7.1 Resources (7.1.6)

7. SUPPORT

7.1 Resources

7.1.6 Organizational knowledge

The organization shall determine the knowledge necessary for the operation of its processes and to achieve conformity of products and services.

This knowledge shall be maintained and be made available to the extent necessary.

When addressing changing needs and trends, the organization shall consider its current knowledge and determine how to acquire or access any necessary additional knowledge and required updates.

NOTE 1 Organizational knowledge is knowledge specific to the organization; it is gained by experience. It is information that is used and shared to achieve the organization’s objectives.
NOTE 2 Organizational knowledge can be based on:

• a) internal sources (e.g. intellectual property; knowledge gained from experience; lessons learned from failures and successful projects; capturing and sharing undocumented knowledge and experience; the results of improvements in processes, products and services);
• b) external sources (e.g. standards; academia; conferences; gathering knowledge from customers or external providers).

Cross reference
Clause 4.4.1 (QMS and its processes)