Annex SL and Characteristics of ISO 9001:2015

Following the publication of Annex SL, ISO Technical Committee 176 - responsible for the publication and updating of ISO 9001 - conducted extensive research aimed at developing an update to the quality management system standard.

The result of this data collection indicated that, although there was still significant satisfaction with the 2008 version of the standard, most people felt that, in order to keep ISO 9001 relevant and capable of reflecting the changes taking place worldwide in the field of business, the standard should be updated to:

1. take into account the changes in quality management system practices and technology that have occurred since the last substantial revision of the standard in 2000;
2. reflect the changes occurring in the environments in which many organizations operate, which are becoming increasingly complex, demanding, and dynamic;
3. improve compatibility and alignment with other ISO management system standards;
4. emphasize the importance of leadership in setting a culture of quality;
5. introduce risk and opportunity management

All this, of course, while continuing to:

1. remain generic so that it can be adopted by organizations of all sizes and types, regardless of whether they design, manufacture, provide products, etc.
2. maintain the focus on effective process management to produce at low cost and with acceptable final results;
3. facilitate effective conformity assessment during first, second, and third-party audits;
4. use simple language and writing style suitable to promote consistent understanding and interpretation of its requirements
5. provide a core set of stable requirements that could adapt to the next ten years or more

ISO 9001:2015 therefore not only supports the development of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction but also allows an organization to:

• increase profits – thanks to the reduction of waste and errors;
• increase sales – by acquiring new customers and reducing lost orders;
• increase management effectiveness – thanks to the reduction of time wasted;
• increase business prospects – opening the doors of those organizations that only want to relate to ISO 9001:2015 certified suppliers

By demonstrating compliance with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, organizations actively publicize their commitment to quality and, in so doing, highlight why potential customers could rely on the organization's products and services.

The 2015 version of the standard helps maintain consistency in aligning different management system standards, comparing sub-clauses with the higher-level structure, and applying a common language to all standards such as those relating to the environment or the health and safety of workers.

By adopting ISO 9001:2015, organizations will find it easier to incorporate their quality management system into core business processes and achieve greater benefits.

ISO 9001:2015, moreover, has:

• brought quality and continuous improvement to the center of every business;
• emphasized the importance of top management's work in designing, implementing, and continuously improving a quality system;
• introduced risk and opportunity management;
• introduced a new integrated approach to management system standards, forming the basis for all generic management systems