> Continual improvement process: the basic idea, everyday examples, its link to Kaizen and ISO 9001 clause 10.1, and how to make improvements last. Source: [https://docxpert.io/en/glossary/continual-improvement](https://docxpert.io/en/glossary/continual-improvement) # Continual improvement process explained | docxpert ## The basic idea Instead of waiting for big projects, all employees should spot and contribute improvement opportunities. Many small improvements add up to big effects. Each one follows the [PDCA cycle](https://docxpert.io/en/glossary/pdca-cycle): plan, try, check, standardise. - A fitter proposes a fixture that prevents two parts from being mixed up. - A sales team adds a question to the proposal checklist that was regularly forgotten. - A laboratory rearranges equipment at the bench and saves walking. ## Continual improvement in ISO 9001 In the 2015 edition, general improvement was in 10.1 and continual improvement in 10.3. ISO 9001:2026 merges both into 10.1. In substance it remains the same: the organization continually improves the suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the QMS, taking into account results of analysis, evaluation and management review. If your documents still refer to 10.3, update the references; see [ISO 9001:2026 evaluation and improvement](https://docxpert.io/en/guides/iso-9001-2026/evaluation-and-improvement). ## What makes it work - quick feedback on every suggestion, even if it is not implemented, - responsibility for implementation with the people involved, not only with the quality department, - standardisation: successful improvements are carried into instructions, - visibility: implemented improvements are shown to the team. ## Improvement and correction Not every improvement starts with an error. Corrective actions respond to a nonconformity; continual improvement also looks for gains where nothing has gone wrong yet: lead times, clarity of instructions or customer experience. Both belong to clause 10 of the standard. ## Implementing it in docxpert Improvements that remove a cause are tracked in [CAPA management](https://docxpert.io/en/features/capa-management) with actions and an effectiveness check. You carry the result into the affected documents through change control. For the 2026 edition, the “Nonconformities, incidents and corrective actions” template includes a section on continual improvement under 10.1. ## Frequently asked questions What is the difference between continual improvement and Kaizen? Continual improvement is the common Western term for the idea behind Japanese Kaizen. In substance they are nearly the same. Do I need a suggestion scheme for ISO 9001? No. The standard requires continual improvement but no particular system for it. A simple way to collect and handle suggestions does help in audits. Does clause 10.3 still exist in ISO 9001:2026? No. Continual improvement has been absorbed into 10.1. How do I show continual improvement in an audit? With implemented improvements whose effectiveness is evidenced, with updated instructions and with results from management review. ## Read next [GlossaryKey quality and compliance terms, explained briefly and clearly.Learn more](https://docxpert.io/en/glossary) [PDCA cyclePlan, Do, Check, Act: the principle behind every ISO management standard.Learn more](https://docxpert.io/en/glossary/pdca-cycle) [Management review and improvementNew inputs in 9.3.2, customer satisfaction 9.1.2 and the merged clause 10.1.Learn more](https://docxpert.io/en/guides/iso-9001-2026/evaluation-and-improvement) [CAPA managementCorrective and preventive actions in nine phases – with 5 Whys, Ishikawa, deadlines and effectiveness checks.Learn more](https://docxpert.io/en/features/capa-management) [CAPA checklistCheckpoints from problem statement to effectiveness check.Learn more](https://docxpert.io/en/checklists/capa) Free checklist ## CAPA checklist Checkpoints from problem statement to effectiveness check. [CAPA checklist](https://docxpert.io/en/checklists/capa)[Or try docxpert for 14 days](https://docxpert.io/en/trial)