Standard

What is ISO 9001?

In 30 seconds

ISO 9001 is the international standard that sets out requirements for a quality management system. It is industry-independent and can be used for certification; industry standards such as IATF 16949 and AS9100 build on it.

How does it work?

  • It is built on the process approach and risk-based thinking.
  • It contains requirements on context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation and improvement.
  • It is certified through audits by accredited certification bodies.

Often confused with

ISO 9001 and ISO 9000

ISO 9001 sets the requirements; ISO 9000 defines the fundamental concepts and vocabulary.

Common mistakes

  • Treating the certificate as the goal and not checking whether the requirements live in daily work.
  • Looking for preventive action as a separate clause; the current edition addresses it through risk-based thinking.

From a QWorks perspective

QWorks supports running the corrective action, evidence and traceability ISO 9001 expects in daily operation; it does not provide certification.

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