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A management review for ISO 9001 is a critical process that makes sure an organisation’s Quality Management System (QMS) remains effective and relevant. Conducted by top management, this review is more than just a compliance requirement — it’s an opportunity to assess the overall health of the QMS, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to drive continuous improvement.
Purpose of a management review
The main purpose of an ISO 9001 management review is to evaluate the QMS to make sure it is still suitable for the organisation and effective in its aims. It involves a thorough analysis of inputs, such as audit results, customer feedback and more. The review helps to identify opportunities for improvement, making sure that the QMS adapts to changes and remains aligned with business goals.
Inputs for management reviews
According to ISO 9001:2015, certain inputs are mandatory for a management review. These include:
- Audit results: Internal and external audit findings provide insights into the QMS’s effectiveness. These results highlight areas that need attention and help management understand how well the QMS is performing.
- Customer feedback: Customer satisfaction is a key indicator of QMS performance. Feedback, both positive and negative, should be reviewed to identify trends, address complaints, and improve customer relations.
- Process performance and product conformity: This involves reviewing key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess how well processes are running and whether products meet specified requirements.
- Resource adequacy: Ensuring that the necessary resources, including personnel, infrastructure, and environment, are in place to support the QMS effectively.
- Risk and opportunities: Reviewing risks and opportunities helps in adapting the QMS to changes in the internal and external environment, keeping organisations prepared for potential challenges.
- Follow-up actions: Reviewing the effectiveness of actions taken in response to previous management reviews and audits ensures continuous improvement.
Outputs of a management review
The outputs of the management review are as important as the inputs. They usually include:
- Decisions on improvement opportunities: Based on the review, managers may decide to implement changes to better the QMS. This could involve revising processes, reallocating resources, or setting new objectives.
- Updates to quality objectives: The review might lead to changes in the organisation’s quality objectives to ensure they remain relevant and achievable.
- Resource allocation: Decisions on whether additional resources are needed to address identified issues or opportunities.
- Risk management adjustments: Any necessary updates to risk management strategies based on new insights gained during the review.
ISO 9001 management review best practices
To make the most of a management review, businesses should focus on:
- Regular reviews: Conducting reviews at planned intervals to keep the QMS aligned with the business goals.
- Engagement: Involving key stakeholders in the review process to gain perspectives and make sure that decisions are well-informed.
- Documentation: Keeping detailed records of the review process, decisions made, and actions taken to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Continuous improvement: Using the management review as a tool for driving continuous improvement, not just for compliance.
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If you’re not yet certified, don’t worry! You can join us on a journey to ISO 9001 certification, and we’ll help you every step of the way. We can even help you create your quality management system and support you to meet the ISO 9001 Standard.
Want to understand ISO 9001 more? Read our guide to ISO 9001 in the workplace if you’d like some more information on the standard. Contact us today to speak to a member of our team!
