TC 176 (International Standards Committee) developed all standards in the ISO 9000:2000 series with the eight quality management principles in mind, which provide the foundation of a sound quality management system.

1. Customer Focus - ISO 9001:2000 is about meeting customer needs, understanding their expectations, getting their feedback and adding value with an aim of enhancing their satisfaction level with your products and services.

2. Leadership - You and top management need to demonstrate and practice sound leadership skills within your organization, that is to say "Lead by example."

3. Involvement of People - In almost every business, people are the most valuable resource, and it is therefore of vital importance that they are party to any decisions and activities affecting the Quality Management System.

4. The Process Approach - Your daily business activity consists of many processes and sub-processes. You need to identify your processes and ensure that everyone is aware of their various actions and interactions. The process approach simply means desired results are achieved more efficiently when activities and related resources are managed as a process. Remember that some processes extend beyond the boundary of your organization, e.g. outsourcing. When such activities are undertaken the process still has to be managed.

5. A Systems Approach to Management - Being aware of what systems are in place and improving your systems is a sure way of enhancing your products and services and ultimately the satisfaction levels of both internal and external customers. Identifying, understanding and managing interrelated processes as a system contributes to the organization's effectiveness and efficiency in achieving its objectives.

6. Continual Improvement - By knowing what your organization does and how well it does it, you can identify ways to improve both your systems and your processes.

7. Factual Approach to Decision Making - By analyzing data and conducting internal audits and management reviews, you can improve business performance and the quality of your products and services.

8. Mutually Beneficial Supplier Relationship - By communicating with your suppliers, you can ensure that in the process of satisfying your needs, they also gain benefits in terms of decreased cost and improved performance.

Although third-party auditors are not likely to audit these principles explicitly, the intent of the ISO 9000:2000 series is clear in this regard.