ISO/IEC 17025:2017 – Key Changes and Impacts

Discover the key changes and impacts of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard on industrial and service laboratories. Learn how to comply with it and get to know the technologies that can support the implementation process, with a focus on Actiz LIMS as a transformation agent.

What is the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is an international standard that establishes the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. It provides guidelines for quality management, quality assurance, and the validation of testing and calibration methods.

This standard applies to industrial and service laboratories, covering a wide range of fields such as chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, and others. It defines the technical and management requirements laboratories must meet to demonstrate their competence and the reliability of the results they produce.

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is an update to the previous version, ISO/IEC 17025:2005, and introduces some significant changes that impact industrial and service laboratories.

Watch: How much does ISO 17025 accreditation cost?

Key changes and impacts of the new version

The new version of the ISO/IEC 17025 standard introduced some important changes compared to the previous version. One of the main changes is the risk-based approach, which requires laboratories to identify the risks associated with their processes and implement measures to mitigate them.

In addition, the new version also places greater emphasis on impartiality and confidentiality, requiring laboratories to adopt policies and procedures to ensure the impartiality of their activities and the confidentiality of client data.

Another significant change is the need to implement a documented quality management system, including policies, procedures, and records relevant to ensuring compliance with the standard’s requirements.

These changes have a significant impact on industrial and service laboratories, as they require a review and adaptation of their processes and management systems to meet the new requirements.

How to comply with ISO/IEC 17025:2017

To comply with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, industrial and service laboratories must follow some important steps. First, it is necessary to understand the standard’s requirements and identify gaps relative to existing processes.

Next, an action plan must be developed and implemented to close these gaps and meet the standard’s requirements. This may involve reviewing and updating policies, procedures, and records, as well as training staff to ensure the required technical competence.

In addition, it is essential to establish a documented quality management system that includes all the standard’s requirements and is periodically reviewed and updated.

Finally, it is important to conduct internal audits and pursue certification of compliance with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard through recognized accreditation bodies.

Complying with the standard requires time, effort, and investment, but it brings significant benefits in terms of the reliability of results, the laboratory’s credibility, and customer satisfaction.

See also: ISO 17025: find out how much accreditation costs and how to plan your laboratory’s finances

Technologies to support the implementation process

In the process of implementing the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, the use of technology can be very helpful in optimizing and streamlining processes. There are several technology solutions available that can help laboratories with quality management, document management, records control, results traceability, and other aspects.

One example of technology that can be used is a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), such as Actiz LIMS. A LIMS is a laboratory information management system that enables the integration and control of all laboratory processes, from sample receipt through to results generation.

Actiz LIMS offers advanced features such as sample management, quality control, results traceability, document management, and automated report generation. It helps improve operational efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with the requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard.

Therefore, the use of technology such as Actiz LIMS can be a transformation agent for industrial and service laboratories, supporting the implementation and ongoing maintenance of compliance with the standard.

The role of LIMS as a transformation agent

A LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) plays a fundamental role as a transformation agent in industrial and service laboratories. It delivers a range of benefits, including process automation, error reduction, increased efficiency, and improved service quality.

With a LIMS, it is possible to centralize and integrate all of the laboratory’s information and activities, from sample receipt through to results generation. This makes it easier to manage and control all processes, ensuring traceability, reliability, and data security.

In addition, Actiz LIMS offers advanced quality control features, enabling the definition and monitoring of control parameters, statistical analysis of results, and the identification of trends and deviations.

In this way, LIMS acts as a transformation agent, contributing to the continuous improvement of industrial and service laboratories, making them more efficient, reliable, and competitive.