The ISO 9001:2000 Transition Process By Neal D. Stiemert As a consultant, trainer and auditor, I have brought many companies through the transition to ISO 9001: 2000. Some companies have a great deal of difficulty with the transition, others transition very easily. Understanding what is needed to transition to the 2000 revision is the most important element. I will share with you some of what you will need to know along with some tips that may help you with your transition. Here is what you need to do: Write a new quality manual to comply with ISO 9001: 2000 (be sure to define your processes and interactions). Revise the appropriate procedures and forms to comply with the new requirements (see list below). Create new documents and forms where appropriate. Review your quality policy - it probably will need to be changed. Set measurable quality objectives for all functional areas. Train your people and internal auditors on ISO 9001: 2000. Conduct internal audits to the new standard. Conduct a management review to the new standard. At a minimum, the following procedures/processes will need revision: Management review Document control Purchasing Internal quality audits Training You will need to define how you do the following: Determine and improve customer satisfaction Set and monitor quality objectives How you attain continual improvement Additional tips: Don't throw out or re-number your current quality system-if it works for you, leave it alone. Your new quality manual should be 16-22 pages long. Procedures should be 1-3 pages long. Use pictures as much as possible - all languages and education levels understand them. Go to a paperless system where possible, you can do all of it with Microsoft Word - there is no need to buy expensive garbageware! Summary: Be certain that you have addressed all required elements of the new standard. Keep the quality system short, simple, easy to maintain and understand so people will use it. Remember, your quality system was created to help you provide consistent quality products and services. If the quality system is not simple, user-friendly and effective, it adds to your costs. Neal Stiemert President Independent Quality Consultants, Inc. About the Author: Neal D. Stiemert is President of Independent Quality Consultants, Inc. and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University school of business. Neal is an ASQ certified quality engineer, a certified lead auditor and has over 23 years of management, auditing, consulting and training experience in the quality profession. Neal has served as an examiner for the Minnesota Quality Award, an SPC instructor at the Purdue University and an officer and committee member in the Chicago and Minnesota sections of ASQ. Neal also conducts registration audits for Smithers Quality Assessments, an RVA and RAB accredited registrar. Comment on this article