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John Vandenbemden

Quality edge | John Vandenbemden

Measurement management standards can be determined by commercial contracts, other ISO standards, or market requirements.

ISO 10012 Measurement Management System 

John Vandenbemden

I have over the past couple of years presented the journey that ISO 10012 has followed to reach the time for release as the latest revision. There were challenges even after the Final Draft Standard voting was conducted. There were approximately 300 comments on this FDIS that required to be dispositioned. This was completed by T/C176 SC3 WG27 subcommittee members. The standard is now being prepared by ISO to be published in 2026.

The ISO 10012 standard ensures that an organization possesses the proper methods, skills, and training to create and operate a comprehensive measurement management system (MMS). This MMS should maintain appropriate measurement integrity and manage any risks associated with the measurement process. While the standard does not specify what measurements to use or provide a system for measurement control, it requires organizations to have documented procedures for identifying and addressing risks, as well as methods to tackle measurement challenges.

Measurement management standards can be determined by commercial contracts, other ISO standards, or market requirements. ISO 10012 does not define the specifics of recording measurement data; it only mandates that a system exists for conducting measurements and managing any information that needs to be recorded.

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A man operates a FARO CREAFORM 3D scanner to inspect a metal part for sheet metal stamping.
The standard provides a systematic approach to sampling without overtaxing resources.

The system requires a management framework but is compatible with standards like ISO 9001, ISO14001, or similar. This measurement standard focuses on ensuring customer confidence by defining how an organization selects measurement techniques and records values.

Key points of this revision:

  • Measurement management is now an organization-wide process, improving accessibility and relevance.
  • Success depends on senior leadership support, a clear leader, and involvement across all levels.
  • Staff must be properly trained.
  • Organizations should assess measurement uncertainty considering periodicity, tolerances, traceability, and regulatory needs, not just ideal standards.
  • The standard addresses cyber security and counterfeit materials, which may influence future Quality Management Standard updates.
  • Measurement is integrated into overall operations for wider organizational benefit.

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John Vandenbemden is currently the Chair of the ASQ Standards Committee and is the Inspection Division representative.  He is a voting member of TC 276 and Secretary of SC5 USTAG 69 and conducts audits for Eagle Certification Group, PRI and Quality Auditing. Vandenbemden is past Chair of the ASQ Inspection Division and ASQ Board of Directors. For more information, email jvdbd@hotmail.com. Vandenbemden is also the 2022 Quality Professional of the Year.