What Does ISO 9001 Clause 7.1.6 Organizational knowledge Mean?
Updated: Oct 30
ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7.1.6 refers to "Organizational Knowledge," emphasizing the importance of understanding, managing, and utilizing the specific knowledge required for effective operation and achieving product and service conformity.
What Clause 7.1.6 Organizational knowledge Means
Determining Necessary Knowledge: The organization must identify the knowledge critical for operating its processes and ensuring products/services meet requirements.
Maintaining and Accessing Knowledge: This knowledge should be preserved and made available to those who require it. It's essential to ensure that employees have access to the necessary information and expertise to carry out their roles effectively.
Adapting to Changing Needs: When organizational needs or external trends change, the company must review its existing knowledge and determine how to either acquire or access new knowledge. This process involves evaluating the current information base and considering how to obtain any additional or updated knowledge required to meet new demands or adapt to changes in the industry.
Importance of Organizational Knowledge: It's essential to recognize that this knowledge is the repository of information and insights gained over time. It is invaluable for meeting objectives, improving processes, and driving innovation within the organization.
Types of Organizational Knowledge: Organizational knowledge can be sourced both internally and externally.
Internal Sources: Experience, lessons learned from successes and failures, improvements, undocumented knowledge, and other intellectual property within the organization.
External Sources: Standards, academia, conferences, customer insights, and knowledge gained from external providers.
ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7.1.6 Organizational knowledge
By maintaining, sharing, and continuously updating this organizational knowledge, companies can better adapt to changes, innovate, and enhance their overall efficiency, quality, and competitiveness within the industry.