ISO is Getting an Upgrade – Here's What You Need to Know

The time has finally arrived– ISO is upgrading. As we prepare to implement these requirements, we wanted to take the time to outline for you what has changed. Don't worry– it is not as scary as you think! For starters, ISO actually got shorter.

So let's break it down– what actually changed?

What's New

Throughout the revision, you will notice reference to "this document" versus the usual "International Standard" we are all so used to.

A few sections got some additions. Section 4.2 previously only had sub-bullets "a & b" but now includes a new "c", which requires what relevant interested parties and requirements will be addressed through your QMS.

Section 4.3 requires that top management shall assign responsibility and authority for reporting on opportunities for improvement to top management.

Section 5.2.1 states that your quality policy must now take into account the context of the organization and support your strategic direction.

There is also a brand new section– 6.1.3, which covers Actions to Address Opportunities.

Additionally, look out for other add-ons sprinkled into sections 6.2.1, 6.3, and 7.3.

What's Gone

A lot of things actually got removed! Section 8.1 had several sub-bullets removed or consolidated, and 10.3 (Continual Improvement) didn't disappear– it just moved over to 10.1, and is now shorter.

What Got Renamed

Nothing too crazy here, just some tidying up. A few sections even got new names!

• 6.1.2 is now Actions to Address Risks

• 7.1.5.2 is now Traceability of Measurement Results (was Measurement Traceability)

• 7.5.2 is now Creating and Updating Documented Information (was Creating and Updating)

• 9.2.2 is now called Internal Audit Program

• 9.3.3 is now Management Review Results

  
  

Other Tweaks

There are also some rewording and reformatting changes across a handful of other sections– 5.1.1, 8.2.1, 8.2.4, 8.3.4, 8.3.6, 8.4.3, 8.5.2, 9.1.2, 9.3.2, and 10.1. Nothing groundbreaking, just some clean-up making things a bit clearer.

All in all, this revision is definitely manageable.

We will keep you updated as we work through implementation. Stay tuned!