How to conduct a smooth ISO 9001 transition

You may have found this blog because your business is ISO 9001:2008 certified, and you want to make a smooth transition to the new and improved standard. If this is the case – we’ve got some good news and some bad news.

The bad news is that the deadline for transitioning to ISO 9001:2015 from ISO 9001:2008 passed in September 2018. This means your certificate is no longer valid and may impact your internal efficiency and ability to effectively service your clients.

The good news is that you’ve got a head start, as you’ll likely be familiar with the certification process. Whatever your situation, here are five simple steps to getting re-certified to ISO 9001:2015.

Step 1 – Gather information about the standard

Contact your ISO consultancy firm (or IMSM) to understand the changes that need to be made to your current system and the timeline for re-certification. You can also buy a copy of the standard, which will cost around £100, or read about ISO 9001:2015 by visiting iso.org or downloading copies of the requirements (which will also incur a cost).

Step 2 – Familiarise yourself with the standard

Before transitioning from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015, you should ask yourself the following questions:

1. What does it look like?

a) The structure of the standard has changed to Annex XL, making up a ten-clause framework. This makes it easier for your company to implement multiple standards.

2. What are the differences?

a) This will help you work out how much your systems’ processes need to adapt to the new changes.

3. What are the requirements?

a) You will also need to identify specifics that crop up in the new standard.

4. What do I need to do?

a) You must commit to re-certification and organise a stakeholder meeting to outline your business’ new collective goals. You will also need to decide whether you intend to audit the business yourselves or if you need to make an appointment with a consultant.

Step 3 – Evaluation gap analysis

A thorough gap analysis is a necessary step in transitioning. It’s useful to help you identify what will differ between ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2015. From here, you’ll be able to map out what needs to be achieved and how this will be done. Here, existing documentation comes in handy as it will pinpoint your organisation’s current level of compliance.

This is where a consultancy like IMSM can make a big impact, as our auditors will guide you through the process, making it less complicated and kick-starting a smooth transition between ISOs. Our auditors will help you conduct your gap analysis, make a plan for transition and assess your progress.

Step 4 – Making a plan

Your next challenge will involve making a plan. Here’s an example of some of the steps you could identify in your plan:

• Improve your systems
• Review and update processes, policies and procedures
• Block out time for staff training and awareness of changes
• Draw out new positions of responsibility
• Update documentation

Step 5 – Assessment and internal reviews

The final step involves employing a third-party certification body to conduct an audit that, if successful, will lead to your business becoming ISO 9001:2015 certified.

Now you know everything you need to know about transitioning to the new standard, you may find this free guide useful.