IATF 16949
Automotive quality management Certification
Specific to the automotive industry, the IATF 16949 standard provides quality management system process requirements driving continual improvement, defect prevention and reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain.
Companies need to deliver products and services of consistent quality
The automotive industry is changing now at a faster rate than ever before and as a result, your business faces new challenges every day.
Published by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) on 1 October 2016, the IATF 16949 standard guarantees automotive quality, reduced product variation and unnecessary waste throughout the length of the supply chain.
Specific to the automotive industry, the IATF 16949 standard provides quality management system process requirements driving continual improvement, defect prevention and reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain.
Often a contract-prerequisite, certification to IATF 16949 proves that your company has been audited against and found compliant to the standard’s requirements.
Benefits of becoming certified
Certification is often a contract pre-requisite. A supplier with an IATF 16949 certificate is automatically entered into the corresponding worldwide database. It is used exclusively by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to stay updated on the certification status and performance of their suppliers.
IATF 16949 certification helps companies:
- Improve processes and product quality.
- Reduce need for multiple second and third-party audits.
- Increase confidence when bidding for global sourcing contracts.
- Guarantee credibility when bidding for sourcing contracts.
- Reduce production variations and improve manufacturing efficiency, which can positively impact bottom line results.
A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO QUALITY MANAGEMENT
IATF 16949 defines requirements for a quality management system for the design, development, production, assembly, installation and service of automotive-related products. A quality management system, or QMS, is a set of processes and policies designed to ensure the consistent excellence of an organization’s products or services. ISO 9001 lays out a framework for a QMS that is applicable across industries. IATF 16949 uses the structure of ISO 9001 and includes some requirements specific to the automotive industry. IATF provides two manuals — one for IATF 16949 and one for ISO 9001 — to companies seeking certification.
Some of the aspects of an automotive QMS IATF 16949 focuses on include:
- Process efficiency and effectiveness
- Defect prevention
- Customer satisfaction
- Supply chain optimization
- Continuous improvement
While the text of the two standards is not identical, much of it is similar. The use of a shared structure makes it easier to use the two guidelines together, as well as with other ISO standards that have the same structure.
Global recognition as a reputable supplier
Certification is recognized internationally and accepted throughout industry supply chains, setting industry benchmarks for sourcing suppliers.
Win more business
Procurement specifications often require certification as a condition to supply, so certification and verification opens doors
Reduced operational costs
Continual improvement of processes and resulting operational efficiencies mean money saved.
Legal Compliance
Understand how statutory and regulatory requirements impact your organization and its customers.
What is IATF 16949 ?
IATF 16949:2016 is the International Standard for Automotive Quality Management Systems. IATF 16949 was jointly developed by The International Automotive Task Force (IATF) members and submitted to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for approval and publication.
IATF 16949 certification emphasizes the development of a process oriented quality management system that provides for continual improvement, defect prevention and reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain. The goal is to meet customer requirements efficiently and effectively.
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Step 1
Complete a Quote Request Form so that we can understand your company and requirements. You can do this by completing either the online quick quote or the online formal quote request form. We will use this information to accurately define your scope of assessment and provide you with a proposal for certification.
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Step 2
Once you’ve agreed your proposal, we will contact you to book your assessment with an WECERT Assessor. This assessment consists of two mandatory visits that form the Initial Certification Audit. Please note that you must be able to demonstrate that your management system has been fully operational for a minimum of three months and has been subject to a management review and full cycle of internal audits.
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Step 3
Following a successful two stage audit, a certification decision is made and if positive, then certification to the required standard is issued by WECERT. You will receive both a hard and soft copy of the certificate. Certification is valid for three years and is maintained through a programme of annual surveillance audits and a three yearly recertification audit.
