PARAGRAPH 6.1: Provision of Resources

PARAGRAPH 6.1 requires the organization determine and provide the resources it needs to satisfy its customers by meeting agreed-on commitments (6.1 b) and to implement, maintain, and continually improve the quality management system: the framework of policies, procedures, plans, and standards that defines the way the organization conducts business (6.1 a).

The need for resources is determined by the commitments the organization makes and by the methods it chooses to employ in meeting those commitments.

PARAGRAPHS 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4 define requirements related to three categories of resources: people, infrastructure, and work environment.

PARAGRAPH 6.2: Human Resources

Because people are part of all organizations, ISO 9001:2000 not only specifies requirements for human resources but also provides detail on steps the organization needs to take in providing human resources.

PARAGRAPH 6.2.1 states that any personnel whose work affects the quality of the organization's products are required to be competent to perform their assigned tasks. Competence, the "demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills," ¹ is based on education, training, skills, and experience.

PARAGRAPH 6.2.2 defines five activities the organization carries out to support the provision of competent personnel.

First, the organization determines what competence is necessary for a particular task or responsibility (PARAGRAPH 6.2.2 a).

Then, according to PARAGRAPH 6.2.2 b, the organization provides training or takes...