LPG, QMS & EMS News and Resources

Upcoming Revision of the ISO 9001 QMS Standard *********  The upcoming revision of the ISO 9001 QMS standard is expected to emphasize digital transformation. It aims to integrate technology and data analysis into quality management systems while strengthening sustainability, risk-based thinking, stakeholder engagement, and supply chain management.   Key anticipated changes in ISO 9001 QMS may include the following:   (1) Digitalization and Industry 4.0: Increased focus on leveraging digital tools, automation, data analysis, and information security to enhance quality management.   (2) Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility: Integrating environmental considerations into quality management processes, including practices to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable business operations.   (3) Enhanced Risk Management: Further development of risk-based thinking, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues across the organization.   (4) Stronger Stakeholder Focus: Greater emphasis on understanding and addressing customer needs, employee engagement, and broader stakeholder expectations.   (5) Supply Chain Management: More rigorous evaluation of suppliers and managing supply chain risks to ensure resilience.   (6) Ethics and Integrity: Integrating ethical considerations and leadership practices within quality management systems.   Key Focus Areas: In addition to the anticipated changes as mentioned above, the revision may also address:   Quality Culture: Fostering a culture that supports quality objectives and continuous improvement.   Customer Experience: Expanding the focus from customer satisfaction to the broader customer experience.   Additional key points to note:   Timeline: The revised ISO 9001 standard is scheduled for publication in September 2026.   Alignment with Other Standards: The revision aims to harmonize ISO 9001 more closely with other management system standards, such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), to facilitate integrated management systems.   Impact on organizations: Certified organizations will need to update their quality management systems to comply with the revised standard. Based on past practice, organizations currently certified under ISO 9001:2015 will likely have a three-year transition period from the publication date to implement the new requirements.   The above information aligns with current expectations for the ISO 9001:2026 revision. The revision process commenced in late 2023. The ISO/TC 176 Working Group 29 (WG 29) initiated the update to review existing requirements, consider emerging trends such as new technologies, and align ISO 9001 with updates to ISO 9000, which covers fundamentals and vocabulary.   A Working Draft (WD) was circulated in December 2023 to over 80 experts from 46 countries for review. Subsequent meetings, including one in February 2024, have been held to evaluate inputs and progress the draft. The development process includes multiple stages, with the current focus on finalizing the content of the Second Committee Draft (CD2).   As of February 2025, the revision remains in the Committee Draft (CD) stage. The project timeline has been extended to 36 months to accommodate thorough review and consensus-building. The publication of the revised ISO 9001 standard is now planned for September 2026.   To ensure a smooth transition, organizations should stay updated through official ISO communications and actively engage with industry experts. The information provided in this write-up has been compiled from various sources.    Regards, Keshav Ram Singhal Sources: thecoresolution.com, theauditoronline.com, committee.iso.org, 9001simplified.com

Lean ISO Management System ********** "Lean ISO Management System" is a concept that integrates Lean principles with ISO management system standards to create a more efficient, streamlined, and value-driven approach to quality, safety, environmental, or other management systems. It focuses on reducing waste, improving processes, and maximizing customer value while ensuring compliance with ISO standards. The objective of the Lean philosophy is the elimination of waste in processes. There are many examples of Lean tools (such as 5S, Kanban, or Value Stream Mapping, etc.) in manufacturing that showed an increase in productivity and significant cost reduction.     Key Elements of a ‘Lean ISO Management System’   1.   Lean Principles Applied to ISO standards   o   Elimination of Waste: Removing non-value-added activities in documentation, audits, reporting, and processes.   o   Continual Improvement (Kaizen): Enhancing the processes regularly rather than just during audits.   o   Process Efficiency: Simplifying procedures, reducing bureaucracy, and using value stream mapping.   o   Standardization: Creating simple, effective, and user-friendly documentation and workflows.   2.   Integration with ISO Standards   o   Can be applied to ISO 9001:2015 QMS, ISO 14001:2015 EMS, ISO 45001:2018 OHSM, ISO 27001:2022 ISMS, and other management system standards.   o   Ensures that compliance requirements do not create unnecessary complexity but add value to the organization.   3.   Benefits of a ‘Lean ISO Management System’   o   Reduces excessive documentation and bureaucracy.   o   Increases employee engagement and efficiency.   o   Enhances customer satisfaction by improving value delivery.   o   Improves audit readiness and overall system effectiveness.   o   Saves time and cost by removing inefficiencies.   o   Simplifies implementation and adoption.   Lean ISO Management System approach is useful for organizations looking to maintain certification to ISO standards without unnecessary administrative burdens while focusing on continual improvement and customer value.   Regards, Keshav Ram Singhal

In Short - Quality Management***********Quality management is a systematic framework of coordinated activities adopted to direct and control the quality of a product or service. Quality refers to the extent to which a product or service’s inherent characteristics meet specified expectations.Quality management primarily consists of three key components: Quality Planning, Quality Assurance, and Quality Control.Quality Planning – Defines quality standards and procedures to achieve the desired quality level.Quality Assurance – Ensures adherence to planned standards and procedures, thereby maintaining consistency.Quality Control – Examines the final product or service to verify compliance with established standards and expectations.Quality management follows the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle:P (Plan) – Quality Planning: Establishes acceptance criteria and procedures.D (Do) – Quality Assurance: Implements the defined procedures.C (Check) – Quality Control: Evaluates the implementation.A (Act) – Corrective and Preventive Action: Implements necessary improvements based on the results.Thus, quality management enables organizations to uphold high standards and drive continual improvement.Regards,Keshav Ram Singhal

Quality*******Quality is not just a standard, a certificate or a destination. It is a continuous journey that leads to continual improvement and excellence. When we value quality in a product or service, we focus on adopting the latest thinking, technology and better processes.The world is evolving rapidly, bringing constant change. It is necessary to change our thinking with time, otherwise we will lag behind others.Customer satisfaction is very important, because we depend on it and the customer can be satisfied only with excellent products and services. Today's era is an era of competition. Progress is possible only through quality-driven innovation. Quality not only ensures customer satisfaction but also gives organizations a competitive edge. High quality products and services strengthen the brand reputation and ensure long-term success. To move forward, consider the following suggestions:(1) Move beyond traditional approaches, think differently, and embrace innovation.  (2) Make your team aware and motivated towards quality. Quality is the responsibility of everyone, not of a few people. Sow the seeds of quality culture among team members. Quality is not just the responsibility of management, but the participation of every employee is necessary. The team should be empowered through training and skill development.(3) Use technology correctly and effectively. Improve quality with digital tools, automation and data analysis.(4) Improve your methods (processes) by paying special attention to continual improvement. In today's competitive world, organizations need to be agile, so that they can work in accordance with the rapidly changing market and customer demands. Continual improvement can be ensured by adopting the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle.(5) Organizations should adopt Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015 etc.) which enhances transparency and efficiency in processes. Implement Quality Audit and Feedback System regularly.Quality does not happen by chance; it results from a well-planned strategy, continuous effort, and unwavering commitment. When we embrace innovative thinking, refine processes, and prioritize customer satisfaction, we not only stay ahead in the competition but also progress towards excellence. The journey of quality is unending, and continual improvement remains the key to sustained success.Regards,Keshav Ram Singhal Symbolic picture of 'Quality' - Courtesy NightCafe

Free Kindle Book Deal - "Implementing An Effective Quality Management System"**Free Kindle Book Deal for "Implementing An Effective Quality Management System" is available from 28 January to 01 February 2025.A kindle book that makes an understanding of implementing an effective quality management system.Target readers: Quality professionals, QMS auditors, Top management leaders of organizations, persons involved in QMS implementation, Persons wish to know QMS implementationYou may get your copy of the Kindle Book free of cost during the abovementioned period. Please read and submit your review / rating at Amazon website. Regards,Keshav Ram Singhal