Why do I need to transition to ISO 9001:2015?

15 Feb, 2018

The updates to ISO 9001 have been based on feedback received, resulting in a number of essential changes to the structure, documentation and general processes, making it simpler than its predecessor.  The top 5 benefits of the upgrade to businesses include:

• Changes to the high level structure of the standards,
• Better integration for clients running multiple standards,
• More user-friendly and more intuitive for service based organisations,
• A new risk based approach, bringing the standards in line with other key ISO standards and
• More focus on leadership to maintain the standard.

If you are currently certified under the 2008 version of ISO 9001, you will need to transition to the new version before September 2018.  As the re-certification process can take approximately three months to complete, it is important that you start thinking about this process now!  From September, ISO 9001:2008 will no longer be valid, making businesses who do not comply uncertificated.

In order to upgrade, you first need to familiarise yourself with the changes in the standards and devise an implementation plan – this could include additional training needs, organisational changes or new communication strategies.

Our experienced team at ISO Quality Services can help relieve the stress of bringing you up to date.  Our team are already helping Clients through the upgrade with over 90% of our customers having completed the process already.  Our approach is simple, hands on and flexible.

We will initially perform a GAP analysis on your business to identify differences between the old and new versions of the standard.  Our experienced auditor will then provide you with a full document of recommendations to help develop your policies and documents in line with the new standards.  We will then arrange another visit with you, where we will guide you through the process of implementing the recommendations and can produce a mini manual to document the upgrade.

Alternatively, if you hold ISO 9001:2008 and are UKAS accredited, we can also provide consultancy to help you with the transition.  Following a recommendation of our services, Trans-Web Limited enlisted the help of consultancy from ISO Quality Services in their transition to ISO 9001:2015 in order for their UKAS accreditation to continue.

Trans-Web are a leading manufacturer of webbing lifting slings, lashings and height safety equipment.  As Director Lee Wigley comments:

“For Trans-Web having a quality system in place was vital for us to show that we are a professional company to deal with and produce a quality product on time”. 

Internally having ISO 9001 has an impact too as Trans-Web have “procedures that make the company work efficiently and systems in place to give the customer the best support.”

After working with ISO Quality Services’ auditor, Trans-Web were re-accredited in January by their UKAS assessor.

When asked if he had any comments or advice for any other businesses concerned about the transition process Lee advised “Get a consultancy company in to do it.  Another set of eyes makes it a lot easier and quicker in achieving your goal.”

And Lee went on to praise ISO Quality Services’ consultancy as “well planned and executed.  The auditor who did the work on site was very good, easy to work with and produced one of the best manuals our assessors had seen; a huge compliment given he travels all over the world.”

For more information on how ISO Quality Services Limited can help your business through the upgrade process, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team on 01905 670303 or info@isoqsltd.com.  Alternatively, further information on certification, training and any of our other services can be found on our website: https://www.isoqsltd.com.

If you currently hold the 2004 version of the 14001 Environmental Management System, you will also be required to carry out the transition to 14001:2015 by September 2018.