As we bring the “Year of Quality” to a close, we would like to reflect on the flurry of activity that has occurred in ICT quality and quality management in general.  We’ve been finalizing our own strategic planning for the new business year and we’re fresh off of the QuEST Forum Leadership Council and Work Group Meetings in November.

The latest revision of ISO 9001, ISO 9001:2015 is going to set the stage for quality in general.  As you probably know, the revision was published in September and organizations have 3 years to upgrade their ISO 9001:2008 QMS to the latest revision.  In addition, ISO 14001:2015 was published and many more ISO based standards ready to update in 2016, are in the queue to align with the latest revision (AS 9100, OHSAS 18001 shifting to ISO 45001, etc.).  Just refer to the Annex SL directives with the latest revision.

With regard to TL 9000, it too is set to upgrade in September 2016 with R6.0.  While we see alignment with ISO 9001:2015, we also know that sustainability and other ICT specific quality drivers will be in the mix.  We suggest that our ICT clients certified to ISO 9001 and TL 9000, wait until after September of 2016 before making any big decisions.  We can then suggest how to best assist with upgrades regarding both standards (in tandem).

With regard to QuEST Forum, there is a new Executive Board for 2016 and with that change of guard will come a potential shift to new initiatives with the organization, likely with increased sustainability initiatives, benchmarking and performance data measurements.

Specific standards aside, it is important that ALL organizations consider these factors in 2016:

-supply chain risk due to the global supply chain

-business globalization in general

-network data security and transctional data security

-risk based thinking (reflected in ISO 9001:2015)

-sustainability initiatives and in some cases, environmental regulation

-data management (example: tele-health and e-health companies)

-safety in ICT (example: cell tower safety in the wireless sector)

-electronics waste (example: auditable recycling standards like R2, which apply to applicable ICT recyclers)

-customer churn (all telecom sectors, wireless, OTT, etc.)

-evolving technologies and speed to market, executed with quality performance

We predict that our ICT clients will have an easier time upgrading to ISO 9001:2015 than expected or feared.  However, we also predict that due to economic drivers, global environmental concerns and US regulation; companies will need to strongly consider and develop sustainability goals and address environmental challenges.

Right now that can be done on a voluntary basis by implementing standards like ISO 14001 and when applicable R2 (electronics recyclers).

Additionally, rampant data and identity theft, as well as surveillance concerns, will increase the potential for direct burdens on companies, not just the big players and MSPs (example: new card readers, PCI compliance).

Also consider the rapid evolution of M2M and IoT products and services.  When and how does quality shift to outright legal responsibility?  Right now information security can be helped on a voluntary basis with an entire suite of compliance standards and techniques, including ISO 27001 (when applicable).

The unknown will be when quality management and assurance shift to forced governmental compliance and regulation.

Are we there yet?  Probably not in 2016, but it’s likely coming.  How to get prepared?  Recognize that quality is congruent with an organization’s responsibility to serve and protect clients, as well as be good stewards of the environment.

Implementing a baseline quality management system is a strong first step within an organization to shift a corporate culture to perform at high levels and mitigate risk every day, in every way.  This is done though the leadership of an organization.  ISO 9001:2015 addresses these factors head on through a focus on risk based thinking and leadership (stakeholders).  Concepts to ponder before the new calendar year!

BIZPHYX will be there to assist you every step of the way in 2016.  For more information on implementing ISO 9001:2015 or TL 9000 in 2016, contact info@bizphyx.com

Happy New Year!