Transition Successfully to ISO 9001:2015

A DELTΔ audit may be your solution

Published: Friday, February 19, 2016 - 16:43

The revised ISO 9001:2015 standard was published on Sept. 23, 2015. The release of this standard has many organizations preparing for the transition from ISO 9001:2008, and with transition comes uncertainty: How long will it take? What will it cost my organization? Where do I start? These and other questions are far from uncommon.

According to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), there are a number of recommended actions that organizations can take to successfully transition to the new requirements of ISO 9001:2015. These include:
• Conduct a gap analysis. Identifying the gaps between current practices and the new requirements is the most effective way to evaluate the changes that are required in your current quality management system (QMS).
• Develop an implementation plan and timetable. A formal implementation plan and schedule will help your organization address the required changes within the anticipated three-year transition period.
• Provide appropriate training for all parties. Ongoing education and training for all relevant personnel are critical to achieving the goals of your transition plan. More important, educated stakeholders are vital in ensuring ongoing compliance once the transition is complete.
• Update existing QMS documentation. Clear and thorough documentation is essential to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the revised standard and to help reduce the risk of nonconformities.
• Involve your certification partner early in the process. An experienced certification body can provide invaluable assistance in the process of transitioning to the requirements of ISO 9001:2015. Its early involvement can help your organization save time and money.

If you have an existing ISO 9001:2008 certificate, TÜV SÜD can support you in your transition from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015 by offering DELTΔ audits. A DELTΔ audit is an efficient approach to identify, analyze, and address the differences or “gaps” between your existing QMS that complies with ISO 9001:2008 and the new requirements of ISO 9001:2015.

A DELTΔ audit is carried out on the basis of a defined checklist or subject list, as follows:
• Initial step in your transition to the new ISO 9001:2015
• Get support with analysis of existing quality management processes and workflows.
• Clearly identify the differences and weaknesses of your existing QMS in meeting the 2015 requirements, respectively.
• Develop areas within your QMS that require action.

Conclusion

Visit www.tuv-sud-america.com/ISO-9001-Delta-Audits to submit your company information and to learn more about ISO 9001 DELTΔ audits. TÜV SÜD America also provides DELTΔ audits for ISO 14001. Click here for more information.

TÜV SÜD America, in cooperation with Quality Digest, will host a free webinar titled, “Delta Audits—Transition Successfully to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015,” broadcast live on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, at 2 p.m. Eastern. This webinar is intended for organizations currently holding ISO 9001:2008 or ISO 14001:2004 certifications. For more information on the webinar or to register, click here.

About The Author

TÜV SÜD America

2016 marks the 150th anniversary of TÜV SÜD—a premium quality, safety, and sustainability solutions provider that specializes in testing, inspection, auditing, certification, training, and knowledge services. TÜV SÜD America, a subsidiary of TÜV SÜD AG, is a business-to-business engineering services firm providing international safety testing and certification services. Founded in 1987, TÜV SÜD America has more than a dozen locations throughout North America. Operating under the brand names of Product Service, Management Service, Industry Service, Automotive and PetroChem, TÜV SÜD America has partnered with thousands of companies throughout the NAFTA region, assuring product and management systems excellence, and acceptance in the global marketplace.