Determining where appropriate processes in ISO 9001
Terminology
Where the terminology used by the auditee is different to that used by the auditor, the auditor should understand the concepts in ISO 9001:2000 using ISO 9000:2000 and make a mental or written cross reference between the terminology of the auditee and his/her own for the same concepts, avoiding the use of QM jargon.
The definition of process
If the definition of process is not interpreted in the same way by the auditor and the auditee, the auditor should seek to understand the auditee’s point of view and not impose his own view unless it is clear (supported with enough objective evidence) that the requirements of the standard are not met. The same is true if the auditor believes that certain processes have not been correctly identified or are missing.
Exclusions
The auditor should refer to clause 1.2 of ISO 9001:2000,
to the ISO/TC 176/SC 2/N524
document ISO 9000 Introduction and Support Package:
Guidance on ISO 9001:2000, Clause 1.2 “Application” for
further guidance, and the APG’s guidance on Scopes.
The auditor should obtain objective evidence that the auditee
cannot exclude a specific requirement, before reaching
a conclusion. It is good practice for an auditor to utilise
the standard ISO 9000:2000 Quality management
systems - Fundamentals
and vocabulary and ISO/TC 176/SC 2/N524 as support documents,
to explain the arguments to the auditee.