Identification
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Article addresses the issue of identification in standard ISO 9001. ISO 9001 is a quality management standard that outlines requirements for a quality management system. Identification and traceability are two important concepts within the context of ISO 9001.
Identification
Identification refers to the ability to identify the origin, location, and status of a product, process, or service. This can include identifying the source of raw materials, tracking the progress of a product through the manufacturing process, and identifying the location of finished goods. Identification helps ensure that products and processes are properly controlled and that any issues can be quickly traced back to their source.
Identification is the possibility of distinguishing the product with certain characteristics (signs) during the product realization process. Identification of the product is one of several requirements that an organization implementing and maintaining a quality management system must meet (in accordance with paragraph 7.5.3 of the PN-EN ISO 9001:2009 "Identification and traceability") - where identifying a product or service is needed, one should identify methods of identification and conduct records.
Traceability
Traceability refers to the ability to trace the history, application, or location of a product, process, or service. This can include tracking the movement of raw materials through the supply chain, tracking the progress of a product through the manufacturing process, and tracking the movement of finished goods through distribution. Traceability helps ensure that products and processes are properly controlled and that any issues can be quickly traced back to their source.
Apart from the identification, p. 7.5.3 of ISO 9001, defines the traceability - the ability to trace the history, application or location of which is the subject of consideration and it may concern: the origin of materials and parts, manufacturing and distribution history and location of the product after its delivery. If the client or the law requires the traceability of the product, the organization has a duty to supervise its unambiguous identification.
Practical Examples
In some sectors, identification and traceability are required by applicable law or contract. For example, in the case of pressure vessels, identification and traceability records are gathered for particular material at all stages of production. This allows to back-trace the origin of the final product to the input material.
Summary
Together, identification and traceability are important tools that help organizations meet the requirements of ISO 9001 by providing a clear understanding of the history, location, and status of products and processes. This information can be used to identify and correct any issues, improve quality, and ensure that products and processes meet the requirements of the standard.
References
- Lee, S. F., Roberts, P., & Lau, W. S. (1999). Survey on ISO 9000 quality management system implementation in Hong Kong. Managerial Auditing Journal, 14(1/2), 79-88.
Author: Sławomir Wyszyński
