Information Sheets > The ISO 9001:2000 Transition (page 3 of 3)

COMMON QUESTIONS

1. Are companies, who are currently working towards certification, advised to design their system in line with the new standard?
   It makes sense to recognise that the changes are imminent, and to configurate systems that comply with the draft revised requirements. Although there are likely to be some changes between the drafts now and final publication of ISO 9000:2000, the current drafts should indicate the way ISO 9001:2000 is likely to evolve. Therefore, we would strongly urge clients to consider systems to address, for example, continuous improvement. However, it should be remembered that there is no "right" way to structure a quality management system - it should be appropriate to the company's activities. As long as the content of the system addresses the requirements of the new standard, its structure would be immaterial and quite acceptable.
   
   
2. Is a full re-assessment required? If so, what additional time and cost will be needed for the upgrade audit?
   Upgrade audits will be required for businesses that currently hold certification to the 1994 edition of ISO 9000, to ensure that they comply with ISO 9001:2000. If the upgrade audit is successful, the certification body would then re-issue certification to the revised standard. For existing registrants most certification bodies plan to carry out this upgrade audit during the normal surveillance visit, eliminating any additional charges.
   
   
3. The draft standard suggests that companies will be required to comply with health and safety legislation. Is this true, and if so, will certification bodies be auditing compliance with health and safety legislation?
   Most certification bodies do not envisage being responsible for ensuring compliance with the law, of which health and safety legislation forms a part. What is required is that registrants identify any legislation applicable to the quality and conformity of their product / service, and that it has access to such legislation. This may encompass health and safety legislation although certification bodies will only be looking for evidence of compliance with legislation, where it is concerned with the quality and / or conformity of the product / service.
   
   
4. The new standard will be much more customer focused and requires measurement of customer satisfaction. Are there any preferred ways of doing this?
   No. As the products or services of various industries differ, so does the method in which customer satisfaction can be measured. Individual companies need to decide upon the best possible arrangement for their particular circumstances and ensure that the measure can be recorded for audit purposes. ISO 9004 suggests sources for further information.
   
   
5. Evidence of continuous improvement is likely to be required. How will companies satisfy this requirement?
   Continuous improvement of the quality management system may take many forms. One such way may be through advanced goal setting. Setting greater targets in this fashion displays that a continuous improvement approach is being taken. Again, this must be tangibly measured and documented.

ISO 9001:2000 Transition (page 1)
ISO 9001:2000 Transition Arrangements (page 2)