Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1538540
90 PCB007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2025 • Ethics and integrity: Within leadership practices, expect to see more recognition of the role of ethics and integrity in quality management. Ethical behavior is a current requirement but very lightly enforced, and it will be interesting to see how this element can effectively be measured. • Digital innovation: Integration of digital tech- nologies and practices to streamline pro- cesses, including the use of artificial intel- ligence (AI). I will have to wait to read the exact verbiage to understand how this can be applied to very small companies. • Sustainability: To address environmental and social responsibilities, adopting greener pro- cesses, reducing waste, and ensuring ethical practices throughout the supply chain. ISO is doubling down and expanding on the climate change amendment. We have a standalone standard, ISO 14001, the internationally rec- ognized standard for environmental manage- ment systems (EMS), so I am not sure why the need to include this in 9001. • Cybersecurity: This has been an afterthought in the current standard, so expect a require- ment to strengthen your cybersecurity mea- sures to protect sensitive data and ensure the reliability of the quality management sys- tem documentation and data. Having a num- ber of clients that have been cyber hacked, some with devastating consequences, I am in total agreement with this addition. • Implementation flexibility: This is a greatly welcomed addition that will allow a more tai- lored approach to documentation and process control requirements and implementation. Scalability of the QMS to align with the size of the company just makes so much sense and may provide relief to small businesses. The new revision is designed to keep the stan- dard relevant and effective in the face of modern challenges and "ripped from the headlines" global events from the last few years. By proactively adapting to these changes, organizations can not only maintain compliance but also enhance their overall quality management capabilities, leading to better performance and competitive advantage. Once released, we can begin doing Gap Analyses and planning the transition to the new Version 6 of ISO 9001. PCB007 Steve Williams is president of The Right Approach Consulting. He is also an independent certified coach, trainer, and speaker with the John Maxwell team. To read past columns, click here. T H E R I G H T A P P ROAC H