Here we are in 2010 and the most recent changes to ISO 9001 have been minimal, largely cosmetic and very under-whelming. Conversely, the changes to the guidance document (ISO 9004) are significant, addressing high impact subjects, so has it been lost on someone’s hard drive for the last nine years?

Seriously, while the new Standard disappoints me, I take some reassurance from the companion document.  It encourages organizations to develop management systems that tie in and meet quality, financial and strategic objectives making truly effective and sustain improvement.