ISO 9001:2026 includes many changes that impact quality management. I will present the updated standard, and the changes it contains, in a concise and detailed manner.

ISO 9001:2026 arrived in a world shaped by global supply chain volatility, rapid digitalization, heightened customer expectations, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence into everyday business processes. The standard was updated to address these realities head-on.

ISO 9001:2026 does not abandon the foundational principles of previous versions. It builds upon them — adding depth, clarity, and modern tools to ensure organizations can deliver consistent quality in a complex world. The release date is October 2026. The history of ISO 9001 reflects the evolution of quality management from product inspection to a comprehensive, process-based management system used by organizations worldwide.

Ed May brings over three decades of distinguished experience in quality management, business improvement, and organizational leadership. As Director of Quality and Productivity Solutions in New Jersey since 2013, he specializes in delivering comprehensive training and consulting services across Lean Six Sigma methodologies, supply chain optimization, management systems implementation, and FDA regulatory compliance.

Throughout his career, Ed has demonstrated exceptional leadership progression, advancing from engineering roles to executive positions including Vice President. His commitment to education extends to his role as Adjunct Instructor at several regional institutions, including NJIT, where he was recently recognized as Adjunct of the Year.

Ed holds the prestigious designation of ASQ Fellow and maintains multiple industry certifications including Six Sigma Black Belt, Manager of Quality, Quality Auditor, Quality Engineer. He served as Chair of ASQ Section 304 North Jersey Section from 2021 to 2025. He currently serves as Scholarship Chair and Conference Chair.

At the New Jersey Institute of Technology, he teaches advanced courses in Quality Systems and Statistics, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical industry applications.

Ed earned his Bachelor of Engineering degree from Stevens Institute of Technology and his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, providing him with a robust foundation in both technical excellence and strategic business leadership.