ISO 9001:2015 "6.3 Planning of Changes" Condition

 ISO 9001 is a well-known standard that is used to establish the QMS. Its goal is to improve processes as well as increase customer satisfaction. The year 2015 saw a brand-new version that brought modifications from the previous version released in 2008.

Every standard must be reviewed to ensure that the best practices are in line with the latest global trends. In the article, we'll examine the "6.3 Planning of changes" requirement "6.3 Planning of changes" rule, a "new" condition that emerged in the revision to 2015 of ISO 9001.

"6.3 Planning of changes"

To understand the ISO 9001 Certification Pakistan recommendations, We will examine the start in item 6.3 and the things we can learn from it. First, we must realize that changes should be planned appropriately. Each company and its employees should offer suggestions and ideas to improve their performance; it's the reality!

But, these concepts are best implemented in a well-planned manner. Understanding the various points and analyzing whether they are needed are just a few things we must think about.

While it is important to organize these changes and plan them out, they should also be a systematic process. That means that businesses should be organized and follow guidelines and a logic of execution that doesn't harm other areas within the organization which isn't involved in the potential change.

Item 6.3 also contains four areas that suggest that institutions should consider suggestions. They aid in understanding what an organization needs to consider before making any adjustments to the management process.

 

• the intent behind the changes and their possible implications; the integrity of the Quality Management System
• the available resources
• the assignment or reallocation of responsibilities as well as authority.

Let's take a deeper look at each detail by detail. For this, let's look at a simple illustration:

I run one small company that has ten employees. We make MDF furniture (plywood material). Every professional is in a specific area, producing pieces of furniture in chips until they're completed.

In response to the new demand from customers, I am considering producing furniture using different types of wood, Pinus. I will require new workers and locate the correct area within my company.

Also, it will be to build a new production line that uses an alternative raw material.

The reason for the changes and the potential effects.

The business must know why the change is needed and the reason for changing specific methods, procedures, or products. If the need is there to change something, then you must understand the consequences of the change.

Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the effects of changes that can result. There will always be positives and negatives, and the company must be able to control these. Management is about maximizing the positives while absorbing the negatives minimally with the most negligible impact!

Based on the above example, some questions can help us comprehend and prepare for the changes! Let's examine these questions and try to answer them using our scenario.

• What's my reason for changing?

Expanded my company and collaborated with different types of materials to meet the market's needs.

• What are the possible changes this could bring about?
• The need to create an area in my layout to manufacture the components and accommodate new employees
• We must hire new experts who can work with this kind of material and also who can manage the new site;
• We must look to find new sources of supply.
• What kind of consequences could the change have?

One possibility is that we must ensure the same high-quality standards for the new furniture.

The reliability of the system for quality control

It is helpful to analyze how changes may influence the management process. Because, in every company, there are rules, standards, and guidelines which must be adhered to.

The modifications to processes should be made only after having a thorough understanding of how the system can be adapted to the new changes. The changes could negatively impact other operations and actions.

At this stage, when planning is underway, the business must evaluate the potential effects that could be triggered by the growth in staff, new spaces, materials, and the level of customer satisfaction. How will the new production line alter the previous one?

The accessibility of resources

First, you must determine whether your company has the resources to initiate and propose modifications.

The resources include money for employees, equipment, raw materials, and other essential things. Every change must be planned to ensure that it is efficiently completed.

As we have seen at the start, companies must thoroughly plan for the new costs of products and experts, the supply of raw materials, and the space required for the new projects.

The assignment and reallocation of authority and responsibilities

In light of our historical background starting from the beginning, we must assign new employees to manage production and management. Each person is expected to be accountable for further tasks and must be able to define their roles clearly. With this, it becomes easier to carry out their duties.

When we talk about authorities, we mean individuals' power to fulfill their duties. For instance, when determining the material used for the production (MDF or pine), an experienced professional can select the machinery needed to make furniture.

Implementing the "6.3 Planning of Changes" requirements within your management system is vital.

It is crucial to implement the requirements so that any changes to your quality control system result in efficient solutions while avoiding adverse outcomes. Requirement 6.3 can help guide this process and aid the company in adopting the best practices, which will bring about more substantial adjustments.