Introducing PD ISO/TS 9002:2016 Quality management systems – Guidelines for the application of ISO 9001:2015
Overview
ISO 9001:2015 constituted a major revision to the world’s most widely used and recognized standard.
The extent of the change caused some concerns and generated user demands for more guidance and reassurance on how to interpret new requirements and clause headings (even though in many cases they were similar to what was there before).
In response, and at the point when ISO 9001:2015 was nearly complete, ISO began developing ISO 9002 as a companion standard that will help further explain the new ISO 9001.
Who is the standard for?
ISO 9002 is relevant to all organizations, regardless of size, sector or maturity, who are using ISO 9001. In particular it will make ISO 9001 more relevant and simpler to implement for SMEs and the services sector. It will also help top management who need to be more involved than ever before in ISO 9001 implementations.
What does the standard cover?
ISO 9002 covers all the requirements in ISO 9001. It states what the intention of each clause or requirement is and what organizations can do to demonstrate that they are complying. It follows the structure of 9001 clause by clause to help users find what they need easily. It applies to all sectors and sizes of organization who have, or contemplate putting, a 9001 management system in place.
ISO 9002 also offers practical examples of how to apply the requirements in different types of organization, including service industry and small business examples.
It also further explains concepts such as risk-based thinking, the role of top management and the importance of taking your own context into account; as well as how users can meet requirements – and often non-requirements – for documented information in ways that are advantageous to themselves without creating an unnecessary burden.
It is anticipated that the guidance in ISO 9002 will help the transition from the 2008 standard to the 2015 version for existing users as well as encourage those new to ISO 9001 to implement the standard with confidence. It is also hoped that it will reduce the need for smaller businesses to employ a consultant to help them.