ISO 9001:2015 - Operational Requirements

Clause 8 of ISO 9001:2015 addresses the planning and control of operational processes. This includes requirements for products and services, design and development, control of external provisions, and production and service provision.

8.1 Operational Planning and Control

Planning Element Requirements Implementation Methods
Process Requirements Criteria establishment Process documentation
Resource Determination Resource allocation Capacity planning
Process Controls Control implementation Control plans
Documentation Evidence maintenance Records management
Change Management Planned changes Change control process

8.2 Requirements for Products and Services

Aspect Requirements Controls
Customer Communication Information exchange Communication channels
Requirements Determination Specification review Review process
Review Process Capability confirmation Review records
Changes Change management Change documentation

8.3 Design and Development

Planning Requirements

Stage Requirements Controls
Planning Stage determination Project planning
Inputs Requirements definition Input verification
Controls Review processes Stage gates
Outputs Verification criteria Output validation
Changes Change control Change records

Documentation Requirements

Document Type Content
Design Plans Stage definitions, resources
Input Records Requirements, constraints
Review Records Decisions, actions
Verification Records Test results, approvals
Validation Records Performance evidence

8.4 Control of External Providers

Control Element Requirements Implementation Methods
Selection Criteria Provider evaluation Evaluation process
Performance Monitoring Monitoring system Performance metrics
Information Provision Clear requirements Specifications
Verification Inspection activities Verification plans

8.5 Production and Service Provision

Control Type Requirements Implementation
Controlled Conditions Process parameters Control documentation
Identification/Traceability Product status Identification system
Customer Property Protection measures Control procedures
Preservation Product integrity Storage conditions
Post-delivery Support activities Service procedures

8.6-8.7 Release and Nonconforming Outputs

Release Requirements

Stage Requirements
Verification Planned arrangements
Authorization Approval process
Documentation Release records
Traceability Authorizing person

Nonconformity Control

Action Requirements
Identification Detection methods
Containment Control measures
Disposition Decision process
Documentation Records maintenance

Implementation Best Practices

  • Document operational criteria clearly
  • Establish robust process controls
  • Maintain detailed records
  • Monitor process performance
  • Control design changes effectively
  • Evaluate external providers regularly
  • Implement traceability systems
  • Control nonconforming outputs
  • Verify process outputs
  • Maintain evidence of conformity