ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-governmental international organization that develops and publishes standards. In the realm of quality management, ISO has developed a series of standards known as ISO 9000 family. This article aims to demystify the differences between three highly popular standards within ISO 9000 family - ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9002.
ISO 9000: Quality Management Fundamentals
ISO 9000 is the foundational standard in the ISO 9000 family. It provides an of the key principles and concepts involved in quality management. ISO 9000 lays down a set of generic guidelines that organizations can use to develop their own quality management systems. It does not provide specific requirements for certification, but rather serves as a reference document. The standards that do provide certification requirements are ISO 9001 and ISO 9002.
ISO 9001: Quality Management System Requirements
ISO 9001 is the most widely recognized standard in the ISO 9000 family. It specifies the criteria for a quality management system that organizations must meet in order to obtain ISO 9001 certification. ISO 9001 sets out requirements in areas such as customer focus, leadership, process management, continual improvement, and evidence-based decision making. Organizations that comply with ISO 9001 demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer needs and regulatory requirements.
ISO 9002: Quality Management System Guidelines for Production and Installation
ISO 9002 is a standard that focuses specifically on the production and installation aspects of quality management. It outlines the requirements for organizations involved in manufacturing or installation processes. ISO 9002 provides guidance for ensuring that products and services consistently meet customer requirements during production and installation activities. While ISO 9001 covers a broader range of quality management aspects, ISO 9002 narrows its scope to these specific stages of the process.
In conclusion, ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9002 are all important standards within the ISO 9000 family. ISO 9000 provides the fundamental concepts and principles, ISO 9001 specifies the requirements for a comprehensive quality management system, and ISO 9002 focuses on guidelines for production and installation. Organizations can use these standards as a framework to enhance their quality management practices and ensure customer satisfaction.
Nina She