Overview of IATF 16949 Automotive Quality Management System

Background

The automotive industry is one of the most competitive industries that engages in intense quality competition to provide customers with the highest quality products. Accordingly, automotive manufacturing companies require their suppliers to obtain IATF 16949 certification in order to ensure the quality of their products. In this way, IATF 16949 certification is essential for enhancing the competitiveness of companies by establishing and continuously improving systems that meet specific customer requirements.

IATF 16949

The International Automotive Task Force (IATF) developed the ISO/TS 16949 standard by integrating the individual automotive quality management system standards with ISO/TC 176, the Quality Management Technical Committee of ISO. This standard can be applied to the quality systems of all companies within the automotive industry supply chain worldwide. Subsequently, the revised IATF 16949:2016 standard replaced it. Automotive industry suppliers and partner companies can demonstrate the implementation of a quality management system focused on continuous improvement, defect prevention, and waste reduction by obtaining ISO/TS 16949 certification.

Difference between ISO 9001 and IATF 16949

ISO 9001

• •  It is a universal quality management standard applicable to all industries.

IATF 16949

• •  It is a specialized standard for the automotive industry.
• •  It encompasses the requirements of ISO 9001 while addressing the unique requirements and processes of the automotive industry. (e.g., product reliability, safety requirements, supply chain management, product measurement and analysis)
• •  It is conducted by IATF (International Automotive Task Force), a specialized certification body for the automotive industry.

ISO 9001 is a general quality management standard, while IATF 16949 is a specialized quality management standard for the automotive industry. IATF 16949 is based on ISO 9001 and incorporates additional specific requirements for the automotive industry, supporting automotive companies in ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.

Scope of Requirements for IATF 16949 Automotive Quality Management System

To obtain IATF 16949 certification, companies must implement, execute, evaluate, and improve a wide range of requirements (audit criteria) in their operations.

• check ISO 9001 requirements + Supplementary requirements for the automotive industry
• check Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC) and supplementary requirements for the automotive industry
• check Customer-Specific Requirements (OEM requirements from GM, Ford, Chrysler, BMW, VW, FCA, PSA, etc.)
• check National/Regional Legal Regulations
• check Other Reference Standards (ISO 22301 Business Continuity Management System, ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System, etc.)