ISO 44001 – Business Collaboration Standard

ISO 44001, Collaborative business relationship management systems – Requirements and framework, has just been issued.  This is a new management system requirements document and follows the general schema of all of the ISO harmonized management system standards.  It is intended to provide the framework for such collaborative endeavors as consortia, alliances, joint ventures, and outsourcing.

ISO 44001 establishes a strategic lifecycle framework for collaboration between organizations of all sizes.  These relationships can be one to one, or a variety of situations with any number of partners.  And the processes of getting into and out of such relationships are discussed as well.

Your standard begins with the usual scope, references, and definition sections.  Then the following sections address issues familiar to those of you who have worked with management system standards before.  These include context of the organization, leadership, planning, support and operation. Sections 9 and 10 cover performance evaluation and improvement.

There are 7 informative Annexes.  They include a checklist, information on the relationship management plan, competencies, relationship maturity matrix, exit strategies,  business type descriptions, and application guidance.  A short bibliography completes this 70 page publication.

In actuality, you work in a collaborative fashion with many entities.  You look to both your suppliers and your customers for input on improving your business practices and products.  Should you choose to formalize any of these relationships, ISO 44001 provides a solid foundation.

You can search for and order all ISO standards (including many obsolete editions) from our Document Center Inc. webstore at www.document-center.com.  Here is a direct link to the order page for ISO 44001 for your convenience.

And if you comply with any of the management system requirements standards, you know that external assistance with maintaining your compliance documentation is a must.  Document Center Inc. has a variety of support services and products that can help you meet stringent documentation needs.  Just check in with our staff by phone (650-591-7600) or email (info@document-center.com) for more information.  Document Center Inc. has been working with customers like you since 1982.  Make us your Standards Experts!