business as customers, both new and old, can have increased confidence in your organization's ability to meet their expectations.

Often, just having an ISO 9000 certification will automatically qualify an organization as a potential supplier to companies that demand strict conformance to specified requirements. These standards have now become accepted around the world as the benchmark for all quality management systems.

The series contains four system standards of varying complexity and completeness and they are: ISO 9001, ISO 9002, ISO 9003 and ISO 9004.

9001:2000 Making the Transition

Transition deadline: ISO and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) jointly agreed on a policy to ensure a smooth transition to the ISO 9000:2000 series. Under this, organizations certified to 1994 versions of ISO 9001, ISO 9002 or ISO 9003 were given a three-year deadline from the publication of the revised standards to migrate to ISO 9001:2000. Therefore, from 15 December 2003, certificates to the 1994 versions will lose their accredited status by the IAF and its national accreditation body members. The IAF confirmed at its 16th annual meeting on 21-26 September 2002 that the deadline will not be extended.

Upgrade your ISO 9000 quality management system (QMS) to meet the requirements of the new ISO 9001:2000. ISO 9001:2000 is your guide to making a smooth transition.

ISO 14000 Training Series

ISO 9001:2000 Making the Transition

Quality Systems Resources

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