Does ISO 9002 still exist?

In the world of quality management systems, ISO 9002 has been a widely recognized standard for many years. However, as time progresses and organizations strive to improve their processes, it is important to question whether ISO 9002 still holds relevance in today's business landscape.

The evolution of ISO standards

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) periodically reviews and updates its standards to ensure they remain effective and meet the evolving needs of industries. ISO 9002, which focused on quality management for production and installation, was part of the ISO 9000 family of standards that were first published in 1987.

In 2000, ISO 9002 along with ISO 9001 and ISO 9003 were combined and revised to create ISO 9001:2000. This new version provided a more holistic approach to quality management by emphasizing customer satisfaction, process improvement, and a risk-based methodology.

Transitioning to ISO 9001:2015

In 2015, the latest revision of ISO 9001 was released, named ISO 9001:2015. This new version further emphasizes a process-based approach to quality management and places a greater focus on risk assessment and mitigation. With the release of ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9002 was officially phased out.

Organizations that were previously certified under ISO 9002 were given a three-year transition period to migrate to ISO 9001:2015. During this period, organizations had to review and update their quality management systems to meet the requirements of the new standard.

The benefits of ISO 9001:2015

ISO 9001:2015 offers several benefits over its predecessor, ISO 9002, and remains a relevant and widely embraced standard today. It provides organizations with a framework for demonstrating their commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and continual improvement.

By implementing ISO 9001:2015, organizations can enhance their operational efficiency, reduce risks, and improve overall performance. The standard encourages a proactive approach to identifying and addressing process inefficiencies, thus driving better business outcomes.

In conclusion

ISO 9002, once an important quality management standard, no longer exists in its original form. However, it has evolved into the more comprehensive and robust ISO 9001:2015. This newer standard continues to be widely recognized and implemented by organizations worldwide, helping them achieve higher levels of quality and success.