ISO 9001: the 2015 version of the standard is confirmed

ISO 9001, arguably the world's best-known voluntary standard, has been confirmed in its 2015 version, and its revision has been postponed. Referenced NF EN ISO 9001 Published in France by AFNOR Editions, this global bible of quality management systems (QMS) seems to suit the majority of its users, as shown by the results of a public survey conducted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) between July and December 2020.

"It must be said that the previous revision, which dated back to 2015, brought about many changes, the result of a logical evolution since the late 1980s," explains Elsa Lucas, project manager in charge of this topic at AFNOR Standardization. Following the adoption of the HLS (High Level Structure) for ISO 9001, which proposes a universal chapter structure, all other management system standards (ISO 14001, 45001, 50001) must be adapted to it, in line with a logic of continuous improvement. The aim is to offer an approach that is understandable and linear for everyone. On average, the life cycle of a major management system standard is six to seven years. Thus, the 2015 version of ISO 9001 was preceded by the 2008 version, just as the 2018 version of ISO 50001 (energy management) was preceded by the 2011 version.

The assessment of the 2015 version of ISO 9001 is largely positive, since, as the survey shows, the overall difficulties appear to be minor, highlighting specific needs for support and clarification on certain topics, such as organizational knowledge management or listening to relevant stakeholders. "There is no desire for fundamental change. In fact, the vast majority of certified organizations have fully integrated the requirements. Today, the standard has been standardized and has become the basis for QMS certification," says Elsa Lucas.

ISO 9001: building bridges

If ISO 9001 is not immediately undergoing revision, it is also because the 2015 version has not yet been fully "digested" by many companies, particularly those that have initiated a QSE (quality, safety, environment) approach. "There are currently only 21,000 certified companies in France, so there is significant room for growth," points out Aude Leroy, AFAQ ISO 9001 product manager at AFNOR Certification. In 2015, the foundation was laid for an integrated system, open to new sectoral needs and avenues for connection. As the quality product manager explains, "articulation is the key word here. ISO 9001 is not only a support, but also a generalist foundation."

Nevertheless, users who responded to the ISO survey made numerous proposals, including those in favor of maintaining the standard, revealing several trends that foreshadow the future revision: integration of management standards, ethics and integrity (CSR), change management, quality culture, operational excellence, business continuity, and innovation. "Whether it's professions or themes, we need to create the necessary bridges to other QMSs, such as ISO 22301 for business continuity planning, operational excellence (also known as lean management, based on FD X50-819), change management, and ISO 30401 for knowledge management," continues Aude Leroy.

A preliminary project will be launched to this end, in order to examine whether a revision of the standard should take place before 2025, the next deadline for the systematic review process.