isoThe new standard

ISO 9001:2000 is the single standard which has replaced the 1994 versions of ISO 9001, ISO 9002 and ISO 9003. The new standard defines the requirements for a quality management system based on "the process model" and is aimed at achieving customer satisfaction and continual improvement in performance.

Far from being a mere technical initiative, the new ISO standard provides organizations with a genuine opportunity to develop a quality management system that is integral to their operation. If applied correctly, ISO 9001:2000 provides the platform for a truly excellent organization.

ISO 9001:2000 is based around the following eight fundamental principles which
management experts agree are the "bedrock" of an excellent operation.

Customer focus – organizations depend on their customers, and therefore need to shape activities around the fulfillment of customer and market need

Leadership – is needed to provide unity of purpose and direction within the organization

Involvement of people – creates an environment where people become fully involved in achieving the organization’s objectives

Process approach – to achieve organizational objectives, resources and activities need to be managed as processes, with an understanding of how the outputs of one process affect the inputs to another

System approach to management – the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization depends upon a systemized approach to work activities

Continual improvement - adopting this as a part of everyday culture is a key objective for an organization. One can never stand still.

Fact based decision-making – effective decisions are based on the logical and intuitive analysis of data and factual information

Mutually beneficial supplier relationships – such relationships will enhance the ability to create value.
More than half a million organizations in more 60 countries are implementing ISO 9000. In the long term it is predicted that this will significantly increase as organizations realize the significant benefits that ISO 9001:2000 can bring.