With the new versions ofISO 9001 and ISO 14001 scheduled for release in 2026, AFNOR analyzed nearly 20,000 audit reports to understand how organizations actually apply these two major standards. This study offers a unique overview of quality and environmental management practices, identifying the most effective performance drivers and the most common weaknesses. It is a strategic tool for anticipating future developments and strengthening the maturity of management systems.
Key lessons from ISO 9001 audits: competence as a differentiating factor
An analysis of 14,000 ISO 9001 audits highlights a key finding: the management of organizational skills and knowledge is both the area best mastered by some organizations... and the one that generates the most non-conformities in others. This duality reveals a major challenge: quality performance depends on the ability to identify critical competencies, structure knowledge transfer, and clarify roles and responsibilities.
The most successful organizations transform these requirements into solid operational practices. Conversely, the gaps observed show that documentation, training, and knowledge management remain very heterogeneous across sectors and company sizes. This variability explains why skills mastery appears to be a strong marker of maturity and a direct lever for customer satisfaction.
A few trends stand out in particular:
- Critical skills are sometimes poorly identified, which undermines operational continuity.
- Quality documentation is not always accessible, limiting the adoption of processes.
- Responsibilities are sometimes unclear, which complicates decision-making and the resolution of discrepancies.
ISO 14001: operational control, both a strength and a weakness
With regard to ISO 14001, audits show that section 8.1: operational control has the greatest number of strengths... but also weaknesses. Advanced organizations demonstrate rigorous management of their activities, integrating environmental risks into their daily operations. However, the study also reveals persistent weaknesses, particularly in waste management, hazardous substances, and emergency preparedness.
These discrepancies serve as a reminder that environmental performance is based on a systemic approach, where environmental analysis must become a real decision-making tool. However, in many organizations, this analysis remains too descriptive and is not used sufficiently to guide actions and priorities.
The study also highlights a key factor: leadership commitment. The organizations that are making the most rapid progress are those where management is actively driving the ecological transition and where staff are involved in the process. They go beyond compliance by integrating the environment into their strategy through eco-design, the circular economy, or life cycle analysis.
Anticipating the 2026 versions: a strategic challenge for organizations
The future versions of the standards, expected in spring 2026 for ISO 14001 and fall 2026 for ISO 9001, will reinforce themes already visible in audits: quality culture, ethical behavior, supply chain, and emerging technologies. These developments are part of a desire to adapt management systems to new operational, societal, and technological challenges.
In this context, the lessons learned from the 20,000 audits analyzed are a valuable indicator for anticipating regulatory changes and preparing action plans. The study offers a concrete look at how organizations apply standards on a daily basis, far beyond the text of the standards themselves. It identifies the requirements that are best mastered, areas of recurring weakness, and the most effective performance levers. For certified organizations or those in the process of certification, it is an essential management tool.
Download the full study
The study proposed by AFNOR offers a detailed analysis, exclusive graphs, and operational recommendations to strengthen your management systems and anticipate developments in 2026. It is intended for all organizations wishing to compare themselves to an international benchmark and improve their performance in a sustainable manner.
Download the full study to access all insights and prepare for your transition to the new ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 versions.
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