IATF 16949 Training in Ohio

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IATF 16949

IATF 16949 is an ISO technical specification which aligns existing US, German, French and Italian automotive quality system standards within the global automotive industry. It specifies the quality system requirements for the design/development, production, installation and servicing of automotive-related products. 


The global automotive industry demands world class levels of product quality, productivity and competitiveness as well as continual improvement. To achieve this goal many vehicle manufacturers insist that suppliers adhere to strict technical specifications laid out in a quality management standard for suppliers to the automotive sector, known as IATF 16949.


IATF 16949 has been developed by the industry, the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), to encourage improvement in both the supply chain and the certification process. In fact, for the majority of leading vehicle manufacturers, certification to this specification is a mandatory requirement for doing business.

Benefits of the New IATF 16949

The benefits of transitioning to IATF 16949 are many;

  • The primary benefit being it provides automakers with a single global uniformly recognized automobile specific regulation.
  • It pushes for a comprehensive management approach and the integration of company processes.
  • A systematic approach for targeting, company code system and a continuous improvement process with regular proof management of all company and process related codes.
  • The emphasis is on regular detection of customer satisfaction levels, benchmarking and strong emphasis on prevention and planning.
  • Consistent error detection that consequently relates to increased client trust, stronger concentration on internal and external customers and targeted display of strengths, weaknesses, and improvement potential. 
  • The standard has a better understanding of the automobile and supplier industry issues that gives it an advantage over its predecessors.

Requirements of the Quality Standard

Requirements of the Quality Standard - IATF 16949

IATF 16949 an Automotive Specific Standard aligning existing automotive quality system requirements developed by IATF, JAMA and supported by ISO technical committee (ISO/TC 176). 


IATF 16949 applies to all internal and external suppliers of products or production material, or services such as heat treatment, painting, plating, varnishing, galvanizing or other surface treatments and products specified by original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers.

IATF 16949 combines QS-9000, AVSQ, EAQF, and VDA, is aligned with ISO 9001 and replaces QS-9000. The standard reflects the automotive sector's interpretation and additions to ISO 9001 in comparison to IATF 16949 which is based on ISO 9001 and does not have contributions or recognition from JAMA.


IATF 16949 is organized along the same structure as ISO 9001 and has 8 clauses in comparison to the 20 of the previous version. The eight clauses are titled: "Scope", "Application", "Terms and Definitions", "Quality management system", "Management responsibility", "Resource management", "Product realization" and "Monitoring and Measurement" with the last five dedicated to system requirements.


IATF 16949 highlights the importance of cross-functional activities as can be seen from the requirements -

A process-oriented quality system

  • Control plan for processes producing bulk materials
  • Analysis of field failures
  • Continual improvement
  • Emphasizing defect prevention, reduction of variation & waste in the supply chain
  • Customer satisfaction requirements
  • Preventive action process
  • Improved employee training requirements
  • Communication with suppliers and customers to assure quality
  • Improve employee quality responsibility
  • Employee competence
  • Awareness and training
  • Design and development
  • Production and service provisions
  • Control of monitoring and measuring devices
  • Measurement, analysis, and improvement

If your company services the auto industry, learn more about how our services can support your management system. Speak with us by calling 330-327-3060.

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