In my opinion, there is a significant difference between VERSION and REVISION.
* In QMS, I have to use
only one REVISION of procedure, which is last, up-to-date, accurate, approved. Usage of previous revisions obviously is not allowed any more.
* In software (for example), I can use
any VERSION of software (Word 98, Word 2003, Word 2007 or Word 2010). Usage of previous versions obviously is allowed, as long as it meets target format.
When I see text on QMS procedures - "Version 3.0", then I assume that there are also Version 1.0, Version 2.0 and many subversions - which are also valid, and I can choose which to use.
Funny thing is why and from where almost all QMS systems adopted notation "X.Y". Maybe from software versioning?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_versioning
Afterall we have found this way of numeration:
REVISION=EDITION.NUMBER_OF_CHANGE
EDITION = We increment edition only when we integrate new management system. If we have 6 management systems, edition will be 6, to express generational compliance of documentation.
NUMBER_OF_CHANGE = sequenced number of change, for example change number 21.
REVISION = 6.21
This is what PAS 99 says about revisions and versions in cotext of document control:
EDIT: I've forgotten to mention that in our QMS, we reserved the word "Version" for specific thing. Manual and few relevant procedures we publish in different languages. Then we say "Serbian version", "English version", "Chinese version"...
Best regards,
Vladimir Stefanović