ISO 9001:202X - 6th Edition

Upcoming ISO 9001 Changes: What You Need to Know

As many organizations prepare for the upcoming revision of the ISO 9001 standard, there’s a growing interest in what changes are expected and how businesses should prepare. At Concentric Global, , we’re keeping a close eye on the developments and are here to help you navigate this transition smoothly.

Why the Upgrade?

ISO 9001 is the world’s most recognized Quality Management System (QMS) standard, helping organizations enhance customer satisfaction and improve their processes. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) typically reviews standards every five to ten years to ensure relevance in today's rapidly changing global environment.

Given that the last revision was released in 2015, one would expect the 6th edition to be released somewhere between 2021 and 2023, but that didn’t happen. Global pandemics and supply chain chaos undoubtedly played a major role in the deferment.

Timeline

In late 2023, the ISO/TC 176 Working Group committee (aka "WG29") initiated the update of ISO 9001 once again. The 2-year process will review existing requirements, emerging trends like new technologies, and align with ISO 9000 updates (ISO 9000 = Quality management systems — Fundamentals and vocabulary also known as the "Terms & definitions" manual). A Working Draft ("WD") was circulated in December 2023 to over 80 experts from 46 countries to begin the review. A follow-up meeting was held in February 2024. You can learn more about the international stage codes here.

With advancements in technology, evolving customer expectations, emphasis on sustainability and climate change, and the continued "integrated" approach spearheaded by the QMS standard, it is critical that the ISO 9001 standard evolves to meet these new challenges.

Our specific wish is to see improved connections between "quality" terminology and global business acumen. It is time.

Likely Areas of Change

Digital transformation: The next version of ISO 9001 is expected to place more emphasis on digitalization, automation, and the use of data to drive improvement. Organizations that are already embracing Industry 4.0 and IoT will find themselves well-positioned for this shift. Additional requirements for document control, information security (a greater connection to ISO 27001 perhaps?) and knowledge management should be expected.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility: As global sustainability concerns rise, it’s anticipated that the new version of ISO 9001 will emphasize integrating environmental responsibility into quality management processes. This aligns with the increasing need for businesses to adopt green practices and reduce their carbon footprint. We suspect that ISO 9001:2015 Amd1:2024 (Climate action changes -Edition 2024) will be baked into the requirements for the context of the organization (clause 4.0).

Risk management: A stronger emphasis on risk-based thinking will continue to be a focal point, encouraging organizations to proactively address potential issues before they impact operations or customer satisfaction. If you have not yet integrated risk and opportunities into business planning, process execution or inputs into the auditing program, now is the time to get started.

Responsiveness: The upgrade may also refine how organizations track and respond to “the ever-changing needs of interested parties” (as stated in the 2015 edition), reflecting the growing importance of real-time feedback and customization in today’s global business environment. How will you use tools such as data analytics and leading indicators to predict risks and opportunities before they turn into a larger issue?

Change management: Agility is one of the latest trends in more than just the tech industry. Quick change and improved, cross-functional communication will likely see more action in the new standard. How will your organization leverage technology to be more responsive to change requests or customer complaints? How about using technology to improve internal communication or to spot an emerging need in the market?

3 steps to consider now

1. Stay informed. Keep an eye on updates from ISO and trusted quality management organizations. At Concentric Global, we’re committed to keeping our clients informed of all critical developments. If you haven’t done so yet, consider subscribing to our email list (see footer below) or following us on LinkedIn. Our ISO 9001 Resources page is also a great way to stay abreast of changes, key links, training opportunities and useful tools.

2. Think ONE SYSTEM. Now is a good time to review your existing management system processes and identify opportunities for integrating efforts related to quality (QMS), environmental practices (EMS), health & safety (OH&S) and strategic planning. Focus on areas such as digital processes, risk management, and sustainability initiatives. If your audits, management review, corrective action or other support/management processes are segmented, reconsider. “While you’re at the store for bread, pick up some milk too.” so to speak. Think ONE SYSTEM!

3. Integrate QMS X.0 into your business strategy. Begin discussions with your team now about how the anticipated changes might impact your operations. Training on new technologies and digital processes can position your organization for success when the standard is officially revised. Furthermore, consider sharing what works for you with your key suppliers. Perhaps you even consider treating your suppliers like partners?

How can we help?

We specialize in helping businesses achieve and maintain ISO certifications; ensuring that quality and efficiency are at the forefront of your operations. Our superpower is management systems and process optimization that considers compliance a by-product of organizational improvement vs. the traditional approach of “doing the bare minimum the maintain our certification”. Our experts will guide you through any changes required by the new ISO 9001 standard, offering transition tools, webinars, blogs, training, process improvement strategies, and other practical solutions to meet evolving requirements while (more importantly) taking your business to the next level.

As the standard evolves, so will your business. Just as we have since 2003, we will be there every step of the way to ensure you’re ahead of the curve. We will also continue to provide guidance that improves the bottom line and customer satisfaction. We call this approach “beyond compliance”.

We will continue to provide updates on the progress of the ISO 9001 upgrade as more information becomes available. In the meantime, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about preparing for the changes. 

Let’s ensure your organization remains at the cutting edge of management system improvements and continues to thrive!