An implementation project will typically take about 12 months, but ranges from 6-18 months. You will need a minimum of three months of records to show your registrar. Plan your registration audit no less than three months after your "live" date.

Factors that affect the timeline include:

• Size and complexity of the organization
• How much existing documentation is available
• Amount of resources available for the project
• Amount of ISO expertise available

Starting with a gap analysis performed internally or externally will help give you a handle on the correct timeline for your implementation.

Plan on developing a timeline for your project. A typical timeline may look like this:

Who Should Be Involved?