scope:

This part of ISO 9004 provides guidance on quality management and quality system elements.

The quality system elements are suitable for use in the development and implementation of a comprehensive and effective in-house quality system, with a view to ensuring customer satisfaction.

This part of ISO 9004 is not intended for contractual, regulatory or certification use. Consequently, it is not a guideline for the implementing of ISO 9001, ISO 9002 and ISO 9003. ISO 9000-2 should be used for that purpose.

The selection of appropriate elements contained in this part of ISO 9004 and the extent to which these elements are adopted and applied by an organization depends upon factors such as the market being served, nature of the product, production processes, and customer and consumer needs. References in this part of ISO 9004 to a "product" should be interpreted as applicable to the generic product categories of hardware, software, processed materials or service (in accordance with the definition of "product" in ISo 8402).

NOTES 

1 For further guidance, see ISO 9004-2 and ISO 9004-3.

2 For informative references, see annex A.