What is Monitoring & Measuring Resources for ISO 9001?
The process of monitoring and measuring resources for ISO 9001 ensures conformity for all products and services. This includes making sure that all equipment is valid, up-to-date, calibrated and working properly.
All measurements that are taken must be accurate and recorded for monitoring purposes.
A calibrated equipment procedure describes the process that tests and records the accuracy of all measuring, testing, and monitoring equipment. It details how calibration activities should be performed, the responsibilities for each task and any other conditions or limitations to the calibration.
Contents
- Monitoring and Measuring Resources Process
- Measurement Traceability Requirements
- Calibrated Test Equipment Procedure
It is a legal requirement that organizations meet the calibration schedule for all measuring equipment. This ensures that the integrity of the organization’s work is within an allowable tolerance range at all times.

Monitoring and Measuring Resources Process
- Determine resources needed for accurate results
- Provide resources
- Measure to verify products/services against requirements
- Document results for monitoring
Before being able to take accurate and recorded measurements, the resources that are needed to obtain these results must be determined. Once the needed resources have been identified and determined, they must also be acquired.
When any product or service is measured, it must be measured according to the specific requirements that are outlined by ISO 9001. To ensure that these results are accurate, these guidelines must be carefully followed.
ISO 9001 measurements are completed by machines and equipment that are verified for use, or have already been approved by their requirements in other words. This equipment can even include digital computer software.

Measurement Traceability Requirements
When it comes to monitoring and measuring resources under ISO 9001 guidelines, there are certain guidelines that must be strictly adhered to for the most accurate results possible.
Measurement traceability is the process of validating the equipment that will be used to measure products and resources. This is an ISO requirement, and will give the organization confidence that all measurements are completely correct.
The specific standards for measurement traceability are outlined briefly in the list below, and explained more in detail throughout the rest of this section.
Instruments Used for Measurement
To begin, the instruments that are used for measuring resources must always be calibrated in intervals before being used, while following the specified standards in doing so.
They must also be adjusted according to the instructions as provided by the manufacturer prior to being used to make accurate measurements. In a visible area on the outside of the machine, the operators must be able to clearly identify the status of calibration during these adjustments.
In addition, the machines and measurement equipment in question must be constantly protected from unnecessary adjustments that could affect the results of the measurement. While the equipment must be flexible for adjustments as needed before beginning the measurements, they should not be movable during the actual process.
In the event that the equipment must be moved to another location, repaired, or stored away for future use, it must always be protected from any exterior damages that could occur without careful handling.
If a measurement device is being used that is not compliant with ISO certifications, it must first be checked against another conforming device for accuracy. Otherwise, this device will not be considered accurate or efficient and will not be used for this purpose.
When the calibration of these devices take place before the actual measurement, the action must be performed by a provider that is certified by the ISO. Any other personnel that does not match these specifications will not be qualified to adjust or calibrate the machine in any way.
- Calibrated in intervals before being used (following standards)
- Adjusted according to manufacturer’s instructions
- Able to identify calibration status
- Protected from adjustment that could affect results of measurement
- Protected from damages during moving, repairs, or storage
- Non-conforming devices are checked against a conforming device
- Calibrated by ISO certified providers
- Calibration and verification records kept and maintained
- Computer software confirmed and validated before use
- Computer software re-validated if needed
If computer software is needed to take accurate measurements, it must be confirmed and validated before it can be used correctly. In addition to the initial validation of this technology, it must be maintained and re-validated as needed.
While most standard measurement equipment can adhere to the guidelines explained in this section, some do not indicate specified measurement standards.
In this case, the method of calibration and verification will have to be documented and kept as a record for accuracy and future reference.
Along with the measurement traceability requirements for the machines that are used for measuring resources, there are some specific points to hit when dealing with the equipment that requires calibration.
Equipment That Requires Calibration Should Be
- Calibrated in specific intervals
- Adjusted as needed
- Showing status of calibration
- Safe from adjustment
- Protected from damage
As you can see, there is a documented process that goes into accurately and efficiently monitoring and measuring resources. However, those who choose to adhere to the guidelines will reap the benefits in their business, knowing they have full control of all operations.

What Does the Term “verification” Mean Within the Monitoring and Measuring Resources Clause of ISO 9001:2015?
The term verification refers to the confirmation that the equipment that is in question meets the standards as defined by ISO 9001. Whether this is completed by adjusting, calibrating, or testing the equipment against a confirmed device, all measurement devices must be verified before they can be used to provide reliable data.