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Reviewed 26 October 2026. Original publication date retained: 2023-04-12.
ISO identifies seven quality-management principles: customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decision making and relationship management. The previous article listed only six and omitted relationship management. The principles provide context for thinking about a quality management system; this short guide does not replace the applicable standard's requirements.
Questions to follow in an audit
- How are customer requirements connected to the processes that deliver them?
- What evidence informs management decisions and improvement priorities?
- How are important supplier and partner relationships evaluated?
Connect the records with practice
Follow one customer requirement across delivery and a supplier interface, then examine the records used to evaluate performance and decide on improvement.
These are illustrative audit trails, not findings about a named organisation, technical instructions or a guarantee of a particular result. The appropriate evidence depends on the activities, risks and agreed scope. The organisation remains responsible for its operations and legal obligations.
AAA provides independent certification audits. Confirm the applicable standard edition, scope and customer requirements before agreeing a programme. Request an indicative price or discuss your proposed audit.
Further reading: ISO quality-management principles.