Document control - what is mandatory to be controlled?

Hey everyone,

i have a question regarding document control. Are there specifications that regulate which documents must be controlled? I am aware that internally used documents must be controlled in any case. But what about, for example, a document that is given externally (to the customer)? For example, an order sheet, which we then receive from the customer again and file in the order documents.

Thanks in advance!
Lorin

 

Good day @Lorin B. and welcome to the site.

There are two areas within 17025 that refer to or imply "external" documents...

6.4.13 Records shall be retained for equipment which
documentation of reference materials, results, acceptance criteria, relevant dates and the period of
validity;

8.3.1 The laboratory shall control the documents (internal and external) that relate to the fulfilment of
this document.

And of course, if your organization is claiming compliance via "Option B", then ISO 9001 verbiage directly applies as follows..
7.5.3.2
Documented information of external origin determined by the organization to be necessary for the planning
and operation of the quality management system shall be identified as appropriate, and be controlled.

As you can see from my underlined references above, much is left to your organization to determine.
I developed and have taught my teams and clients to consider the following "wrong or gone" term.

In other words, if the information is WRONG or if it is GONE (missing), can the result lead to a non-conformance? If the answer is 'yes" then how would your organization justify not 'controlling' that information?

Hope this helps.
Be well.

 

beside the documents above' the external documents should cover ILAC or accreditation party " UKAS/A2L----etc. " -- you should refer to the procedures & regulations also in theirr web, , you should refer to relevant regulation " i.e.: uncertainty of calibration/testing, rules of use the accredit logo ,--etc. -- all of this are formally published