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A: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) requires the regular review and update of all ISO standards in order that they reflect current industry practice. In keeping with this requirement, the 1994 edition of the key documents in the ISO 9000 were revised and issued on December 15, 2000.
Excellent information regarding the new standards and transition plans are available from the ISO's Technical Committee responsible for the development of the ISO 9001 and ISO 9004 International Standards as well as other International Standards and documents in the ISO 9000 Family.
Copies of the documents may be obtained from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Customer Service by calling 1-800-248-1946 or 414-272-8575.
Over the past few years ISO has received feedback from users of ISO 9000. A design brief was developed and researched. Feedback was received from 1100 users and more than 80% wanted the new standard to:
Significant changes in the current draft include requirements to demonstrate the organization's capability to meet customer requirements. This includes requirements for monitoring of customer satisfaction and system performance.
To provide a single requirements standard, ISO 9002 and ISO 9003 will be withdrawn and incorporated into the new ISO 9001. There are now four core standards comprising the series:
It is not intended that the newly structured Standards will require organizations to substantially revise their existing quality systems. The aim is for the Standards to provide a process orientated structure, showing five main clause headings of ISO 9001 and ISO 9004:
Organizations that are presently accredited to ISO 9001:1994 have until December 15, 2003 to complete the transition to ISO 9001:2000.
Quality Management International, Inc. has provided this guidance in updating your management system to ISO 9001:2000.
The ISO/TC 176/SC2 committee is responsible for the ongoing development of the ISO 9000 series standards. They have provided answers to frequently asked questions about the year 2000 revisions.