Implementing ISO 9001:2015 Standard for Document Management in a Company

Document Automation · January 30, 2023 · 3 min read

ISO 9001:2015 certificates

ISO 9001:2015 is an international standard that sets requirements for quality management systems (QMS) in organizations. It provides a framework for establishing a quality management system and ensuring customer satisfaction.

One of the key requirements of ISO 9001:2015 is document control. Document control ensures that all documents are up-to-date, accurate, and easily accessible to employees. This involves creating, updating, and controlling all relevant documents for the QMS, including procedures, work instructions, and forms. The standard also requires that organizations retain historical records of all QMS documents to demonstrate their continued compliance with the standard over time.

To implement ISO 9001:2015 standard for document management in a company, the following steps can be followed:

  1. Develop a document control policy: This should outline the purpose, scope, and responsibilities for document management in the company.

  2. Establish a document control procedure: This procedure should detail the process for creating, updating, reviewing, approving, and distributing documents, including how they are stored and retrieved.

  3. Create a document control system: This system can be manual or electronic and should be designed to manage all documents related to the QMS, including procedures, work instructions, forms, and records.

  4. Train employees: Employees should be trained on the importance of document control, the procedures for creating, updating, and controlling documents, and their responsibilities for document management.

  5. Assign document control responsibilities: Assign specific individuals or teams within the company to be responsible for document management, including the creation, updating, and distribution of documents.

  6. Implement document control processes: Ensure that all processes for creating, updating, and controlling documents are properly followed and that all documents are updated and approved in a timely manner.

  7. Monitor and review document control processes: Regularly monitor and review document control processes to ensure they are effective and that all relevant documents are up-to-date and accurate.

  8. Maintain historical records: Maintain historical records of all QMS documents to demonstrate the company's continued compliance with the ISO 9001:2015 standard over time.

By following these steps, a company can effectively implement ISO 9001:2015 standard for document management and ensure the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of its QMS documents. Implementing ISO 9001:2015 for document management is an investment in the long-term success of a company and its QMS.

To get started implementing document management your company can use SharePoint. Already included in your Office 365 subscription it provides document libraries, version control, user permissions, and customizable templates to help you manage documents effectively.

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