What is EN ISO 9004:2018?

EN ISO 9004:2018 is an international standard that provides guidelines for organizations to improve their performance and achieve sustained success. It is based on the quality management principles outlined in ISO 9000 and focuses on managing the organization holistically, taking into account both the internal and external factors that influence its performance.

The Key Elements of EN ISO 9004:2018

1. Leadership and Governance: This element emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear vision and direction for the organization, as well as effective governance structures and processes to support its implementation.

2. Strategy Management: EN ISO 9004:2018 highlights the need for organizations to develop and implement a robust strategy that aligns with its purpose and goals. This includes considering the risks and opportunities associated with the organization's activities.

3. Resource Management: This element focuses on managing resources effectively, including human resources, infrastructure, and information. It emphasizes the importance of competence development, knowledge management, and continuous learning.

4. Process Management: EN ISO 9004:2018 encourages organizations to adopt a process approach, where processes are clearly defined, monitored, and improved. It emphasizes the importance of customer focus, stakeholder engagement, and performance measurement.

The Benefits of Implementing EN ISO 9004:2018

1. Improved Performance: By following the guidelines outlined in EN ISO 9004:2018, organizations can enhance their overall performance, achieve better operational efficiency, and deliver consistent and high-quality products or services to their customers.

2. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: The standard emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and expectations and consistently meeting or exceeding them. This leads to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

3. Increased Employee Engagement: EN ISO 9004:2018 encourages organizations to involve employees in decision-making processes and provide them with the necessary resources and support to perform their roles effectively. This enhances employee engagement, motivation, and productivity.

4. Continuous Improvement: The standard promotes a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging organizations to regularly review their performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement appropriate actions. This leads to ongoing organizational learning and innovation.

In Conclusion

EN ISO 9004:2018 is a valuable tool for organizations seeking to enhance their performance and achieve sustained success. By implementing its guidelines, organizations can improve their leadership, strategy management, resource management, and process management. The benefits of implementing EN ISO 9004:2018 include improved performance, enhanced customer satisfaction, increased employee engagement, and a culture of continuous improvement.