WHAT IS A TRANSITION?
Regulations have a transition period of 3 years, from the date of publication. This transition period refers to the time that elapses between the publication of the latest version of the standard (“incoming standard”) and the date on which the previous version of such standard expires (“outgoing standard”). In this transition period, companies can continue to operate in accordance with the previous version of the standard, however, it is expected that they analyze and address the changes to ensure that prior to the end of the transition period, such changes in their management system have been successfully documented, implemented, and evaluated.
1. Develop a transition plan
2. Conduct a Gap Analysis to establish how you are currently complying with the new standard.
3. Address changes to the new standard
4. Develop a communication plan for the changes to employees and other "stakeholders"
5. Update the Management System to reflect the recent changes
6. Conduct an internal audit to demonstrate how your company meets the new standard.
TRANSITION AUDIT
A transition audit (or standard update) is an audit event to evaluate the way in which an organization has incorporated into its management system the changes in a standard, where such management system is implemented, evaluated, or certified.
BENEFITS OF AN EARLY TRANSITION
It is favorable in bidding processes as well as in commercial relationships.
It denotes great diligence on the part of the organization.
An early transition will not jeopardize your certification.
It provides greater flexibility and availability of auditors so that the evaluation takes place in the times that best suit the client.
It allows an organization to take advantage of the benefits of the innovative approaches or aspects that the latest version of the issued standard addresses.