Used by millions of organizations around the globe, including many local companies in Guyana, the world-standard reference for quality, ISO 9001, Quality management systems – Requirements, has just passed its “warrant of fitness,” meaning it is still useful and is not in need of an immediate revision. This is according to an article published by Clare Naden, ISO Communications Specialist on June 22, 2021. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has adopted the popular standard, and has for years, assisted local businesses to implement its requirements towards international certification.
Like all ISO standards, ISO 9001 undergoes a systematic review every five years to decide whether it is still valid or needs updating. This is important to ensure the standard is still globally relevant and meets the needs of its users.
In doing so, the subcommittee responsible for the standard, SC 2, Quality systems, which operates under technical committee ISO/TC 176, Quality management and quality assurance, undertook a number of activities including discussions with committee members and a survey of ISO 9001 users. The result was that no revision was needed and the latest version of ISO 9001 still provides as much value to those implementing the standard as it did when it was last updated in 2015.
Going forward, a special task force within the committee will continue to evaluate and monitor any possible market or other changes that could impact the standard, and propose a revision if and when required.
ISO 9001:2015 specifies requirements for a quality management system. It enables an organization to consistently provide products and services that meet applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. It also aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for improvement and the assurance of conformity to customer requirements.
The standard is based on the quality management principles and outlines typical actions to improve organisational performance. The quality principles are customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach improvement, evidence-based decision-making and relationship management.
For organisations implementing the requirements, the standard presents context including the needs and expectations of interested parties, the scope of the system and the processes for implementation. Additionally, the standard outlines requirements for leadership, planning to address risks and opportunities, and use of resources which include people, infrastructure and the environment.
To maintain quality, the standard also stipulates crucial requirements including operation planning and control, requirements for products and services, design and development, and control of nonconforming outputs. Finally, the standard addresses performance evaluations and improvement.
All the requirements of this International Standard are generic and are intended to be applicable to any organization, regardless of its type or size, or the products and services it provides.
In Guyana, there are more than 25 companies and organisations that are ISO 9001:2015 Certified; many of which have benefited from technical assistance and training provided by the GNBS. With Oil and Gas in Guyana, more local companies are seeking certification to this international standard with GNBS support.
For further information on this subject, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064 or 219-0065 or WhatsApp us on 692-4627.
