Objectives
An important purpose of TickIT, which is supported by the UK and Swedish software industries, has been to stimulate software system developers to think about:
- what quality really is in the context of the processes of software development,
- how quality may be achieved, and
- how quality management systems may be continuously improved.
Although certification of compliance to ISO 9001 is a contractual requirement for software suppliers in certain market areas, it should be a by-product of the more fundamental aims of quality achievement and improvement, and the delivery of customer satisfaction.
With regard to certification itself, the objectives are to:
- improve market confidence in third party quality management system certification through accredited certification bodies for the software sector,
- improve professional practice amongst quality management system auditors in the software sector,
- publish authoritative guidance material (the TickIT Guide) for all stakeholders.
TickIT Procedures
TickIT procedures relate directly to the requirements set out in ISO 9001:2000 and to the guidance contained in the TickIT Guide - Issue 5.5 (published November 2007) .
Certification practice
Certification is conducted by independent external quality assurance agencies known as third party certification bodies. The certification bodies use technically qualified TickIT auditors who have been specially trained and subjected to rigorous professional vetting. This process is administered by the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) with the support of the British Computer Society.
To assure market confidence in the certification process, the certification bodies offering TickIT services are accredited as being fully competent to manage and conduct software sector audits, currently by either the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) or the Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment (SWEDAC). Procedures exist to enable other accreditation agencies to join the scheme.
A successful audit by a TickIT-accredited certification body results in the award of a certificate of compliance to ISO 9001:2000, endorsed with a TickIT logo.
Thus, TickIT gives software developers an accredited quality system certification scheme that meets the special needs of the industry, enjoys the confidence of professional staff and commands respect from purchasers and suppliers.
When is TickIT relevant?
TickIT applies to all types of information systems supply which involve software development processes. Typical systems suppliers include system houses, software houses and in-house developers. TickIT disciplines are also relevant to the development of embedded software. A full definition of the Scope of TickIT is included in the TickIT Guide: it may also be obtained by contacting the DISC TickIT Office.
Is TickIT a recognised mark?
In the UK, TickIT is recognised by all Government departments and major purchasers and it is compatible with European requirements for accredited quality system certification.
World-wide, some 1400 TickIT certificates have now been issued. Currently, 50% of all new certificates are being granted to organizations outside the United Kingdom.
Management and Maintenance
TickIT is managed and maintained by the TickIT Office, a department within BSI Standards with responsibility for all aspects of standardization in information systems and communications.
BSI has set up the TickIT Industry Committee (BRD/3) to oversee and make policy decisions. Committee members from the UK and Sweden represent the interests of IT systems purchasers, suppliers, the certification industry and professional institutions; collectively they posses a wealth of experience of the software industry and of quality systems certification.
The TickIT message
By implementing a quality system and gaining certification, an organization is demonstrating management's commitment to quality and is sending a clear signal to users and competitors that the delivery of quality is a principal management objective. The TickIT logo indicates that the certificated organization is involved in software development and that TickIT guidance and certification procedures have been followed.
For more information
Contact the TickIT Office at BSI (Floor 7W), 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL.
Tel +44(0) 20 8996 7424, Fax +44(0) 20 8996 7429
Email tickit@bsi-global.com
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Quality systems - costs and benefits for software suppliers |
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How customers benefit from improved quality control |
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A definition of the Scope of TickIT |
