Frequently Asked Questions: IATF 16949
What is IATF 16949?
IATF 16949, also called IATF 16949:2016, is an international standard that defines requirements for quality management systems in the automotive industry. It is used in conjunction with ISO 9001, with the addition of industry-specific guidelines. Its goal is to foster the consistent quality of automotive products, prevent defects, ensure safety and reduce waste.
The standard was originally developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) and the Technical Committee of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), but is now under the management of the IATF alone. IATF is made up of representatives from major automotive manufacturers and industry associations from around the world and was formed to provide improved quality products to automotive customers worldwide.
Who does IATF 16949 apply to?
The IATF 16949 standard applies to organizations involved in the “design and development, production and, when relevant, assembly, installation, and services of automotive-related products, including products with embedded software.” This includes the manufacture of customer-specified production parts, service parts and accessory parts throughout the automotive supply chain.
While it is not a legal requirement for an automotive industry manufacturer or supplier to be IATF 16949 certified, it is overarchingly considered a requirement of doing business in the industry.
What are the requirements of IATF 16949?
Since IATF 16949 is used in conjunction with ISO 9001, it is important to first understand that industry standard. You can find more on our ISO 9001 page.
IATF 16949-specific requirements at a high level involve:
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Role of Leadership in implementing a QMS
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Planning to address risk and opportunities
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Requirements for support of processes and resources
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Operational requirements
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Methods to evaluate performance
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Continual improvement
For more detailed information, visit the IATF's website: IATF
How can QT9 QMS help with IATF 16949 compliance?
QT9 QMS offers a robust solution at an accessible price point, with 23+ standard modules that help simplify and centralize IATF 16949 compliance, including:
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Document Control
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Risk Management
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Management Review
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Supplier Management
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Customer Feedback
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Corrective Actions
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Audit Management
Plus QT9 offers full customer support, an available ERP integration and Business Intelligence tool to help visualize and make informed decisions in real time.
