What is a 'quality manual' in the context of ISO 9001?

A 'quality manual' in the context of ISO 9001 serves as a comprehensive document that outlines the organization’s quality policy, goals, and the structure of the Quality Management System (QMS). This manual typically includes details about how the organization plans to achieve its quality objectives and describes the procedures and processes that are in place to ensure quality is maintained across all operations.

The quality manual is essential because it communicates the organization’s commitment to quality, delineates the framework for managing quality, and provides guidance for employees on how to comply with quality standards and practices. It is a central document that helps ensure that everyone in the organization is aligned with the quality goals and understands the role of the QMS in achieving overall business objectives.

The other options do not represent the primary function of a quality manual within ISO 9001. For instance, while industry regulations and customer feedback are important aspects of a quality management system, they do not encapsulate the fundamental purpose of the quality manual. Likewise, detailing employee responsibilities may be part of the processes documented in the manual, but it does not define what the quality manual itself is.