ISO 9000 Introduction and support package:
Guidance on some of the frequently used words found in the ISO 9000 family of standards
This documentsupersedes:
- ISO/TC176/SC1 N399
- ISO/TC176/SC1/WG1 N317
Changes : Use of the word “Outsource” in ISO 9001 : 2008
Previous version
NOT USED IN 9001:2008ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6 and 7 [as adjective “outsourced”]) / verb / obtain goods or services from an outside supplier when considered as an alternative to carry out the associated process within the own organization
Current version
OutsourceUSED IN 9001:2008
(Clause 4 and table B.1) [as a verb “outsource” and as an adjective “outsourced”]
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6 and 7 [as adjective “outsourced”]) / verb / obtain goods or services from an outside supplier when considered as an alternative to carry out the associated process within the own organization
1. Introduction
Great care has been taken during the development of ISO 9001 and ISO 9004 to use the correct English words to describe the concepts involved, to assist text writers in consistent references to the concepts and to assist in their readability and translation. The objective is to achieve consistency of language throughout the documents to reduce confusion, in support of the technical vocabulary found in ISO 9000:2005.
ISO 9000:2005, Quality management systems - Fundamentals and Vocabulary
The table below provides the selected dictionary meanings for common words, which should be applied when writing, translatingor using the standards.
2. Table of common words used in the ISO 9000 family of Standards
Word / Meaningaccordance
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses7 and 8) / noun / (inaccordance with) in a manner conforming with
activity
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause0.2)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses1, 4, 6 and 9) / noun / action in pursuit of an objective
adequacy
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause8) / noun / sufficiency to satisfy a requirement
adjustment
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009 / noun / act of making something to match a standard
analysis
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 7 and 8) / noun / detailed examination of the elements or structure of something
appropriate
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5,6,7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 8 and A.5) / adjective / suitable (for, to)
applicable
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.1, 0.3, 1, 4, 6, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses1, 6, 8 and A.6) / adjective / -relevant
-appropriate
-possible to apply
assess
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses0.1, 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and A.4) / verb / determine the value of
authority
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause7) / noun / -power to command or give a final decision
-body that has legal powers and rights
available
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) / adjective / able to be used or obtained
awareness
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5 and 6)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause8) / noun / knowledge or perception of a situation or fact
calibration
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009 / noun / act of aligning the accuracy of a measuring equipment to a known standard
can / verb / ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
-be able to
-there is a possibility of
-it is possible to
cannot / verb / ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
-be unable to
-there is no possibility of
-it is not possible to
commitment
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 5 and 9) / noun / state of being dedicated to a cause or policy
communication
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5,6 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses5, 6, 8 and A.6) / noun / action of sharing or exchanging information or ideas
complaint
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 7 and 8)
NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009 / noun / an expression of dissatisfaction, displeasure or discontent
comply
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause5)
NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009 / verb / (person or organization) meet specified standards
confirm
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009 / verb / support or establish the certainty or validity of
conform
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 7 and 8)
NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009 / verb / -(item) meet specified requirements
-to act in accordance with prevailing standards or customs
consistent
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6,7,8, A.2 and A.6) / adjective / -(consistent with) conforming to or in agreement with
-coherent with
consistently
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause1)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4 and 9) / adverb / unchanging over time
control
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2, 4, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause8) / noun / -power to direct, restrain or regulate
-means of restraining or regulating
control
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 7 and 8)ISO 9004:2009 (Clause7) / verb / -direct, restrain or regulate
-restrain or regulate
data
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 6, 8 and 9) / noun / facts used for reference or analysis
define
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 5, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) / verb / state or describe exactly the nature, scope or meaning of
demonstrate
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 1, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause9) / verb / show clearly with objective evidence
deploy
NOT USED IN 9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5 and A.2) / verb / put into use or action
deployment
NOT USED IN 9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause5) / noun / implementation
determine
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses5, 6, 7, 8, A.1 and A.2) / verb / establish or find out with certainty by research, examination or calculation
distribution
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause5 and 6) / noun / act of allocating to recipients
disposition
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / action of dealing with things in a particular way
documentation
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / See Note 2 to ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.7.2
A set of documents, for example specifications and records, is frequently called “documentation”
enhance
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 1 and 6)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6, 8 and 9) / verb / improve the quality, value or extent of
ensure
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) / verb / make certain of
essential
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6, 8 and 9) / adjective / absolutely necessary
establish
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2, 0.4, 4, 5, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A.1 and A.5) / verb / set up
evaluate
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 5 and 6) / verb / synonym: assess
exclusion
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 1 and 4)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / item or eventuality specifically not covered
expectation
NOT USED IN 9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and A.2) / noun / -belief about (or mental picture of) the future
-wishing with confidence of fulfilment
experience
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause6)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6, 8, 9 and Annex B) / noun / practical contact with and observation of facts and events
facilitate
NOT USED IN 9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses7 and 8) / verb / -make easy or easier
-promote, help forward (an action, result, etc.)
feedback
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses5 and 8) / noun / information given in response to a product, a person’s performance of a task, etc., used as a basis for improvement
focus
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.3 and 5)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause4) / noun / centre of interest or activity
framework
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause5)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, A.2 and B.7) / noun / essential supporting or underlying structure
functional
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses8, A.4, A.5 and Annex B) / adjective / designed to be practical and useful
hardware
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause6)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / See the definition of “product” in ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.4.2
identify
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7, 8, A.5 and A.6) / verb / establish the identity of someone or somebody
identifiable
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / adjective / recognizable through a unique characteristic
impartiality
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause8)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / state of being without prejudice or bias
implement
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6, 7, 8 and 9) / verb / put into effect or practice
improvement
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 2, 3, 5 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A.2, A.5 and A.6 ) / noun / action or process of making or becoming better
See also “continual improvement” and “quality improvement”.
independent
(noun: independence)
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause0.3)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / adjective / - not connected with another; separate
- not subject to another’s authority
integrity
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause5)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6 and 8) / noun / state of being whole; the condition of being unified or sound in construction
irrespective
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause5)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / adjective / -in spite of
- without regard to
justification
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / evidence proving that something is right or reasonable
legible
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / adjective / possible to be read by a person or a machine for intended use
liaison
ISO 9001:2008 (Foreword)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / communication or cooperation between people or organizations
maintain
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) / verb / cause or enable (a condition or state of affairs) to continue
maintenance
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / process or state of keeping (a system, service, building, machine, etc) in good order by checking or repairing it regularly
may / verb / ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
-is permitted
-is allowed
-is permissible
measurable
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause5)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause8) / adjective / able to be measured
measure
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2 and 4)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4 and 8) / verb / ascertain size, amount, or performance of (something) by comparison with a standard unit or with an object of known size
methodology
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause0.2)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses8, 9 and A.5) / noun / system of methods used in a particular field
monitor
ISO 9001:2008 Clauses 0.2, 4 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5, 6 and 8) / verb / observe and check over a period of time; maintain regular close observation over
necessary
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2, 4, 6, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) / adjective / required to be done, achieved or present
need
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.1, 0.2, 4, 6, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A.2, A.3, A.4 andA.5) / noun / a lack of something that is required
objective
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses0.1, 0.3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and A.2) / noun / something to be achieved
objective
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause0.2)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / adjective / not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering or representing facts
obsolete
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / adjective / no longer produced or used; out of date
origin
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4 and 8)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / point at which something begins or arises
Outsource
USED IN 9001:2008
(Clause4 and table B.1) [as a verb “outsource” and as an adjective “outsourced”]
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6 and 7 [as adjective “outsourced”]) / verb / obtain goods or services from an outside supplier when considered as an alternative to carry out the associated process within the own organization
perception
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2 and 8)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / way of regarding, understanding or interpreting something
performance
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2, 0.3, 5, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 8, 9, A.2, A.3 and A.5) / noun / -the ability to achieve something
-the achievement itself
periodic
NOT USED IN 9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause8) / adjective / recurring or reappearing at regular intervals
physical
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause6)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause6) / adjective / tangible or concrete
plan
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and A.1) / noun / scheme, programme or method worked out beforehand for the accomplishment of an objective
plan
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses0.2, 5, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6, 7, 8 and 9) / verb / decide on and arrange in advance
practicable
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause8) / adjective / capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are
preservation
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / action or act of maintaining something in its original or existing state
previous
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses5, 7 and 8)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / adjective / existing or occurring before something else in time or in order
process approach
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause0.2)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 7 and 9 ) / noun / systematic identification and management of the processes employed within an organization and particularly the interactions between such processes
promote
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 0.2)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4 and 6) / verb / further the progress of, support or encourage
property
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / thing or things belonging to a person, persons or organization
protect
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause6) / verb / keep safe from damage
realization
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 1, 4, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6, 7 and 9) / noun / -action of achieving something desired or anticipated
-fulfilment
recognize
NOT USED IN 9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses7, 9 and A.6) / verb / -be fully aware of
-perceive or show acceptance of the validity or reality of something
regulatory
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.1, 1, 4 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses1, 4, 6, 7 and 8) / adjective / required, permitted or enacted by a rule or directive passed by an authority
See also statutory
relevant
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses4, 5, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 5, 6, 8, A.2, A.3 and A.4) / adjective / closely connected or appropriate to the matter in hand
require
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses0.2, 1, 4 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 9 and A.5) / verb / express need essential to the fulfilment of something
resource
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2, 4, 5, 6 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A.2 and A.5) / noun / stock or supply of materials, assets or personnel
responsibility
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 1, 4, 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6 and 7) / noun / task which a person or organization is required to do or control as part of a job, role or legal obligation
responsible
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses5, 6 and Annex B) / adjective / having an obligation to do something or having control over or care for someone
retain
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / verb / -keep possession of
-not abolish, discard or alter
retrievable
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / adjective / capable of being brought back
safeguard
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / verb / protect or prevent something undesirable (from happening)
scope
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses1, 4 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 1, 8 and A.5) / noun / extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant
sequence
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4)
ISO/DIC 90004 (Clauses 5, 7 and Annex B) / noun / a particular order in which related events, movements, etc, follow each other
shall / verb / ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
-is to
-is required to
-it is required that
-has to
-only … is permitted
-it is necessary
shall not / verb / ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
-is not allowed [permitted] [acceptable] [permissible]
-is required to be not
-is required that … be not
-is not to be
should / verb / ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
-it is recommended that
-ought to
should not / verb / ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
-it is not recommended that
-ought not to
skill
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause6)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6 and 9) / noun / ability to do something well
software
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 6 and 7)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / See definition of “product” in ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.4.2
specific
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses0.4 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses7, 8, 9 and Annex B) / adjective / of or relating to a particular subject
specify
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / verb / state explicitly, clearly and definitely
statutory
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses0.1, 1, 4 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 6, 7 and 8) / adjective / required, permitted or enacted by a written law passed by a body having the power to make laws
See alsoregulatory
strategy
NOT USED IN 9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A.2 and A.3) / noun / systematic plan of action to achieve an aim
suitability
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6 and 8) / noun / characteristic of something that is right or appropriate for a particular purpose
suitable
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7, 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6, 7 and A.5) / adjective / appropriate (for a particular purpose)
supply
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause5) / verb / make available for use
systematic
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses5 and 8) / adjective / done or acting according to a system
training
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause6)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause6) / noun / act of developing a particular skill or type of behaviour through demonstration, instruction and practice
unambiguous
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / adjective / having only one meaning
utilities
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause6)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / services such as gas, water, electricity, telecommunication, etc.
validate
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / verb / carry out validation
See ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.8.5
validity
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause8) / noun / conformity to fact, accuracy or precision
verify
ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses7 and 8)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / verb / carry out verification
See ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.8.4
workspace
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause6)
NOT USED IN DIS 9004 / noun / area in which work is performed
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