The ISO 9000 Answer Book

A quick, easy-to-follow guide to the revised ISO 9000 quality standard The ISO 9000 is a written set of rules that define universally recognized and accepted practices for understanding and meeting the needs of customers. Last revised in 1994, the standard is now being completely restructured with both new and strengthened requirements, promising increased customer focus and process orientation. The ISO 9000 Answer Book, Second Edition is the definitive guide to this major revision of the standard. Retaining its accessible Q&A format, this updated edition offers clear answers to over 100 commonly asked questions regarding the content and implementation of the standard. Rob Kantner draws upon his vast experience in implementing quality systems that meet the requirements, pass registration audits, and improve an organization's performance and ability to meet customer needs on an ongoing basis. Field-tested techniques and practical examples help you introduce the standard's practices into your organization. Heavy cross-referencing alerts you to where changes in the standard have occurred. Each of the question and answer sets includes: * Detailed guidance * A capsule answer providing a snapshot of the guidance * "Pitfalls" and "Opportunities" drawn from hands-on experience in implementing ISO 9000 in various types of organizations The jargon-free, easily understandable explanations in The ISO 9000 Answer Book, Second Edition promise a smooth implementation for both newcomers to ISO 9000 and for existing registrants who need to make the transition to the new standard.