Small Business Glossary and Definitions

The International Organization of Standardization (ISO) is an international body that develops international standards in the areas of propriety, commercial and industrial needs. ISO 9000 is the international standard of management practices for quality management and quality assurance. ISO 9000 is the family of standards under which subcategories apply.

ISO 9001 is the standard that can be audited for certification. Achieving ISO 9001 standards entails 1) developing overall management system requirements and documentation, 2) management responsibilities, 3) allocation and management of resources, 4) product and services process management and 5) data measurement, collection and analysis and improvement.

ISO 9004 is similar to ISO 9001 and compatible with it. ISO 9004 is a broader standard than extends the benefits of ISO 9001 to all parties involved in the operations of an organization including entities outside the organization. ISO 9004 also applies the standards of ISO 9001 by taking a long-term view of quality management and quality assurance.