As we approach the end of 2024, organizations should be keeping tabs on how ISO standards will be evolving over the next year. Expect changes on several fronts, from environmental sustainability to rapidly developing technological advancements throughout the globe.

 

Standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 were last updated in 2015, and are expecting major revisions in 2025 or 2026. If your organization has implemented a management system or is planning to implement one, prepare to make some appropriate changes in the future or begin preparing for them now.

 

What major topics are being discussed in the world of ISO standards, and how can our businesses adapt to upcoming revisions? We discuss this more in detail below.

 

 

Upcoming Revisions

ISO 9001 Revisions

 

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) reviews standards every five years to ensure that they’re adapted to industry needs. While ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 remained unaltered after a 2021 review, evolving global challenges like climate change, technological advancements, and disruptions such as public health and supply chain issues have prompted the need for updates.

 

Anticipated changes include expanded risk-based thinking principles, greater emphasis on digital transformation, and integrating sustainability into quality management systems.

 

Expected updates to ISO 9001 may strengthen areas like customer satisfaction, supply chain management, and employee training or engagement. Organizations might also see requirements for leveraging new technology and adopting advanced metrics for performance evaluation. These changes aim to make quality management systems more proactive and aligned with modern challenges.

 

ISO 14001 Revisions

 

The ISO 14001 revision is expected to focus on fine tuning and alignment rather than introducing new requirements. Likely updates include stronger integration of environmental management with business strategy (as well as other ISO standards), supply chain or outsourcing guidance, and more proactive risk and opportunity identification.

 

Organizations may face increased transparency requirements for reporting environmental performance and greater emphasis on managing the environmental impact of supply chains and outsourced processes. Additionally, implementing a culture of environmental responsibility through employee engagement and training is expected to become a key priority.

 

 

Notable Current Discussions

New Technology & AI

 

With a growing need to address the rapid pace of technological advancements, the revised ISO 9001 standard may introduce more explicit requirements for digital technology. These changes could include anything ranging from managing data security, utilizing digital tools for quality management, and ensuring technological innovations align seamlessly with the organization’s quality objectives.

 

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is already paving the way to globally recognized AI standards and has established AI management systems. An AI management system acts as the backbone for responsibly and effectively managing AI projects within an organization. It provides a structured framework to assess risks, implement AI responsibly, and align its use with evolving regulations.

 

Standards such as ISO/IEC 23894 further support this by guiding organizations on risk management, privacy, and fair practices, helping to build trust in AI technologies.

 

Raising Employee Engagement

 

A revision of ISO 9001 in 2025 may highlight the critical role of people in the success of a QMS, introducing more specific requirements for employee engagement, skill development, and promoting a culture of quality across the organization.

 

Supply Chain Disruptions

 

In light of global supply chain disruptions, the upcoming ISO 9001 revision may introduce new requirements to strengthen supply chain management. Organizations might be required to implement more in-depth processes for conducting evaluations on supplier performance, ensuring consistent quality of operations and products/services.

 

Conclusion: Be Prepared for Updates

 

As ISO standards continue to evolve, organizations must stay informed and proactive in adapting to upcoming changes. The anticipated revisions to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 highlight the growing importance of sustainability, digital transformation, and supply chain management. These updates aim to align management systems with modern challenges while providing the tools for organizations to upkeep competency, consistency, and quality.

 

Preparing for these changes now can position businesses for long-term success, enhancing their overall performance and competitiveness in a rapidly developing global landscape.

 

The ISO 9001 Group offers management system consulting for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, and more. Contact us today to learn more about how our expert consultants can help organizations prepare for certification and maintain their management systems.