Management System Standards - a breath of fresh air

Management System Standards - a breath of fresh air

The final draft of ISO 9001:2015, the world’s largest management system standard, has been released. The latest version marks a step-change in quality management systems, incorporating changes that will have a profound effect on the operations of businesses working to all ISO management system standards including environment as well as health and safety.

Among these changes is the adoption of Annex SL, the framework for ISO management system standards. Annex SL defines the high-level structure, core text and common terms and definitions for all ISO management systems standards. Tony Stephenson, FCQI, Business Mentor, Secretary/Treasurer of the New Zealand Organisation for Quality explains how this change will create a more effective way of working for those using multiple standards:

“For any organisation, large or small, the adoption of Annex SL will allow the many management standards, within many business units, to recognise substantial efficiencies in terms of the ongoing support and growth of all management systems. The new high-level structure and common core text and terms are designed to be much less prescriptive, affording any business greater freedom to design its own effective management systems. We see this as a significant positive step. For too many years we have often implemented a process to satisfy others, rather than in ensuring we had a management system that worked for us. It will require a significant change in the way management systems are audited, both internally and externally"

The introduction of ISO 9001:2015 as an Annex SL-based standard will help organisations to streamline their management systems and reduce costs. Not only will it ensure organisations meet the requirements of the various standards, but it will also enable them to continuously improve and deliver organisational excellence.

ENDS

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