IATF 16949 - Certification and quality management in the automotive industry
IATF 16949 is the automotive industry’s global quality standard and one of the most comprehensive standards for manufacturing quality assurance.
It is a further development of the previous ISO/TS 16949 standard and combines requirements from ISO 9001 with industry-specific additions.
Certification to IATF 16949 is often a prerequisite for supplying major vehicle manufacturers.
Table of contents
What is IATF 16949?
IATF 16949 is a standard developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) in cooperation with ISO (International Organization for Standardization). It is specifically designed for companies that manufacture components, systems and services for the automotive industry.
IATF 16949 is based on ISO 9001:2015 but has over 120 additional requirements that focus on:
- Product safety and risk management
- Supplier management and procurement
- Production management and maintenance
- Corporate governance and internal audits
- Product development and project management
The standard is used globally and is applied by major vehicle manufacturers such as VW, BMW, Daimler-Mercedes, PSA, GM, Ford, Chrysler-Fiat and Renault. It is a central part of quality management in the automotive industry and is also used as a guideline in other sectors.
Training and certification
To implement the standard effectively, training and skills development are required. We offer:
- Basic IATF 16949 training (1-3 days)
- Internal audit & gap analysis – Identifying non-conformities and areas for improvement
- Implementation support – Advice and alignment with company processes
Certification involves an external auditor reviewing the company’s quality management system and determining whether it meets the requirements of IATF 16949. To be certified, the company must:
- Implement the quality management system according to the requirements of the standard
- Conduct internal audits and identify areas for improvement
- Undergo a third-party audit by an accredited certification partner
An IATF 16949 certificate is proof of your company’s compliance with industry quality requirements and can be crucial in procurement and supplier contracts.
Why is IATF 16949 important?
IATF 16949 helps companies meet high standards of quality and safety by ensuring efficient processes and reducing risk in the supply chain.
Benefits of implementing IATF 16949:
- Improved process control and product quality
- Reduced production variation and waste
- Fewer product defects and warranty claims
- Increased credibility in procurement and supplier contracts
- Better control over suppliers and subcontractors
IATF 16949 certification is often a prerequisite for supplying vehicle manufacturers and strengthens the company’s competitiveness in the global market.
Who needs IATF 16949?
IATF 16949 is relevant to companies throughout the automotive supply chain.
The standard’s requirements are specifically aimed at:
- Automotive industry suppliers – Any company that manufactures or supplies components and systems.
- Production and quality managers – Responsible for maintaining quality management.
- Business managers and CEOs – To implement and ensure compliance with the standard.
- Purchasing and supplier managers – To manage and assess subcontractors.
- Maintenance and production staff – To comply with quality and safety requirements.
Even companies that cannot certify to the standard can use IATF 16949 as a model for quality management and risk management. This applies, for example, to other industries that manage complex supply chains and want to reduce production variations.
Tools within IATF 16949
One of the strengths of IATF 16949 is its requirement for the use of specific quality management methods and tools, often called Automotive Core Tools. These tools help companies reduce variation and ensure efficient processes:
- FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis): Identification and management of potential failures. You can find our FMEA training here.
- MSA (Measurement System Analysis): Ensuring the reliability of measurements.
- SPC (Statistical Process Control): Monitoring and control of production processes.
- 8D (Problem Solving): Structured approach to identify and solve problems.
- Control Plans: Ensuring production quality throughout the process.
With these tools and methods, businesses can achieve higher quality and profitability in their operations.