Many will say that this update is long overdue. The last major update was in 2000 where the process approach was introduced and only minor updates took place in 2008.
So what are some of the key changes?
Well for starters, the standard will adopt the new high-level structure (also known as Annex SL) which is a new structure that all management system (e.g. QMS, EMS, ISMS) standards will follow. Specifically for those organisations with multiple management systems, this is going to be a huge benefit.
Leadership is getting much more focus. Senior managers should understand expectations of all relevant parties plus they need to understand what can impact the ability to meet these expectations. Leaders cannot “stay away” from ISO 9001 but need to be able to articulate how they use ISO 9001 to form part of the strategic business direction.
Risk has been introduced to replace preventive action and there will be a focus on risk identification and mitigation.
There will be no mandatory requirements for documented Information, and no requirement for a ‘Quality Manual’. Obviously this does not nessecarily mean no documentation but it is up to you to decide what is the level of documentation needed to operate an effective management system and maintain control of you processes.
I recently attended a very good BSI update seminar in London where they showed this great overview picture of the new standard.