Numbering System for ISO documentation based on ISO 9001:2015

As far as I know ISO 9001:2015 do not mandates a specific numbering system for control documents.

Is it true that the organization is left open to adopt one that suits it's organizational needs?

Also I am interested to know the best practices for the numbering system.


Yes, that's right - ISO 9001:2015 does not mandate a specific numbering system for control of documents.

Here is an example of the documented information number structure that has been proven in practice:
1. Abbreviation that identifies the document type in accordance with the Documented information structure adopted by the Organization.
For example:

• QSP = Quality System Procedure. 
• QSF = Quality System Form

2. ISO 9001:2015 clause number the group of documents is relevant to.
Example: 7.1- , a group of documents relevant to resources.
3. Index number of the document in the group.
Example: -003 means this is a document #3 in the group.
4. Sometimes it is relevant to give the document’s year of approval in the last part of the id number.
Example: -2017.

QSP 7.5-01-2017 Control of Documented Information

You can find more examples of the QMS documented information numbering on our website in the ISO 9001:2015 Quality System Procedures section