BDC provides guidance for ISO 9001:2015 transition

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has released information to assist Canadian businesses in transitioning from the ISO 9001:2008 quality management system standard to its updated version, ISO 9001:2015.

The new standard, published in September 2015, requires certified companies to align their operations within three years or risk losing their certification. BDC emphasizes that this transition requires significant time and resources, urging businesses to begin planning promptly.

Isabelle Ledoux, a business advisor at BDC, highlights the importance of early preparation. "Don't wait," Ledoux advises. "Adapting to the new standard requires time for both planning and execution." While the transition may involve costs, BDC frames these as an investment in improving customer service, production, and competitiveness.

BDC outlines a six-step preparation process. This includes obtaining the standard, conducting a gap analysis between current practices and the new requirements, developing a revised quality management plan, and training staff on new procedures. Companies are also advised to perform an internal audit to ensure readiness before undergoing an external certification audit.

The final step involves selecting an accredited registrar for an on-site external audit. Certification is typically granted about a month after a successful audit. BDC reminds businesses that the three-year transition period concludes in September 2018.