All the solutions for adoption of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 version 2015
Following the release of the 2015 versions of the two most widely-used voluntary management standards in the world, the 1.5 million public and private organizations using the previous versions are taking their first steps in migrating to the new standard, and they can count on a whole range of solutions for a smooth transition.
After a three-year international work effort, ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) were released at practically the same time. “This is a first”, insisted Olivier Peyrat, Managing Director of the AFNOR Group and Vice-President (Finance) of ISO, speaking on 25 September at the Maison de la Chimie conference centre during the event held to celebrate the launch.
From revision to transition
The 2015 versions of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are available online, in English and French. They can also be viewed at any one of the 24 approved centres in France. Building on the initiatives spearheaded over the last 18 months and throughout the revision process, the AFNOR Group is continuing to offer workshops featuring both face-to-face and distance learning. These workshops will help professionals understand how to promote understanding of the new standards in their organization and move on to the next stage of migrating to a remodelled quality and/or environmental management system.
Users sharing feedback always provides a rich source of information, so discussion forums have been organized in several regions. With their club atmosphere and four meetings a year, these forums give organizations a gateway to a network of experts where they can develop new partnerships and establish their status as a recognized regional player.
Tailor-made training sessions
The AFNOR Group has carved its position as a true laboratory for raising organizational performance. Faced with the many question marks raised by all users, the Group has set up a series of bespoke training sessions. These Expert Appraisals have met with a positive response for their efficiency: the one-day session fully reviews the new requirements and changes, thereby helping organizations map out the work required for a successful transition. More in-depth courses designed to address specific issues are also organized, such as how to use the 2015 version to streamline documentation, control the fundamentals and build a management system. Close to 50 courses are available. The most popular courses will be available from 2 to 6 November in Lyon as part of a bespoke programme.
Opportunity of a follow-up audit
The preceding standards (ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004) will continue to apply until the end of the three-year transition period, after which all associated certificates will expire. Organizations can wait until the end of this period, but then run the risk of facing a shortage of auditors caused by the peak in demand, which is what happened in 2000 for example. Migrating to the 2015 version at a follow-up audit is therefore a judicious solution, as is the option of prior online self-assessment where organizations can subject all their practices to an in-depth review based on the new standard, or take the fast-track approach with a 20-minute online test (in french).