The ISO management system standards are produced on a range of different structures. Although all the standards share some kinds of similarities the main foundation of all standards is built on different terminologies and structures. ISO is standardizing all the structures to match the Annex SL structure to make it easier to understand and implement and to make it easier for companies to get certified for different standards. The new Annex SL structure is directed to create a unified ISO 9001 high-level structure.
Main Points of Annex SL
- Scope
- Normative References
- Terms and Definitions
- Context of the Organization
- Leadership
- Planning
- Support
- Operation
- Performance Evaluation
- Improvement
These newly produced clauses will help streamline the certification process, reduce the complexity of multi-certification, and facilitate comprehension.
What Are The Detailed Changes to ISO 9001?
This lineup of 10 clauses imposes significant changes to standardization. From clause 1 to clause 3 the focus is on making similar terminologies and defining scopes and aims of ISO standards. Clauses 4 to 10 incorporate detailed changes to ISO 9001 high-level structure.
Clause No 4: Context Of The Organization
New Requirement: The effects of external and internal factors should be understood by the senior management for business development.
Process Focus: A great emphasis on ISO risk management is placed on managing risks and assigning detailed jobs to employees to manage processes.
Strategic Alignment: The organization’s strategic objectives should integrate a quality management system.
Clause No 5: Leadership
Leadership Role Enhancement: The new clause requires the leadership to actively participate in ensuring that all processes are following the strategic objectives of the company.
Clause No 6: Planning
Risk and Opportunity Focus: Strong emphasis on managing risks and opportunities that influence customer satisfaction ISO 9001.
Systematic Change Management: Introduction of requirements for systematic management of changes.
Removal of Preventive Action: Replaced with broader risk management considerations.
Clause No 7: Support
Knowledge Development: Emphasis to increase resources, competence, and awareness and to increase internal knowledge to better meet customer needs and enhance customer satisfaction ISO 9001.
Clause No 8: Operation
Outsourcing and Risk Management: New requirements for risk management ISO 9001 in outsourced activities.
Customer Communication: Emphasis on contingency planning to improve customer communication.
Clause No 9: Performance Evaluation
Detailed Monitoring Requirements: Increased focus on tracking and evaluating performance metrics in detail.
Clause No 10: Improvement
Improvement: Establishes a structured framework for continuous improvement by encouraging proactive issue identification, and aligning improvement efforts with strategic business objectives.
Recommendation For Businesses On Adopting The Draft Standard
Businesses are advised to anticipate but not make any major changes and wait till the draft is complete. A total of 7 clauses are receiving updates which will help in streamlining structures for companies to get certified on multi-standards. The draft is open to feedback, so companies should participate in it and make changes according to it. It will also give them an overview of the future changes.