IATF 16949

What is the quality management system according to IATF 16949?

This is a system that is primarily intended for suppliers of tangible products for automobile industry. It systematically complements the requirements of ISO 9001, which are the part of the specification.

As an example application we introduce a supplier of plastic, sheet metal, and machined parts, cable harnesses, etc.

An essential aspect of quality system is the orientation on specific needs of automotive customers and the involvement of the top management to manage of the company in all levels. The specificity of this standard is that it is necessary from the beginning to specify very well the customer requirements on the quality in terms of product, process and the system . As an example, we introduce, in addition to the specific product description, as is the material, drawing, dimensions and tolerances must be specify also the followed signs and their relevant process of Cpk process to them, which put more precisely these followed signs.

It is a starting point of the successful solution in the area of the quality and the beginning of the way to the satisfied customer and the long-term cooperation, usually also in the international level.

When creating the system is needed to describe all activities and processes in your organization. This step will allow you to follow these processes, assign them responsible persons, evaluate and continously improve through the set metrics and evaluation of effectiveness, efficiency and performance later on.

By this way, the overall improvement of the company as a whole is ensured, and that what was earlier impossible manageable, is now monitored and controlled by a “transparent” way, namely at “stable quality” and a smooth “delivery discipline”.

What is the benefit of the system?

This is one of standard requirements for suppliers to the automotive industry, usually together with the environmental system. Implemented and certified system according to IATF 16949 is one of the conditions of the most of companies engaged in the area of the automotive industry.

How to proceed in implementation of the quality management system?

It should be noted that the quality management system is not only to obtain a certificate, but especially about a prosperous company. What is defined, it must really function! The normal implementation time is around six months. At larger companies and integrated management systems the implementing time ranges in the interval of one and more years. For this reason, it is necessary to invite an experienced consultant experienced in implementation of advanced quality systems and required Q-tools and methods. You must select a contact person responsible for implementation and maintaining of the system for the customer who will be a partner for the consultant (in this case rather the team of consultants and specialists) and subsequently for auditors. At the end of consultancy is recommended final inspection to verify all elements of the system and its effectiveness. This check releases the system to the certification procedure.

When applying the quality system there are applied Q tools and methods according to the requirements of specific customers. A special software support (SPC, Stopcards, MSA, G8D, etc.) is frequently necessary for the processing and proving of the quality.

Based on a short visit we will prepare an offer for you with preliminary scope of works.

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