Last month, we examined the supply chain. The management of this complex system is a daunting task. That’s why, with this month’s column, we will move the discussion from the system to the standard—specifically, the quality management standard, ISO 9001:2015. While companies have until 2018 to transition to the revision, now is a good time to review the standard and the organization that oversees it.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)* is an independent, nongovernmental organization that oversees the drafting of ISO 9001 and many other international standards. ISO, through its 164 member organizations, brings together experts “to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.” Since 1946 (the same year ASQ incorporated in New York state), ISO has published 21,532 International Standards and related documents, covering almost every industry, including technology, food safety, agriculture, and healthcare. ISO International Standards impact everyone, everywhere.