The goal of these first standards is to ensure that your QMS applies directly to your organization as it currently stands. The standards demand that you align your objectives with the scope of the QMS (go back to Clause 1 for a refresher on scope). Before you create any documents or identify any changes, you need to start with alignment. Don’t skip these just because there aren’t any boxes to tick: Clause 1 Scope provides a helpful introduction to what your QMS should be and Clauses 2 and 3 cover fundamental terminology and concepts. Expect to use the Act phase as a diving board to get right back into the Plan phase again.Ĭlauses 1-3 provide the introduction to the requirements, which appear from Clause 4 onwards. The ISO 9001:2015 requirements aren’t just concerned with standardization. You should also remember that the Act part of the cycle is just as important as the Plan phase. If your earlier plans aren’t up to scratch, you’ll have a difficult time completing the rest of the requirements. Act to improve the system and process performance, where possibleįollowing the cycle isn’t just a recommendation: it’s necessary for completing the requirements in good time and efficiently.Īs you reach clauses 7 and 8, you’ll find that you need to refer back to earlier plans and work.Check the processes (and products and services) against your policies and objectives through monitoring and measurement systems.Plan the objectives of the system and processes as well as resources needed.It works because it evolved from the scientific method and it’s connected to the Deming-Shewhart cycles. The PDCA is a management tool, but it’s not the type suggested by an MBA with no experience on the ground. Introduction: Clauses 1-3 and Plan-Do-Check-ActĪs you complete the requirements for ISO 9001:2015 certification, you’ll follow what’s called the PDCA Cycle or Plan-Do-Check-Act.

Introduction: Clauses 1-3 and Plan-Do-Check-Act.

Iso 9001 2015