A comparison between ISO 9001: 1994 and ISO 9001: 2000

ISO 9001 has undergone significant change with its revision from ISO 9001:1994 to ISO 9001:2000. These changes are such as to make the standard almost a brand-new standard. In transitioning existing management systems, management must not only understand these changes, but must also know how to make the necessary changes within their existing systems. It is likely that the amount of effort needed to transition an existing 1994 system will be approximately the same as obtaining registration in the first place. This is a major undertaking, which needs to be planned. The starting point is a thorough understanding of the new standard. This paper provides the first step in that understanding.