What is difference between AS 9001 and ISO 9001 ?

Title: What is the Difference between AS 9001 and ISO 9001?

AS 9001 and ISO 9001 are both quality management standards that have gained widespread recognition for their benefits in improving organizational performance. However, there are some fundamental differences between these two standards. In this article, we will explore the key differences between AS 9001 and ISO 9001 and highlight their respective focuses and requirements.

ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems

ISO 9001 is a specification for quality management systems that focuses on ensuring that an organization's products or services meet customer requirements. It is designed for organizations that have a design and development process and is applicable to a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, service, and distribution.

ISO 9002: Quality Management Systems for Non-Designated Developers

ISO 9002 is a supplement to ISO 9001 that focuses on specific requirements related to production, installation, and service provision for organizations that do not have a design and development process. It is designed to provide guidance for organizations that are looking to establish or maintain a quality management system.

ISO 14001: Environmental Management System

ISO 14001 is a specification for environmental management systems that focuses on helping organizations identify and control their environmental impact. It is applicable to all industries and organizations, regardless of size or scope.

ISO 9001 vs ISO 14001: Differences and Similarities

Now that we have a better understanding of what ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are and their respective focuses, let's explore the differences and similarities between these two standards.

Differences:

Scope and Applicability:

ISO 9001 is a global standard that covers all aspects of quality management systems, including design and development, production, installation, and service provision. ISO 14001, on the other hand, is focused specifically on environmental management and aims to help organizations identify and control their environmental impact.

Requirements:

ISO 9001 has more detailed requirements than ISO 14001, including the requirement to identify and assess risks and opportunities, establish measurable objectives, and continuously improve their processes. ISO 14001, being more industry-specific, focuses on meeting customer requirements during production, installation, and service provision stages.

Continuous Improvement:

ISO 9001 emphasizes the use of continuous improvement processes, including the requirement to continuously monitor and review the organization's quality management system. ISO 14001 also promotes continuous improvement, but with a greater emphasis on environmental management.

Similarities:

Focus on Customer Satisfaction:

Both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 place a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and meeting regulatory requirements.

Use of Quality Management Systems:

Both standards require organizations to establish and maintain a quality management system that meets specific requirements and continuously its processes.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 have distinct focuses and requirements, they both share a common goal of improving organizational performance and meeting customer expectations. By understanding the differences and similarities between these two standards, organizations can select the appropriate one for their specific needs and ensure that they are able to meet the growing demand for quality and environmental management.