Question
ISO 9001: 2015 has a 3 year implementation period. I recertified in 2014 and need to recertify in 2017. At this point I have a little under one year to transition instead of the 3 years identified. What alternatives are there that I might take advantage of so I have a longer transition period? My 3rd party registrar has been no help.
Answer
I would suggest that this individual approach their registrar/auditor and reason with them. I have heard of 3rd party auditors who are willing to help organizations with their transitions in numerous ways, including finding a comfortable way to transition without losing investment made in the current standard.
Second, the requirement to transition over to the new standard is not demanding that people wait until their current certificate runs out. This company can begin a gradual transition right away. Stretching it over a couple years gives a company plenty of time to ‘learn’ and transition. Therefore, 2017 would be a possible time for a smooth change over to the new standard.
Registrars are our helpers; not some strangers lurking in the dark. They should be approachable and willing to help.
Also ASQ, as well as other sources, offer various forms of transition training and information. The new standard can seem a bit intimidating at first glance but once thoroughly examined, it is actually more simple in several areas.
Atychiphobia – a persistent fear of failure can lead us to see stumbling blocks ahead of us. You can turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones with some support from your registrar and a positive attitude.
Bud Salsbury, CQT, CQI
For more on this topic, please visit ASQ’s website.