ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7.1.6 is titled "Organizational Knowledge." This clause emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing organizational knowledge to support the operation of processes and to achieve conformity of products and services. It recognizes that organizational knowledge is a valuable asset that can contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization's quality management system (QMS).
Key points of Clause 7.1.6 include:
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Identification of Organizational Knowledge: The organization is required to determine the knowledge necessary for the operation of its processes and for the achievement of quality objectives. This includes both explicit knowledge, such as documented procedures and instructions, and tacit knowledge, which resides in the minds of employees and is gained through experience.
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Preservation of Organizational Knowledge: The organization must ensure that organizational knowledge is preserved and maintained, even as personnel change or leave the organization. This may involve capturing and documenting knowledge, as well as implementing processes to transfer knowledge from experienced employees to new hires or successors.
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Sharing and Use of Organizational Knowledge: The organization should promote the sharing and use of organizational knowledge across the organization. This includes facilitating communication and collaboration among employees, providing training and development opportunities, and creating systems for accessing and utilizing knowledge effectively.
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Continual Improvement: The organization should continually review and improve its processes for managing organizational knowledge. This involves identifying opportunities to enhance knowledge management practices, implementing changes as necessary, and evaluating the effectiveness of these improvements over time.
Overall, ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7.1.6 underscores the importance of managing organizational knowledge as a strategic asset for achieving quality objectives and maintaining competitiveness in the marketplace. By effectively identifying, preserving, sharing, and utilizing knowledge, organizations can enhance their ability to adapt to change, innovate, and consistently deliver value to customers.