ISO 9002 was a widely recognized international standard for quality management systems. It was first introduced in 1987 as part of the ISO 9000 series, along with ISO 9001 and ISO 9003. ISO 9002 specifically focused on the production and installation aspects of organizations, providing guidelines for establishing and maintaining effective quality assurance processes.
The evolution of ISO 9000 series
In the early years, ISO 9002 played a significant role in helping organizations improve their quality management practices. However, as technology advanced and global business environments became more dynamic, it became evident that ISO 9002 needed to evolve to remain relevant. This led to the development of the ISO 9001 standard, which integrated the best elements of ISO 9002 and ISO 9003, providing a more comprehensive approach to quality management.
The transition from ISO 9002 to ISO 9001
The transition process from ISO 9002 to ISO 9001 began in the late 1990s. Organizations were encouraged to upgrade their quality management systems to align with the new standard. ISO 9002 certification holders were given a grace period to comply with the requirements of ISO 9001. During this time, they had to undergo a series of audits and assessments to ensure a smooth transition.
ISO 9002 becomes obsolete
By the early 2000s, ISO 9002 officially became obsolete. Organizations could no longer pursue ISO 9002 certification, and all existing ISO 9002 certificates were phased out. ISO 9001 became the primary standard for quality management systems worldwide. This change reflected the industry's recognition of the need for a more holistic approach to quality management that encompassed all aspects of an organization's operations.