The recent versions of ISO 9000 standards do incorporate the six sigma methodology in a section appropriately named Continual Improvement. ISO 9000-2000 version has the following benefits:
ISO 9001 establishes the objectives and processes necessary to deliver results in accordance with customer requirements and organization’s policies.
Monitors and measures processes and product against policies, objectives and requirements for the product and report the results.
Takes actions to continually improve process performance.
It focuses on the effectiveness of the quality management system in meeting customer requirements.
ISO 9004 gives guidance on a wider range of objectives of a quality management system than does ISO 9001,particularly for the continual improvement of an organization’s overall performance and efficiency, as well as its effectiveness.
I would recommend ISO 9004 is recommended as a guide for organizations whose top management wishes to move beyond the requirements of ISO 9001, in pursuit of continual improvement of performance. However, it is not intended for certification or for contractual purposes.
Identifies non-conformances and provides for its correction—this can be a source for six sigma data analysis.
When nonconforming product is corrected it is subjected to re-verification to demonstrate conformity to the requirements.
When nonconforming product is detected after delivery or use has started, the organization should take action appropriate to the effects, or potential effects, of the nonconformity.
HOW DOES SIX SIGMA INTERFACE WITH ISO?
ISO 9000-2000 recommends that complying company determines, collects and analyzes appropriate data to demonstrate the suitability and effectiveness of the quality management system and to evaluate where continual improvement of the effectiveness of the quality management system can be made. This shall include data generated as a result of monitoring and measurement and from other relevant sources.
The analysis of data shall provide information relating to
a) customer satisfaction
b) conformity to product requirements
c) characteristics and trends of processes and products including opportunities for preventive action, and
d) suppliers.
The ocompany is also required to continually improve the effectiveness of the quality management system through the use of
the quality policy, quality objectives, audit results, analysis of data, corrective and preventive actions and
management r
.
.