Management system guidance
8.5 Production and service provision
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8.5.4 Preservation
This requirement is unchanged in ISO 9001:2026 (it was also in ISO 9001:2008 as Clause 7.5.5 Preservation of product). Outputs must be preserved during production and service provision to the extent needed to keep them conforming. The auditor will expect to see that adequate measures are taken to protect and preserve the product during internal processing and delivery to the intended destination. If you need a procedure and forms to help control your business's product and service provision process, click here.
The note to the clause lists the following as possible elements of preservation: identification, handling, contamination control, packaging, storage, transmission or transportation, and protection. The requirements for these are likely to be an output of the design process.
- Identification – Ensure that products are properly identified and do not become mixed with other orders. You should expect to see that all products are clearly identified. This is relative to identification and traceability for preservation, maintain identification wherever losing it could put conformity at risk;
- Handling – This may include bulk handling using moving equipment or physical contact where handling may influence product conformity. You should verify that suitable handling methods are implemented throughout the processes.
- Contamination control – Prevent contamination of products and materials, for example through cleanliness, segregation, covers or controlled environments, where it could affect conformity;
- Packaging – Ensure that labeling and marking of shipped products are sufficient to enable adequate identification and traceability back through your QMS. This should include ensuring that labeling and marking maintains its integrity and remains affixed throughout the shipping process. You should expect to see that methods have been established for packaging the product to preserve its integrity. Package products appropriately for shipping in order to preserve the product’s integrity throughout the shipping process;
- Storage – This should include storage conditions to prevent the deterioration, damage or loss. You should expect to see that product is stored in a manner to safeguard product;
- Transmission or transportation – Protect outputs while they are moved or sent, including physical transport and the electronic transmission of service outputs such as data, reports and software;
- Protection – Raw materials, in-process materials, inspected product, nonconforming product and product ready for shipping should also be identified with its status and protected from any unintended alteration. You should verify that appropriate measures are in place to protect product. This will vary depending on the product.
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