Preventive Action
In successive versions of ISO9001 the terms ‘corrective and preventive’ action have caused considerable confusion among employees, managers and team leaders. The decision to remove all references to ‘preventive action’ will reduce confusion and should help a company focus attention on analysing the root causes of quality issues.
This will become more important as the three standards (AS/NZS4801, ISO9001 & 14001) are aligned with a core theme based on risk management.
Being able to demonstrate an understanding of your organisation’s root causes, how these are linked with systemic improvement & the size of risk will progressively become an auditor’s focus.