ISO 9001:2015

Quality Management System

Assessment Checklist
RP-2

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
 Table of Contents

Introduction ……………………………………………………………….…………………2
Assessment Summary Sheet - Sample………………………….………………..7
Assessment Summary Sheet ……………………………………….……………….10

4 – Context of the Organization ………………………………………………. 13

5 – Leadership …………………………………………………………………………. 14
6 – Planning for the Quality Management System …………………… 16
7—Support ……………………………………………………………………………... 17
8 – Operation ………………………………………………………………………….. 22
9 – Performance Evaluation …………………………………………………….. 33
10 – Improvement …………………………………………………………………… 36

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
 The Quality System Checklist is intended to help you gain a better
understanding of the requirements of ISO 9001:2015. ISO
9001:2015 requires the adoption of the process approach which
extends to internal quality audits. This checklist follows the
structure of the standard, thus it is not process based. For this
reason it is not intended to be used as the only tool for internal
quality audits.

You can gain a better understanding of ISO 9001:2015 Standard as

it applies to your company by reviewing these questions. You may
wish to discuss them with your auditors to enhance everyone’s
understanding of the ISO 9001:2015 requirements and the
assessment process.

You should be aware that although the following questions include

most of the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard, they do
not necessarily cover all aspects of the Standard. So, the use of this
checklist will give you only a sample of your organization’s
conformance to the ISO 9001:2015 standard.

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
Assessment Summary Sheet
The Assessment Summary Sheet may be used for visualizing the big picture:
what areas were checked and where discrepancies were found. You’ll see
from the sample Assessment Summary Sheet that assessment of the
Purchasing Process uncovered discrepancies for clauses 4.1, 5.3, 7.1.5, 8.1,
8.2, 8.3.1 and 8.5.3. This may be a sign of problems in that process, which
warrant planning and close monitoring of corrective actions. The Processes
Assessed column reveals that for clause 7.1.2 for Resource Requirements or
8.2 for Determination of requirements for products and services,
discrepancies were uncovered in all applicable areas. This may give
evidence of a system breakdown.

On the sample Assessment Summary Sheet, the circled numbers

correspond to the following:

The ISO 9001:2015 Assessment Standard correspond to the

ISO9001:2015 International Standard which your company has selected for
assessment.

 The column Process Assessed lists the areas (i.e. process) where
compliance to given clauses will be evaluated.

 These columns contain the list of clauses for the applicable ISO Standard
to which compliance is being sought. NOTE: All clauses of the ISO 9001
Standard must be addressed. See section 0.1. “Forward”, for further
information.

 Use this grid to indicate where discrepancies are found by entering a “D”
into the corresponding boxes. Where no discrepancies are uncovered,
enter an “X” in the appropriate boxes.

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
0.2 Process Approach

ISO9001:2015 promotes the adoption of a process approach. As a first

step, all processes of the organization need to be identified and their
interrelation defined. A process is a set of activities that transform inputs
into outputs. The outputs of one process may be the input of another
process, or the finished product. Although a process map is not required,
it is an effective method for demonstrating process interrelation. Any other
method will equally meet the requirements of the standard as long as the
process interaction is somehow shown.

An example of a typical process map is noted on the next page. Please note
that a process map is not a process flow diagram, but merely highlights the
main processes of the organization that are needed to be effectively
monitored to ensure “consistent and predictable results”. Also, the
processes noted are not the names of the functions within the
organization, but value added activities within the organization that may
involve sub-processes that will have to be further defined.

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15
DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
Assessment Summary Sheet – SAMPLE

ISO 9001:2015 Processes of the Organization 

Quality Management

Internal Audits
Management

Maintenance
Production 1
Production 2

Doc. Control

Mgt. Review
Engineering

Pack & Ship

Accounting
Purchasing
Cust. Sat.
Discrepancy Reference

Quality
CAR/CI
Systems:

Sales

Test

HR
Number
Requirements
Clause Clause
Number Description 
4.1 Understanding the organization X X
and its context
4.2 Needs and Expectations of the X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Interested Parties
4.3 Determining the scope of the X
quality management system
4.4 Quality Management System X
and its processes
5.1 Leadership and commitment X X
5.2 Quality Policy X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
5.3 Organizational roles, X X X X D X X X X X X X X X X X X
responsibilities and authorities
6.1 Actions to address risks and X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
opportunities

6.2 Quality objectives and planning X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

to achieve them
6.3 Planning of changes D X
7.1 Resources X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
7.1.1 General X

7..1.2 People D D D D D D D D D D D

7.1.3 Infrastructure X X X X X X X X
7.1.4 Environment for the operation X X X X X X X X X
of processes
7.1.5 Monitoring and Measuring X D X X X X

7.1.6 Organizational Knowledge X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

7.2 Competence X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
7.3 Awareness X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
7.4 Communication X X X X

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
 ISO 9001:2015 Processes of the Organization 


Quality Management

Internal Audits
Management

Maintenance
Production 1
Production 2

Doc. Control

Mgt. Review
Engineering

Pack & Ship

Accounting
Purchasing
Cust. Sat.
Discrepancy Reference

Quality
CAR/CI
Systems:

Sales

Test

HR
Number
Requirements
Clause Clause
Number Description 
7.5 Documented Information X X X X X X X X D X X X X X X X X
7.5.1 General X
7.5.2 Creating and updating X X
7.5.3 Control of documented X X
Information
8.1 Operational planning and X X X X D X X X X
control
8.2 Determination of requirements D D D D D D D D D
8.2.1 Customer communication X X X
8.2.2 Determination of requirements x X
related to products and services
8.2.3 Review of requirements related X
to products and services
8.2.4 Changes to requirements X
8.3 Design and Development X X X X X X
8.3.1 General X X X X D X X X X
8.3.2 Design and development X X
planning

8.3.3 Design and development inputs X X

8.3.4 Design and development D X X 

controls.
8.3.5 Design and development X X
Outputs
8.3.6 Design and development X X
changes
8.4.2 Type and extent of control of X
external provision

8.4.3 Information for external X

providers
8.5.1 Control of production and X X
Service
RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15
DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
 ISO 9001:2015 Processes of the Organization 


Quality Management

Internal Audits
Management

Maintenance
Production 1
Production 2

Doc. Control

Mgt. Review
Engineering

Pack & Ship

Accounting
Purchasing
Cust. Sat.
Discrepancy Reference

Quality
CAR/CI
Systems:

Sales

Test

HR
Number
Requirements
Clause Clause
Number Description 
8.5.2 Identification and traceability X X X X X
8.5.3 Property belonging to D
customers or external providers

8.5.4 Preservation X X X X X

8.5.5 Post-delivery activities X X X X

8.5.6 Control of changes X X X
8.6 Release of products and X X X
services
8.7 Control of nonconforming X X X D X X
products
9.1.1 Monitoring, measurement, X X X X X X X X D X X X X X X X
analysis
9.1.2 Customer Satisfaction X X X
9.1.3 Analysis and evaluation X X X X X X X X D X X X X X X X
9..2 Internal Audits X X
9.3 Management Review X X
10.1 Improvement – General X X X X X X X X D X X X X X X X
10.2 Nonconformity/Corrective X X X D X X
Action
10.3 Continual improvement X X X X X X X X D X X X X X X X

* Use an “X” to indicate that the clause was assessed in the area described.
Use a “D” to indicate that a discrepancy was found.

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
 Assessment Summary Sheet

ISO 9001:2015 Processes of the Organization 

Quality Management
Systems: Discrepancy Reference
Number
Requirements
Clause Clause
Number Description 
4.1 Understanding the organization
and its context
4.2 Needs and Expectations of the
Interested Parties
4.3 Determining the scope of the
quality management system
4.4 Quality Management System
and its processes
5.1 Leadership and commitment
5.2 Quality Policy
5.3 Organizational roles,
responsibilities and authorities
6.1 Actions to address risks and
opportunities

6.2 Quality objectives and planning

to achieve them
6.3 Planning of changes
7.1 Resources
7.1.1 General

7..1.2 People

7.1.3 Infrastructure
7.1.4 Environment for the operation
of processes
7.1.5 Monitoring and Measuring

7.1.6 Organizational Knowledge

7.2 Competence
7.3 Awareness
7.4 Communication

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
 ISO 9001:2015 Processes of the Organization 


Quality Management
Systems: Discrepancy Reference
Number
Requirements
Clause Clause
Number Description 
7.5 Documented Information
7.5.1 General
7.5.2 Creating and updating
7.5.3 Control of documented
Information
8.1 Operational planning and
control
8.2 Determination of requirements
8.2.1 Customer communication
8.2.2 Determination of requirements
related to products and services
8.2.3 Review of requirements related
to products and services
8.2.4 Changes to requirements
8.3 Design and Development
8.3.1 General
8.3.2 Design and development
planning

8.3.3 Design and development inputs

8.3.4 Design and development

controls.
8.3.5 Design and development
Outputs
8.3.6 Design and development
changes
8.4.2 Type and extent of control of
external provision

8.4.3 Information for external

providers
8.5.1 Control of production and
Service
RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15
DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
 ISO 9001:2015 Processes of the Organization 


Quality Management
Systems: Discrepancy Reference
Number
Requirements
Clause Clause
Number Description 
8.5.2 Identification and traceability
8.5.3 Property belonging to
customers or external providers

8.5.4 Preservation

8.5.5 Post-delivery activities

8.5.6 Control of changes
8.6 Release of products and
services
8.7 Control of nonconforming
products
9.1.1 Monitoring, measurement,
analysis
9.1.2 Customer Satisfaction
9.1.3 Analysis and evaluation
9..2 Internal Audits
9.3 Management Review
10.1 Improvement – General
10.2 Nonconformity/Corrective
Action
10.3 Continual improvement

* Use an “X” to indicate that the clause was assessed in the area described.
Use a “D” to indicate that a discrepancy was found.

On the following pages, indicates new/significantly changed

requirements.

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
 Quality Management System Checklist

ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and

Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

4 Context of the organization

4.1 Understanding the organization and its context
Has the organization identified all external and
4.1 internal issues relevant to its purpose and
direction?
What is the process for monitoring and review of
4.1 the external and internal issues?

4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties

Has the organization identified all relevant
4.2 interested party requirements that are relevant to
the quality management system? How is the
information monitored?

4.3 Determining the scope of the Quality Management System

4.3 Is the scope of the quality management system,
including products and services provided and
justification for any exclusion, defined?
4.3 Is the scope of the quality management system
maintained as documented information?
4.3 Are the following considered when determining
the scope?
• External and Internal Issues
• Requirements of relevant interested
parties
• The products and services provided.
4.3 Is there assurance that all requirements of the
standard that can be applied, have been applied
by the organization and those determined non-
applicable do not affect the organization’s ability
or responsibility to ensure conformity?

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and
Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

4.4 Quality Management System and its processes

Have the processes of the organization been
4.4 identified?
• Inputs and Outputs
• Sequence and interaction
• Criteria, method and performance
indicators
• Resources needed
• Defined responsibility and authority for all
personnel.
• Risks and Opportunities
• Method for monitoring and change to
ensure intended results
• Opportunities for improvement of the
processes
Has the organization defined
4.4 • Needed documented information to
support the operation of its processes?
• Documented information to be retained as
evidence that the processes are being
carried out as planned?

5 Leadership
Has top management demonstrated leadership by
5.1.1 • Taking accountability of the process?
• Establishing the Quality Policy and
Objectives?
• Communicating the Policy?
• Ensuring QMS Requirements are
integrated into the processes?
• Making available adequate resources?
• Communicating QMS effectiveness?
• Ensuring achievement of results?
• Engaging/directing/supporting process
effectiveness?
• Promoting continual improvement?
• Supporting other management roles
within the organization to do the same?
RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15
DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and
Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

Can top management demonstrate evidence of

5.1.1 commitment to the development, implementation
and improvement of the effectiveness of the
quality management system by:

• Communicating to the organization the

importance of meeting customer requirements?
• Establishing the quality policy?
• Ensuring that quality objectives are
established?
• Conducting management reviews?
• Ensuring the availability of resources?

5.1.2 Customer Focus

Has top management demonstrated leadership by
5.1.2 • Identifying customer requirements?
• Identifying regulatory requirements?
• Identifying statutory requirements?
• Risks and Opportunities determined and
addressed?
• Focus to consistently provide
products/services that meet customer
requirements?
• Enhancing customer satisfaction?

5.2 Quality Policy

Has top management established a quality policy
5.2.1 that
• Is appropriate to the organization?
• Allows for review of process indicators
and objectives?
• Includes a commitment to satisfy
applicable requirements?
• Includes a commitment to continual
improvement?
• Is communicated and understood
throughout the organization
• Is reviewed for continuing suitability?

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and
Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

5.2.1 Are the quality objectives measurable and

consistent with the quality policy?
Is the quality policy
5.2.2 • Documented?
• Communicated and understood?
• Available to relevant interested
parties?

5.3 Organizational roles, responsibilities and authorities

Has top management defined
5.3 • Responsibility and authority for all
personnel affecting quality?
• Ensuring that the processes are effective
and delivering their intended results?
• Reporting on the performance of the QMS
and opportunities?
• Ensuring Customer Focus throughout the
organization?
• Maintaining the integrity of QMS when
changes are implemented?

6 Planning for the Quality Management System

Has the organization considered risks and
6.1.1 opportunities noted in 4.1 and 4.2 and have
assurances that QMS
• Can achieve its intended results?
• Mitigate Risk by prevention or reduction
of undesired effects?
• Enhance desirable effects?
• Achieve improvements?
Does the organization plan
6.1.2 • Actions needed to address risks and
opportunities?
• Integrate actions into its QMS processes?
• Evaluate the effectiveness of actions?

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and
Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

Has the organization established Quality

6.2.1 objectives that are:
• Consistent with the Quality Policy?
• Are measurable?
• Considered applicable requirements?
• Relevant?
• Monitored?
• Communicated?
• Updated?
Has the organization planned how to achieve its
6.2.2 quality objectives by
• Identifying what has to be done?
• Identifying the needed resources?
• Identifying the responsibility for
achievement?
• Due date for achievement?
• Evaluation of the results?
For changes to the QMS, has the organization
6.3 proceeded in a planned and systemic manner by
• Identifying the changes and their
consequence?
• The integrity of the QMS?
• Availability of resources?
• Allocation or reallocation of
responsibilities and authorities?

7 Support
Has the organization determined the needed
7.1.1 resources while considering
• Limitations of internal resources?
• What has to be obtained from external
providers?

7.1.2 People
Are adequate human resources in place to ensure
7.1.2 compliance with the customer and applicable
regulatory and statutory requirements?

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and
Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

7.1.3 Infrastructure
Has the organization identified the infrastructure
7.1.3 needed for effective operation of the QMS, ,
including
• Maintenance of equipment?
• Buildings and associated utilities?
• Transportation?
• Information and Communication
Technology?

7.1.4 Environment for the operation of processes

How will it be demonstrated that the organization
7.1.4 determines and manages the work environment
needed to achieve conformity to product and
service requirements?

7.1.5 Monitoring and measuring resources

7.1.5 Has the organization determined the monitoring
and measurement to be undertaken, and the
monitoring and measurement resources needed
to provide evidence of conformity to determined
requirements?
Are suitable monitoring and measuring resources
7.1.5 available to ensure valid and reliable results,
including
• Ensuring suitable resources?
• Resources are maintained to ensure their
continued fitness for their purpose?
• Maintaining documented information as
evidence of fitness of the monitoring and
measuring resources?
• Determining suitability of the specific type
of monitoring and measurement
activities?
7.1.5 Have all monitoring and measuring activities
determined?

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and
Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

7.1.5 Are monitoring and measuring resources

• Suitability maintained?
7.1.5 What documented information is maintained as
evidence of fitness for the monitoring and
measurement resources?
7.1.5 • Is measuring equipment calibrated or
verified, or both, at specified intervals or
prior to use against traceable international
or national measurement standards? (If
international or national measurement
standards are not available, the basis for
calibration or verification shall be defined)
• Identified in order to determine its
calibration status?
• Safeguarded from adjustments that would
invalidate the measurement result?
• Protected from damage and deterioration
during handling, maintenance and
storage?
7.1.5 How will it be demonstrated that:
• The validity of previous measuring results are
assessed by the organization when equipment is
found not to conform to requirements?
• Appropriate action is taken on the equipment
and any affected product?

7.1.6 Organizational Knowledge

7.1.6 What evidence is available to ensure that the
organization has determined the knowledge
necessary for effective operation of its processes?
Is the knowledge necessary for the operation of
7.1.6 the various processes determined, maintained,
and made available, if needed?

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and
Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

7.2 Competence
7.2 Has the necessary competence for personnel
performing work affecting conformity to product
requirements been determined?
• Appropriate documented information for
education, training, skills and experience are
maintained?
7.2 Where applicable, is the Training provided or
other actions taken evaluated for effectiveness in
meeting the necessary competence?
7.2 Are Personnel aware of the relevance and
importance of their activities and how they
contribute to the achievement of the quality
objectives?
7.2 Are documented information maintained to
demonstrate competency achievements thru
education, training, skills and experience?

7.3 Awareness
Are methods in place to ensure understanding of
7.3 the following by all affected personnel:
• The quality policy?
• Relevant Quality Objectives?
• Contributions to the effectiveness of the
quality management system?
• Benefits of improved quality
performance?
• Implications of not conforming with the
quality management system
requirements?

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and
Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

7.4 Communication
Have the following been addressed for all internal
7.4 and external communication channels?
• Subject of Communication?
• When to communicate?
• With whom?
• How?
• Who?
7.4 Is Leadership able to demonstrate how they
ensure that appropriate communication processes
are established within the organization, and that
communication takes place regarding the
effectiveness of the quality management system?

7.5 Documented Information

Does the organization’s quality management
7.5.1 system include
• Documented information required by
ISO9001:2015?
• Documented information determined by
the organization to be necessary for the
effectiveness of the quality management
system?
Are all documented information
7.5.2 • Properly identified (e.g. title, date, author
or reference)?
• In defined format – language, software
version, graphics, media?
• Reviewed and approved for adequacy?
Are all documented information controlled to
7.5.3.1 ensure
• Its suitability and availability?
• Adequately protected from use or
improper use?

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and
Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

Have the following issues addressed for control of

7.5.3.2 Documented Information;
• Distribution, control, access, retrieval and
use?
• Storage and preservation, including
legibility?
• Control of changes (version control)?
• Retention and disposition?
• Identification and control of documents of
external origin?

8 Operation
Are adequate actions in place to ensure effective
8.1 planning, implementation and control of the
processes, including, the methods needed to
ensure
• Adequate identification of requirements
for products and services?
• Establishment of criteria for products and
services?
• Determination of needed resources?
• Implementation of the processes in
accordance with the noted criteria?
• Retention of documented information to
show process effectiveness, and to
demonstrate conformity of products and
services to requirements?
• How are the consequences of unintended
8.1 changes controlled, and how are actions
take to mitigate their adverse effects?

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and
Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

8.2 Determination of requirements for products and services

Is there a process in place for communicating with
8.2.1 customers in relation to:
• Information related to products and
services?
• Handling of enquiries, contracts, including
changes?
• Obtaining customer views and
perceptions, including customer
complaints?
• Handling customer supplied property?
• Requirements of actions for
contingencies?
Have the processes been implemented for
8.2.2 • Identification of product requirements,
including applicable statutory and
regulatory requirements?
• Ability to meet the defined requirements
and substantiate the claims for the
products or services?
8.2.3 How are the following requirements determined?
• Customer specified requirements
including delivery and post-delivery.
• Requirements not stated by the customer
but necessary for specified or intended
use when known.
• Statutory and regulatory requirements
applicable to the product.
• Any additional requirements considered
necessary by the organization.

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and
Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

Is there a process in place to

8.2.3 • Review requirements specified by the
customer?
• Consider requirements not stated by the
customer, but necessary?
• Identify the applicable statutory and
regulatory requirements for the products
or services?
• Handle order changes?
• Review of customer orders prior to order
acceptance?

Also, are documented information maintained as a

result of the review and handling of change
orders.
Are Requirements related to the product
8.2.3 reviewed prior to the commitment to supply a
product to the customer?
Does the review activity ensure:
8.2.3 • Product requirements are defined?
• Contract or order requirements differing from
those previously expressed are resolved?
• The organization’s ability to meet defined
requirements?
How will it be demonstrated that
8.2.3 the organization confirms customer requirements
when no documented statement of requirement is
provided by the customer?

How will the relevant documented information

8.2.4 amended, and persons made aware of the
changes, when the requirements are changed?

8.3 Design and development of products and services

Is evidence available that the organization plans
8.3.2 and controls the design and development of
products and services, considering the nature,
duration and complexity of the design activities?
RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15
DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and
Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

Is the following determined during design and

8.3.2 development planning?
• The design and development stages
• The review, verification and validation
appropriate to each design and development
stage.
• The responsibilities and authorities for design
and development.
Are the interfaces between different groups
8.3.2 involved in design and development managed to
ensure effective communication and clear
assignment of responsibility, including
involvement of customer and/or user groups?
Are documented information maintained to
8.3.2 demonstrate that the design and development
requirements have been met?

8.3.3 Design and development Inputs

Are inputs relating to product requirements
8.3.3 determined and documented information
maintained relating to:
• Functional and performance requirements?
• Applicable statutory and regulatory
requirements?
• Applicable information from previous similar
designs?
• Other requirements essential for design and
development?
• Level of control by customers and other
relevant interested parties.
What evidence is available to indicate that
8.3.3 • Design and development inputs are reviewed
for adequacy?
• Requirements are complete, unambiguous
and not in conflict with each other?

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System Documented Explanatory Notes and
Information Comments
Clause # Requirements Reference

8.3.4 Design and development controls

Are controls in place to ensure
8.3.4 • The results to be achieved are clearly
defined?
• Design and Development reviews are
planned and conducted?
• Verification activities are conducted to
ensure all inputs are met?
• Validation is conducted to ensure
suitability for the intended use?
Is verification performed to ensure that design and
8.3.4 development outputs have satisfied the design
and development input requirements?
Is design and development validation conducted
8.3.4 to ensure that the resulting product is capable of
fulfilling the requirements for the specified or
known intended use or application?

8.3.5 Design and development outputs

Are controls in place to ensure
8.3.5 • Input requirements have been met?
• Outputs are adequate for the subsequent
processes of the provision of products and
services?
• Identification of monitoring and
measuring requirements, and the
acceptance criteria?
• Designed products are fit for intended
purpose and their safe and proper use?
Are documented information maintained for the
8.3.5 design and development activities?

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8.3.6 Design and development changes

Are design and development changes:
8.3.6
• Controlled during, and after, the design and
development process?
• Identified?
• Reviewed?
• Verified and validated as appropriate?
• Evaluated for effect on constituent parts and
delivered products?
• Approved before implementation?
• Considered to have no adverse impact on
conformity to requirements
Are documented information on results of
8.3.6 changes and any necessary actions maintained?

8.4 Control of externally provided products and services

What processes exist to ensure that externally
8.4.1 provided processes, products and services
conform to specified purchase requirements?
Are the requirements in 8.4.2 applied to all
8.4.1 suppliers who
• Provide products for incorporation in the
products
• Provide products directly to the customers
• Provide full or partial outsourced process to
the organization.
Are external providers evaluated and selected,
8.4.1 monitored for performance and re-evaluated
based upon their ability to supply product in
accordance with the organization requirements?
Are documented information of the results of
8.4.1 supplier evaluations and any necessary actions
arising from evaluations maintained?

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8.4.2 Type and extent of control

Does the external provider monitoring process
8.4.2 take into consideration:
• The type and extent of controls to be applied?
• The potential impact of the externally
provided processes, products and services on
the ability to meet applicable statutory and
regulatory requirements?
• The perceived effectiveness of the controls
applied by the external provider?
Have necessary verification processes been
8.4.2 implemented to ensure the externally provided
processes, products and services do not adversely
affect the organization’s ability to meet customer
requirements?
Are controls of outsourced processes and
8.4.2 functions remain within the scope of the
organization’s quality management system?
8.4.2 Are documented information maintained as a
result of evaluation, monitoring and re-evaluation
of external providers?
8.4.2 Have inspection or other activities necessary for
ensuring that purchased product meets specified
purchase requirements been established and
implemented?

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8.4.3 Information for external providers

8.4.3 Does the organization ensure communication to
external providers concerning:
• Products and services to be provided or
provided on behalf of organization?
• Approval of products and services, methods,
processes or equipment?
• Competence of personnel, including needed
qualification?
• Interactions with the organization’s quality
management system?
• Control and monitoring of the external
provider’s performance?
• Notification of verification activities to be
conducted by the organization at the external
provider’s premises?
Is the adequacy of specified purchase
8.4.3 requirements ensured prior to their
communication to the supplier?

8.5 Production and Service provision

8.5.1 Control of production and service provision

Are production and service operations carried out
8.5.1 under controlled conditions?

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What evidence is available to demonstrate that

8.5.1 controlled conditions include the following, as
applicable?
• The availability of information that describes
the characteristics of the product.
• The availability of the required documented
information.
• The use of suitable equipment.
• The availability and use of monitoring and
measurement resources.
• The implementation of monitoring and
measurement.
• The implementation of release, delivery and
post-delivery activities.
• The competency requirements or qualification
of personnel.
• The implementation of products and services
release, delivery and post-delivery activities.
8.5.1 Can it be demonstrated that measurement and
monitoring of the product is carried out at various
stages of the product realization process in
accordance with planned arrangements?
8.5.1 Are production and service processes validated,
and periodically revalidated, where the resulting
output cannot be verified by subsequent
monitoring or measurement?

8.5.2 Identification and traceability

Are process outputs identified, as appropriate, by
8.5.2 suitable means throughout the product/service
realization process?
Is product status identified with respect to
8.5.2 measuring and monitoring requirements
throughout product realization?
Is traceability a specified requirement? If so, is
8.5.2 unique identification of the product outputs
controlled and documented information
maintained to ensure adequate traceability?

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8.5.3 Property belonging to customers or external providers

Is customer property provided for the use or
8.5.3 incorporation into the product under the control
or use of the organization? If so, does a process
exist which ensures that care is provided for
customer or external provider property?
Is the organization reporting to the customer or
8.5.3 external provider, when their property is
incorrectly used, lost, damaged or otherwise
found to be unsuitable for use?
8.5.3 How will it be demonstrated that customer
property is:
Identified?
Verified?
Protected?
Safeguarded?
8.5.3 Is lost, damaged, or unsuitable product reported
to the customer?

8.5.4 Preservation
How will it be demonstrated that product, and
8.5.4 constituent parts of the product, are preserved
during internal processing and delivery to the
intended destination in order to maintain
conformity to requirements?
8.5.4 As applicable, are product preservation methods
established, as appropriate, for:
• Identification?
• Handling?
• Packaging?
• Storage?
• Protection?

8.5.5 Post-delivery activities

Is the organization meeting requirements for post-
8.5.5 delivery activities?

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With respect to post-delivery activities, are the

8.5.5 following considered?
• The risks associated
• The nature, use and intended lifetime of the
products and services
• Customer feedback
• Statutory and regulatory requirements

8.5.6 Control of changes

Are documented information maintained describing the
8.5.6 results of the review of the changes, the personnel
authorizing the change, and the necessary actions?

8.6 Release of products and services

Are planned arrangements in place to ensure
8.6 achievement of the product and service
requirements?
Are documented information maintained as
8.6 evidence of conformity with the acceptance
criteria?
8.6 Are controls in place to ensure that release of
product and delivery of service to the customer do
not proceed until all planned arrangements are
satisfactorily completed? Do documented
information identify the person authorizing the
release?

8.7 Control of nonconforming outputs

Are products and services that do not conform to the
8.7 requirements, identified and controlled to prevent their
unintended use or delivery?
Do the dispositions include any of the following?
8.7 • Correction
• Segregation, containment
• Informing the customer
• Obtaining authorization for use “as-is”,
continuation or acceptance under concession.
Are documented information maintained as evidence of
8.7 conformity with the acceptance criteria?

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Are corrected nonconforming products and

8.7 services verified for compliance after rework?

9 Performance Evaluation
Has the organization identified
9.1.1 • What has to be monitored
• The methods for monitoring,
measurement, analysis, evaluation
• When the monitoring to be performed
• When the results to be analyzed.
Is documented information maintained to ensure
9.1.1 that the monitoring and measurement activities
are implemented in accordance with the above
requirements?
Does this evaluation include review of the quality
9.1.1 performance data to ensure effectiveness of the
quality management system?

9.1.2 Customer Satisfaction

9.1.2 Is information relating to customer perception to
whether the organization has fulfilled customer
requirements monitored?
Is information obtained related to customer views
9.1.2 and opinions of the organization and its products
and services?
Is the method for obtaining and using the
9.1.2 customer satisfaction information determined?

9.1.3 Analysis and evaluation

9.1.3 Does the organization analyze and evaluate the
data arising from monitoring and measurement
activities?

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Is the organization using the sources of data to

9.1.3 • Demonstrate conformity of products and
services to requirements?
• Assess and enhance customer
satisfaction?
• Ensure conformity of effectiveness of the
quality management system?
• Demonstrate that planning has been
successfully implemented?
• Assess the performance of processes?
• Assess the performance of external
providers?
• Determine the need or opportunities for
improvement within the quality
management system?
Are the results of the above analysis provided as
9.1.3 input to management review?

9.2 Internal Audits

Does the internal quality audit activity determine
9.2.1 whether the quality management system:
• Conforms to planned arrangements?
• Conforms to ISO 9001:2015?
• Conforms to quality management system
requirements established by the organization?
• Is effectively implemented and maintained?
Is evidence available to confirm that internal
9.2.2 audits are conducted at planned intervals based
upon:
• The status and importance of the processes
and areas to be audited?
• The results of previous audits?
• Customer feedback?
• Changes impacting the organization?
Have audit criteria, scope, frequency and methods
9.2.2 been defined?

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Is evidence available to confirm that internal

9.2.2 auditors do not audit their own work, and are
objective and impartial of the audit process?
Does the management responsible for the area
9.2.2 being audited ensure that any necessary
corrections and corrective actions are taken
without undue delay to eliminate detected
nonconformities and their causes?
Are documented information maintained as
9.2.2 evidence of the implementation of the audit
program and the audit results?

9.3 Management Review

Does top management review the quality
9.3.1 management system at planned intervals to
ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy and
effectiveness?
Does management review evaluate the need for
9.3.1 changes to the quality management system,
including the quality policy and quality objectives?
9.3.1 Is documented information maintained as the
result of management reviews?
Do the inputs to management review include
9.3.2 information on the following (including quality
indicators (if any):
• Results of audits
• Customer Satisfaction
• Nonconformities and Corrective Actions
• Monitoring and measurement results
• Issues concerning external providers and other
relevant interested parties
• Adequacy of resources
• Process performance and conformity of
products and services
• Effectiveness of actions taken to address risks
and opportunities.
• Performance of external suppliers.

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Do the outputs from management review

9.3.3 include decisions and actions related to:
• Improvement of the effectiveness of the
quality management system and its processes?
• Improvement of product related to customer
requirements?
• Resource needs?
Are documented information maintained as
9.3.3 evidence of management reviews?
9.3.3 Does management review evaluate the need for
changes to the quality management system,
including the quality policy and quality objectives?

10.1 Improvement
Is the organization selecting opportunities for
10.1 improvement and implementing necessary actions
to meet customer requirements?
Is the organization taking actions to prevent
10.1 nonconformities, improve products and services,
and improve the overall quality management
system results?

10.2 Nonconformity and corrective action

In the presence of a nonconformity, does the
10.2 organization
• React to the nonconformity by taking
actions to control and correct it, and
dealing with its consequences?
• Evaluate the need for action to eliminate
the cause?
• Implement any action needed?
• Review the effective of any corrective
action?
• Make change to the quality management
system?
In the presence of a nonconformity, does the
10.2 organization react to the nonconformity by taking
actions to control and correct it, and dealing with
its consequences?

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Are actions taken appropriate to the effects, or

10.2 potential effects of the nonconformity?
Are corrective actions taken appropriate to the
10.2 effects of the nonconformities encountered?
10.2 Is action taken to eliminate the causes of
nonconformities in order to prevent recurrence?
Is documented information maintained to show
10.2 the nature of the nonconformity and any
subsequent actions taken, and the results of any
corrective action taken?

10.3 Continual Improvement

Is the organization continually improving the
10.3 suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the
quality management system?
Are the outputs of analysis and evaluation, and
10.3 the outputs from the management review process
used to identify the areas of underperformances?
Are specialized tools and methodologies used for
10.3 investigation of the causes of underperformance?
10.3 How is it demonstrated that the effectiveness of
the quality management system is being
continually improved?

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17
How to contact DQS Inc.

If you have additional questions or would like more information on how to

proceed, please feel free to contact DQS Inc. at: 1-800-285-4476 from North
America.

You can also access DQS Inc.'s website at www.dqsus.com for more
information.

Questions concerning any aspect of this document may be sent to

ISO9001_2015_Questions@dqsus.com

RP-2 ISO 9001:2015 Issued: 9/18/15

DQS Inc. Revised: 5/12/17