Quality Manual vs. QMS Document vs. Quality Plan

A quality manual is the document that stablishes the organization’s intentions for operating the processes within the QMS. The quality manual may include policies for all areas of the company that affect its ability to deliver quality products and/or services and meet the requirements of the standard and customers. The quality manual is no longer mandatory in the lastest version of ISO 9001:2015.

For more information about the quality manual in ISO, see - The future of the quality manual in ISO 9001:2015: https://advisera.com/9001academy/knowledgebase/the-future-of-the-quality-manual-in-iso-90012015/

The QMS documentation consists of different types of documents, such as quality policy, quality manual, procedures, work instructions, quality plans, and records. ISO 9001 requires some mandatory documents, such as quality policy or objectives and others that the organization can choose to develop, like the procedures. 

For more information about QMS documentation, see this article - How to structure quality management system documentation: https://advisera.com/9001academy/knowledgebase/how-to-structure-quality-management-system-documentation/

A quality plan is a document that specify quality standards, resources, specifications, and the sequence of activities that relates to a specific product or service. For instance, a quality plan in a manufacturing company may include procedures that describe the processes of productions and responsabilities associated, such as product specifications,or applicable measurement standards.

For more information about the quality plan, see this article - Making the best out of ISO 9001 quality plan: https://advisera.com/9001academy/blog/2015/12/08/making-the-best-out-of-iso-9001-quality-plan/

The following materials can provide you more information about these topics: 

- Free online training ISO 9001:2015 Foundations Course – https://advisera.com/training/iso-9001-foundations-course/

- Book - Discover ISO 9001:2015 Through Practical Examples - https://advisera.com/books/discover-iso-9001-2015-through-practical-examples/

- Book - Managing ISO documentation: a plain English guide: https://advisera.com/books/managing-iso-documentation-plain-english-guide/

ISO 10005 Quality management systems - Guidelines for quality plans provides guidance on establishing and using quality plans as a means of relating requirements of the process, product, project or contract, to work methods and practices that support product realization. Benefits of establishing a quality plan are increased confidence that requirements will be met, that processes are in control and the motivation that this can give to those involved.