Your organization should carefully plan its registration/certification transition to ISO 9001:2000. Share a timetable with everyone involved, including top management, whose role is emphasized by the new standard. Use the following information to streamline your process.

When preparing your implementation timetable, share the requirements with staff, management, and operations personnel. Include the following information.

• Why the standard is being revised
• The new process approach
• The new format
• Increased focus on the customer and on continual improvement
• New emphasis on the use of statistical measurement

When the International Standard ISO 9001:2000 is issued, you will have 3 years from the date of issue to be compliant. Organizations may choose to continue or even seek new certification to the 1994 version of ISO 9001, ISO 9002 and ISO 9003, though most experts recommend adopting the new standard. Contact your registrar to determine your transition schedule, and to clarify or interpret new standard.

The cost of implementing the changes to meet the new requirements of ISO 9001:2000 will vary from one organization to another. Cost will depend how completely the present quality system is implemented, the size and complexity of the company, and the commitment of top management.

Basic Plan for Transitioning to the New Standard

1. Order the new standard. In the U.S. order online from the American Society for Quality.
2. Train staff on the new standard.
3. Perform Gap Analysis against the new standard.
4. Put current documents onto table of contents using 9001:2000.
5. Begin process map.
6. Determine what documents need to be added.