Announced update of the ISO 9001 standard: wait or proceed?

The ISO standard as the foundation and catalyst for quality

Starting with quality management is done with a clear goal in mind: improving products and services, increasing customer satisfaction, or, very importantly, finding more joy in your work. However, introducing quality management is not something you do 'on the side'. Setting up and structuring a functioning QMS is not achieved overnight. ISO standards provide direction for a structured, well-thought-out approach by offering you a framework and a uniform set of guidelines for setting up and managing quality management processes. ISO standards give you the support you need: in standardizing your approach, in working on continuous improvements, or in actively involving management in quality.

Why do we need an ISO 9001 standard revision?

With ISO 9001, you work in a structured way on continuously improving the important components in your organization. Most similar standards are revised every year, but this is not the case for ISO 9001: the last ISO 9001 revision dates from 2015. So, it's time for an update. Through a comprehensive procedure involving research, consultation, and ultimately a vote among ISO members, it was concluded that it is desirable to revise the standard in several areas. The adjustments are aimed, among other things, at making the standard more suitable for application to services. Additionally, more attention will be paid to ways in which you can integrate quality management into the overall business operations of your organization.

When can you expect the ISO 9001 update?

It will come as no surprise when we tell you that it will take some time for new ISO 9001 standard to be ready. In the fall of 2023, the compilation of an international working group and the first exploratory activities began before concrete steps are taken. Not only the development of the revised standard takes time, but also the reading and approval by the many parties involved. As it looks now, the next version of ISO 9001 will be available in 2025.

On hold? Or proceed as planned?

Because it will take a while before the new ISO 9001 standard is ready for rollout, it makes sense to continue with your ISO 9001 certification or to plan it on the short term. After all, you didn’t just decide to work on quality. You want to consistently deliver high-quality products or services, reduce costs, perform better than your competition, and (continue to) comply with laws and regulations. ISO 9001 and a good quality management system will help you do this.

WoodWing Scienta facilitates the revised ISO 9001 standard

Adjusting the ISO 9001 standard, just like the initial implementation, can be a challenge. The good news is that working with a well-designed QMS can significantly simplify the process. A well-structured and flexible QMS like WoodWing Scienta doesn't just make the process of adaptation and the integration of new requirements based on the ISO 9001 update easier, it also helps in meeting the new demands and rules. Our customers are also enthusiastic about the way WoodWing Scienta ensures and promotes employee involvement. With strong involvement of management and employees in the QMS, the process of adapting to new standards will run more smoothly.

Naturally, we'll closely monitor all developments in the field of the ISO 9001 update. Not just that; We'll ensure that our team is ready to acquire and use the necessary knowledge and expertise, which we will use in turn to help our customers comply with the new standard as quickly as possible.