ISO 9000:2000 is a specific family of standards which is referred to under this generic title for convenience. This family consist of standards and guidelines relating to quality management systems, and related supporting standards on terminology and specific tools. It has been written in general terms, i.e. it may be applied within manufacturing industries or service organizations in any sector.

ISO 9000 concerns the way an organization goes about its work, and not directly the result of this work. In other words, it concerns processes, and not products - at least, not directly. Nevertheless, the way in which the organization manages its processes is obviously going to affect its final product, whether that product is manufactured or in the form of a service. In the case of ISO 9000, it is going to affect whether or not everything has been done to ensure that the product or service meets the customer's requirements.

For more information we would suggest that you tour our Web site, particularly the section ISO 9000 / ISO 14000, where you can find a considerable amount of information about the ISO 9000 series of standards.

For more detailed information on ISO 9000:2000 and it's sector specific guidance documents, for information regarding their content, technical interpretation and guidance on questions of application (certification ISO 9000) in a particular sector, please contact directly your national ISO member body.