At roughly 150 years old, the automotive industry is one of the largest economic sectors, when it comes to revenue, in the entire world. Save for a given automobile’s overall affordability for the average person, much of the long-term success enjoyed by the automotive sector can be attributed to the detailed and stringent quality standards employed by most automotive manufacturers.

When it comes to quality management in the automotive field, IATF 16949:2016 is one of the most widely used and accepted international quality standards, with its latest revision boasting an unprecedented amount of feedback considered from industry experts and members of the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG). Additionally, particularly for automotive parts manufactures, IATF 16949 certification is a mandatory requirement in order to be consider for a supplier role with the big automobile organizations.

What does it take to gain IATF 16949? What are some of the benefits? And why is it so important? 

Below are 6 of the top resources one the web that we’ve aggregated to help you answer these questions and fill in the gaps for anyone who may be looking to get started with IATF 16949:2016 certification:

What is IATF 16949:2016 – Advisera.com

What better place to start than with an overview of what exactly IATF 16949 is: “IATF 16949:2016 is the global technical specification and quality management standard for the automotive industry based on ISO 9001:2015 certification. It is designed to be used in conjunction with ISO 9001:2015 and contains supplemental requirements specific to the automotive industry rather than being a stand-alone QMS. IATF 16949:2016 brings together standards from across Europe and the U.S., outlining everything you need to know about achieving best practice when designing, developing, manufacturing, installing, or servicing automotive products.”  Read more…

An In-Depth IATF 16949:2016 FAQ – IATFGlobalOversight.org

Issued in October of 2017, and updated in April of 2018, the IATF itself has provided a very thorough and in-depth FAQ document that covers a wealth of common questions surrounding the standard.  Download

IATF 16949:2016  Drive Quality and Organizational Benefits – Smithers.com

Credibility – When achieving IATF 16949 certification through a recognized certification body, your clients will see you as a company that has implemented a quality management system that is focused on meeting customer requirements and on continual improvement -  having this standard in place will help garner immediate trust that you will deliver on what you have stated.

Improvement –  Facilitate and support changing the culture of your company by focusing on consistently improving the processes that each individual, and teams, are responsible for.

Customer Satisfaction –  Improved satisfaction equals repeat business. Another important aspect of the IATF 16949 QMS is the highlighting of continual improvement for customer satisfaction by identifying and meeting customer needs. 

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Who, What, and Why of IATF 16949 :2016  – QualityDigest.com

Links go to 14001 resources Published in April of 2017, this article does a good job of answering the “Who, What, and Why” of IATF 16949, but since it’s two years old will still reference IATF 16949 as the “new” version as opposed to the outgoing ISO/TS 16949. Don’t let that confuse you as the content is still quite relevant and accurate.

“The new standard is still a quality management standard particular to automotive Tier 1 and 2 suppliers as required by the OEM,” says Blattner. “All IATF subscribing OEMs such as Ford, GM, BMW, Renault, and Peugeot, require all their suppliers to comply with and be certified to ISO/TS 16949 and now to IATF 16949.”  Read more…

IATF 16949:2016 Gap Analysis Tool (AIAG)  – AIAG.org

A gap analysis tool is, in a lot of ways, much like a checklist. A good gap analysis sheet can help you review where you are currently and where you need to be before scheduling your audit. The AIAG provides a free IATF 16949 Gap Analysis Tool that works to assist you in ensuring your organization's QMS meets all the requirements.  Download

The List: Mandatory Documents List of Documents Required by IATF 16949:2016 – Advisera.com

In a way, this can be used as an additional resource in the form of checklist to make sure that you have all your documentation in order for your QMS before scheduling an audit. Below is just a sampling of the mandatory documents list found on Advisera.com’s website:

Scope of the quality management system (clause 4.3)
Documented process for the management of product safety related products and manufacturing processes (clause 4.4.1.2)
Quality policy (clause 5.2)
Responsibilities and authorities to ensure that customer requirements are met (clause 5.3.1)
Results of risk analysis (clause 6.1.2.1)
Preventive action record (clause 6.1.2.2)
Contingency plan (clause 6.1.2.3)
Quality objectives (clause 6.2)

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As with most elements of a successful business, particularly in the automotive sector, an effective and efficient quality management system requires hard work and diligent practices. This post is not meant to be all encompassing of every possibility, as every organizations has some needs that are unique to it and those might not be addressed here. The above collection of resources is meant to be a great jumping off point for those interested in educating themselves on the requirements, possible benefits, and actions needed to prepare themselves, and their companies, for possible IATF 16949 certification. All content is credited to the specific website and authors listed under each heading, and to the IATF 16949 standard itself.

Visit our IATF 16949:2016 certification services page to learn more.