ISO standard revised to meet modern needs

By Gilbert Kidimu

The ISO 9001 has been revised to cater for the changing needs of businesses to enable organisations manage the issue of quality better.

This was announced during a two-day workshop at Fairway hotel where certified members were sensitised about the new changes to the standard.

BB Sinha, East Representative and Lead Auditor for Nemko, certification body, said this was so members could understand the ten clauses in the new ISO management system.

Following a worldwide survey, it was discovered that ISO as it is must change because the standards had become irrelevant to the ever changing world. “Organisations that use multiple Management System Standards are increasingly demanding a common format that is aligned between those standards,” explained Sinha

He added that the change also meant to decrease the emphasis on documentation, increase emphasis on risk management to achieve objectives, and increase emphasis on achieving value for the organisation and its customers.

ISO 9001 is the title of a document (Standard) that outlines the requirements an organization must maintain in their quality system for ISO 9001 certification.

The Nemko Group offers testing, inspection and certification services concerning products, machinery, installations and systems worldwide on behalf of ISO.

The change will also better ensure Quality, Environment and Occupational Health & Safety and ultimately increase confidence in an organisation’s ability to provide conforming products and services, improve an organisation’s ability to satisfy its customers, and boost customer confidence in quality management systems.

One of the concepts emphasised in the new guidelines is involving every member of the company. This ensures that everyone knows their responsibility towards a common cause.

Aage Hannerstad, East Africa Responsible and Lead Auditor, while addressing members said although not all Ugandan companies are certified; it would be a great idea for every company intending to grow internationally to be certified.

“More than ever, stakeholders require that their suppliers or partners prove that they can deliver the quality services customers require. This is proved by an ISO certification,” he reasoned adding that established companies also care about the effect your work has on the environment and health of the people. The certification proves that you do.

The certification is also a good tool to present to your clients proving that you have a proper management system consistent with the standards. “Very often customers especially those in the oil sector want ISO certified clients,” he revealed “It is easier than writing a whole document explaining that your policies and operations are safe for the environment, workers’ safety, and you offer quality services.”

 “The impact of this revision will be similar to, if not greater than the 2008 edition, which was a major change for accreditation bodies, certification bodies, training organisations, consultants and customers,” explained Sinha.

He added that the transition period for companies to update their management systems as to continuation of their ISO 9001 certificates is three years.

“Beyond September 2018, if you are not certified against revised standards, you cease to be ISO certified.”

“Certified companies will realise sustainable development, economic growth, social equity, and environmental integrity,” promised Sinha

ISO 9001 is for millions of organisations the definitive management system standard, with over 1 million certificates issues worldwide.

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