- Learn the Basics >
- Conformity Assessment >
- Management System Registration >
Types of Conformity Assessment
Management System Registration (Certification)
(3rd party only)
A management system establishes a framework of processes and procedures against which an organization can evaluate its performance in a particular area of interest (quality, environmental management, occupational safety and health, etc.). It involves the use of such techniques as written procedures and records, adequately trained staff and sufficient resources, internal audits, and management reviews.
ISO/IEC 17021, Conformity assessment - Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems - contains a set of general criteria for the operation of a registration/ certification program by a third party. This standard is used by many, but not all, registration/ certification programs.
The use of such techniques can help ensure that nothing vital to the organization's performance in that area is ignored. However, it should be noted that it is the supplier's management system that is registered, not an individual product or service. Consequently, management system registration does not imply product or service conformity to a given set of requirements or compliance with mandatory requirements. Management system registration is not a replacement for an assessment of the product or service, nor is it a replacement for assessment of the organization's compliance with applicable law and regulatory requirements.
While the assessment of an organization's conformance to a particular management system standard can be carried out by a first or second party, management system registration (also known as certification) is a process in which an independent, third-party registrar evaluates and verifies that the organization has met the requirements of a specific management system standard. The registrar will then issue some type of written attestation of the conformance, such as a certificate of registration.
There are a number of different management system standards against which companies may choose to be evaluated. Some are general standards that apply to all industries, such as ISO 9000 for requirements in quality management systems (QMS), and ISO 14000 for requirements for environmental management systems (EMS).
Others are industry specific and cover areas ranging from food safety (ISO 22000 Food safety management systems - Requirements for any organization in the food chain), to quality in the aerospace industry (AS9100 Quality Management Systems-Aerospace-Requirements), to quality in the automotive industry (ISO/TS 16949 Quality management systems). Some industry specific standards can incorporate a general management system standard, adding additional requirements as appropriate.
The degree of interest by U.S. suppliers to seek registration in one or more management system areas currently varies significantly by industry. In many areas, the consistency of certain product characteristics or the impact of an organization's operation on health, safety and the environment is crucial. Some suppliers also seek to avoid the need for multiple second party audits by having their management system assessed by an independent third party.
In addition, organizations that sell products or supply services internationally may also seek registration to meet foreign requirements. When used in conjunction with some type of a product/service evaluation, management system registration provides an interested party (domestic or foreign) with information on the characteristics of the product/service and on the likelihood that the product/service is being produced consistently.
To learn more about other types of conformity assessment click here.