IATF 16949: Quality standard for suppliers in the automotive industry
Certification according to the quality standard IATF 16949 is quite relevant for suppliers within the automotive sector. IATF 16949 is recognised throughout the world and is the vital prerequisite in order to supply to automobile manufacturers, where certification according to IATF 16949 is generally mandatory in order to maintain a business relationship.
Increasing cost pressures also mean that companies have to develop and implement efficient and capable processes in all areas. Organizations need to make sure that they fulfil the quality requirements related to the supply chain of the automotive industry. Certification of the quality management system according to IATF 16949, also helps to strengthen the organization’s position in the market.
The focus of the standard is on continuous improvement of system and process and in the end product quality of organisations in the areas of development and manufacture. Development and production processes are considered within this context, with special emphasis on defect prevention through a risk-based and process approach.
Objectives of the IATF 16949 QM standard
With a certification of your quality management system according to IATF 16949 you demonstrate that you
- ensure fulfilment of the sector-specific requirements for the management system and customer orientated processes,
- fulfil the specific system requirements for quality management and give customer satisfaction top priority.
Benefits of certification according to IATF 16949
- Implementation of an internationally recognised quality management standard
- International market access
- Certified proof of continuous improvement of your system, process and product quality
- Certified proof of use of processes to reduce defects and risks
- Acceptance and trust of customers and partner organisations, as the certificate demonstrates compliance with sector- and customer-specific demands of the automotive industry
ISO 9001 as a basis
IATF 16949 is based on the ISO 9001 quality management standard. The standard is augmented by sector-specific requirements of the automotive industry. This means that the standard offers a holistic approach to improvement of quality and performance in the automotive supply chain, from the downstream suppliers (sub-tier) to the direct (first-tier) suppliers.
As it is based on ISO 9001, the IATF 16949 standard also makes use of the High Level Structure. The standardised terms and definitions and also numbering of the clauses mean that integration into existing management systems which are also based on the High Level Structure is easily achieved.
Your route to certification in 5 steps:
- Inquiry and Offer Preparation
- Commissioning of TÜV NORD / TUV India
- Audit Stage 1 : Determination of Certification Readiness
- Audit Stage 2 : Certification Audit
- Issue of Certificate and entry in IATF database
FAQs
Who exactly can benefit from IATF 16949?
Certification according to IATF 16949 is important for all organisations who manufacture and supply products for the automotive industry – from sub-tier to direct suppliers. These include series production and replacement part manufacturers and providers of added value services.
Why should suppliers aim at certification?
Through successful certification, suppliers demonstrate that they fulfil the QM requirements, undertake a continuous improvement process and implement customer-specific QM system requirements. The IATF 16949 certificate is also a mandatory requirement for acceptance by many automobile manufacturers and suppliers.
Does IATF 16949 replace ISO 9001 certification?
IATF 16949 is an independent QM standard. It covers the requirements of ISO 9001 but is certified on a stand-alone basis. If a certificate according to ISO 9001 is also desired, fulfilment of the ISO-9001 requirements can also be assessed within an IATF-based audit. However, the certification procedure itself is performed independently of IATF 16949.
Successfully through certification with TÜV NORD / TUV India
We provide our services throughout the world based on our international recognition as an IATF contractual partner and our international network of experts – and we support our clients individually and competently with many different certification projects. Our technical knowledge is reliable and securely based and we have the necessary accreditations and registrations in order to perform audits and certifications according to the rules of IATF 16949 and other management system standards.