Let us share with you vital information that will guide you on your

smooth transition to the new ISO standard. ISO 9001:2008 was designed to

meet business requirements that are existing at that time. Today, the

requirements have greatly changed: faster access to information; more empowered

customers; complex supply chains. These are just some of the new challenges that

the business organization must face. The old processes are no longer relevant and

effective today the new ISO 9001:2015 is designed to meet the complex

requirements of businesses today where customers are well informed and more

demanding of quality and value for money than ever before. The new ISO 9001 has a

totally different structure than its older version. From eight (8) clauses, the new

standard now has ten (10) process with noticeable changes in titles from

context of the organization to leadership. Moreover, the new standard

follows the same overall structure as other ISO management system standard

which is known as the high-level structure. With this change, ISO 9001:2015

can now be easily integrated with other standards. ISO 9001:2015 is more focused

on risk-based thinking. If you have been implementing the old version, you would

know that risk assessment through preventive action planning is already in

place. However, the new standard puts greater emphasis on the importance of

risk analysis as one of the major keys in delivering quality products and

services. The context of their organization must

be determined this refers to the internal and external issues relevant to

the organization. The needs and expectations of the interested parties

must be determined as well. This means the customers and other

stakeholders. There is a greater emphasis in adopting a process approach while

many organizations have already implemented a process based system.

The new edition explicitly requires organization to demonstrate process approach

in the way they meet and exceed their client's expectations.

Risk-based approach replaces preventive action.

This implies the need for risk assessment and risk management activities.

Documented information replaces procedures and

records. This means that having a quality manual is no longer a specific

requirement. The term goods and services replaces products. This broadens the

scope of ISO 9001. Here are four (4) easy steps you can do to smoothly transition

to the new ISO 9001: First, understand a new document by going

through the changes in its structure. While, indeed, there are changes, most part

of the standard remains unchanged. Second, using the ISO 9001:2015, conduct a Gap

Assessment that will determine the gaps between your current management system

and the new standard. This will help you in planning the needed changes to

transition. Third, update your existing quality management system based on the

results of your Gap Assessment. The documentation structure will surely vary

and change based on the new needed documented information of the ISO 9001.

And finally, ensure that all parties concerned should undergo the necessary

awareness training. There are indeed new principles and areas of focus that must

be properly understood by your respective process owners. The manner and

scope of internal audits will also vary based on the new requirements.

AGF Consulting Group can guide you in properly training your team in

understanding the new standard as well as auditing its new structure

maintaining your ISO certification to ISO 9001 will require your organization

to upgrade your existing quality management system to the new version of ISO.

There is a three-year transition period from the date of publication last

September 2015. Your ISO 9001:2008 will no longer be

valid by September of 2018. The best time to transition is now.

For more information visit our website at www.agfconsultinggroup.com or email us at

info@agfconsultinggroup.com or call our office numbers.