ISO Management Systems
July - August 2009

MSS - The essence

Special report

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The essence of ISO management system standards

What makes ISO 9001 such an effective management tool ? The authors, key members of ISO/TC 176, Quality management and quality assurance, outline the reasons for its success as the world’s most widely implemented management system standard, and draw comparisons with other fast-evolving management system standards.

A tool to support global business

From roots in the everyday values of good practice and common sense, to the ability to help businesses meet the challenges of globalization, management system standards have amply proved their worth – but must evolve for their success to continue.

Viewpoint

ISO management system standards – a planetary success
Rob Steele, ISO Secretary-General since 1 January 2009, writes : “ISO management system standards (MSS) were launched with the ISO 9000 series for quality management 22 years ago – and they are now more relevant than ever.”

ISO Insider

• Extensive debate improves consensus on future ISO 26000 standard on social responsibility
  Consensus was achieved among the multi-stakeholder participants in the ISO Working Group on Social Responsibility (ISO/WG SR) at its latest meeting on the way forward for the future ISO 26000 standard
• Brainstorming on future ISO 9001
• New ISO/IEC standard gives overview of information security management systems

International

• French Gendarmerie’s forensic science institute achieves ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation
  Although the French Gendarmerie’s forensic science institute (IRCGN) already benefited from recognition as a competent body in its field, it took up the challenge of seeking accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, as further validation of its capabilities and high level of service.
• Financial sector turns to quality and risk management standards in current crisis
  In the midst of the worst financial crisis since The Great Depression, every surviving financial services firm is focusing on risk management in order to avoid another wave of disastrous losses. Quality and information security management systems are helping them improve their “risk profile” and bottom line results.
• Argentina develops ISO 9001 interpretation guide for R+D+I
• PAS 2020 helps direct marketing sector to improve environmental performance
• Spanish survey reveals motivations, obstacles and benefits of OHSAS 18001 certification