“The Draft International Standard for ISO 9001 is the first messenger of the new era of quality management.”
Recently, the Draft International Standard (DIS) for ISO 9001 was released, and for diligent quality professionals with their ears to the ground, it’s the first indicator of larger changes slated for the future.
As the most widely adopted standard for quality management systems around the globe, ISO 9001 has a responsibility to grow and change to fit the world around us. While the DIS isn’t the final authoritative set of standards, it gives the clearest current picture of how ISO 9001 is going to look in the years to come.
Wondering what this means for your organization and QMs? We’ve got the key questions you should be asking.
What is the ISO 9001 DIS and why is it important?
The ISO 9001 DIS represents one of the first steps in the long road of publishing a new version of ISO 9001. Right now, we’re in the public viewing stage. Releasing the DIS publicly enables professionals to review and submit feedback for the changes being made. This stage matters because it shows the most likely version of the future standard, allowing organizations to prepare before it becomes mandatory.
Why is ISO 9001 being revised now?
In a concerted effort to keep in stride with new technology and information, the ISO 9001 standard frequently undergoes reviews to make sure its standards stay relevant. The last cumulative update to ISO 9001 occurred in 2015.
It’s irrefutable that the landscape of quality systems and software has changed since then. Specifically, the rise of digital systems, shifting supply chains, and a growing focus on sustainability and resilience have all influenced how quality is managed. These revisions are designed to keep ISO 9001 practical, credible, and aligned with current facilities.
What are the major changes in the ISO 9001 DIS?
The DIS doesn’t do anything akin to throwing out the framework of ISO 9001. Instead, it reinforces certain facets that might have been influenced by new tools or practices. Changes also may reflect more present trends and ideals voiced by professionals; for this revision, elements such as risk and resilience are being given a greater weight. The structure is also being aligned more closely with other ISO standards, such as ISO 13485, the standard used by medical device manufacturers, making it easier for organizations to integrate multiple management systems.
Does the release of the DIS make ISO 9001:2015 invalid?
Short answer: no. ISO 9001:2015 still exists as the current and official standard. The DIS is just a preview of the next version. For now, organizations should continue striving for compliance with ISO 9001:2015, though the importance of a healthy familiarity with the draft cannot be understated.
When will the new version of ISO 9001 take effect?
After our current DIS stage comes to pass, the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) will be published. Following a passing vote, the official version of the new ISO 9001 will then be published. This process can take several years, ensuring quality professionals put their best foot forward when navigating their own systems.
When the new standard is released, organizations will normally be given a transition period to move from the old version to the new one. This process will allow more than a year for organizations to revisit training and make changes. There’s no date set in stone as of right now, but our speculative guess is that the changes would be enforced somewhere within the decade.
How will the ISO 9001 DIS affect quality managers and auditors?
Quality managers and auditors will be among the first group to field questions about the changes reflected in the draft. They’ll ask many of the same questions as you, wanting to figure out how serious the changes are and how much preparation on their end will be required.
Equipping yourself with an understanding of the DIS now will allow you to provide your own answers with authority and start positioning systems for success rather than reacting later.
Who needs to pay attention to the ISO 9001 DIS?
Any company certified to ISO 9001 will be responsible for the transition to the new version of ISO 9001 following its eventual publication. However, the number of adjustments will vary heavily between companies. In any case, awareness now reduces risk later.
Should companies start training on the ISO 9001 DIS now?
Bluntly, Yes. Giving yourself a head start on the DIS isn’t about mindless compliance. It’s diligent preparation. The organizations that learn now will be ahead of the curve when deadlines arrive. Early training helps professionals understand the intent of the changes, anticipate the likely impacts on audits and documentation, and guide their teams with confidence.
At APEX QA, we’re committed to helping professionals achieve their goals both in the present and in the future. We’ve already had our instructors carefully review the DIS to provide top-notch instruction to anyone who walks into the classroom. Future-proofing your brain and system is the best way to navigate changes before they come.
For third-party auditors, training now will undoubtedly give you a leg up on the competition when it comes to finding contracts.
Final Thoughts
The Draft International Standard for ISO 9001 is the first messenger of the new era of quality management. The organizations that study today have a head start tomorrow. Quality professionals seeking training now will be ready to lead transitions with clarity, while those who wait will be left catching up.
Now is the time to get back in the classroom and prepare for the future of ISO 9001.
