SN EN ISO 9004:2018 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that provides guidelines on quality management and focuses on achieving sustained success for organizations. It applies to various sectors and aims to enhance the quality of organizations by promoting best practices in quality management.

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Purpose and objectives

The primary goal of the ISO 9004:2018 standard is to guide organizations towards achieving sustained success by enhancing their overall quality management systems. It emphasizes a holistic approach to quality, encouraging organizations to focus on long-term performance and stakeholder satisfaction. The standard provides a framework to help organizations assess their current quality management practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies for continuous enhancement. By adhering to these guidelines, organizations can better align their objectives with the needs and expectations of their stakeholders, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

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Scope: who must comply

The ISO 9004:2018 standard is applicable to any organization, regardless of its size or sector, that seeks to improve its quality management practices. This includes industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and services, as well as non-profit organizations and governmental bodies. Companies looking to enhance their operational effectiveness, customer satisfaction, and overall performance will find this standard beneficial. The standard applies to organizations at various stages of quality management maturity, from those just beginning their quality journey to those seeking to refine and advance their existing systems. It serves as a valuable resource for organizations committing to a quality-driven culture and sustainable performance.

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How SN EN ISO 9004:2018 relates to other standards

ISO 9004:2018 is part of the ISO 9000 family of standards, which includes:

• ISO 9001: A widely recognized standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system, focusing on meeting customer expectations and regulatory requirements.
• ISO 9000: Provides fundamental concepts and vocabulary for quality management and quality assurance.
• ISO 9003: Focuses on quality assurance in final inspection and testing of products, complementing the broader quality management principles covered in ISO 9004.

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Revision history and current status

The ISO 9004:2018 standard is published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The current revision, released in 2018, includes updates that reflect the evolving landscape of quality management practices and address the challenges organizations face in achieving sustained success. Key changes in this revision include a stronger emphasis on the organizational context and the role of leadership in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and stakeholder satisfaction.