Many registrars are encouraging organizations to upgrade to the revisions as quickly as possible. Much of the upgrading process will be coordinated with the surveillance visits for companies that are already registered. The upgrades will not require organizations to have a complete systems audit, but rather an audit to review whether the modified or new requirements have been incorporated into the existing quality management system. Organizations already registered will be able to renew their 1994 certificates as they make the transition. Organizations pursuing registration will have the option of becoming registered to either the 1994 or 2000 versions during this three-year timeframe.
Most registrars are in the process of contacting their customers with detailed timing information.
If an organization has not heard from its registrar on this issue, it should contact the registrar as soon as possible. In a nutshell The standards are well on their way to release. Organizations should become as familiar with the changes as possible and not delay the process of upgrading their systems. According to feedback from registered companies, the most challenging areas for organizations will be establishing measurements, incorporating a process approach for business management, moving away from compliance-based thinking and gaining top management's involvement. Careful planning and successful execution will be critical in achieving compliance to the new requirements as well as positioning the organization for continual improvement.