TS ISO 10013

TS ISO 10013 is the guideline standard for developing and maintaining the documented information needed to support a quality management system. It helps an organization shape documentation to its own structure, processes, and needs, so that documentation becomes a practical management tool for consistency, control, and continual use rather than a paper exercise.

The role of documentation in quality management

In general technical terms, documentation brings together policies, objectives, process descriptions, instructions, records, and responsibilities in a way that makes a system understandable and traceable. Well-organized documented information supports common practice across teams, helps control changes, and makes management review easier. This standard addresses that structure in the context of quality management, and it also notes that it can support other management systems such as environmental or occupational health and safety management systems.

Content shaped to the organization

• The extent of documentation can be adapted to the size of the organization, the complexity of its activities, and the nature of its processes.
• The aim is to provide enough clarity and control without unnecessary detail.
• Documented information is considered across its life cycle, including preparation, updating, approval, distribution, and retention.
• Within a quality management system, documents are expected to remain current, accessible, and suitable for their intended use.