QM certifications for the automotive industry according to IATF 16949
The highest possible quality for motor vehicles through uniform standards throughout the entire manufacturing chain - that is the goal of IATF 16949:2016, the world's most comprehensive standard for quality management in the automotive industry.
The standard was developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), a working group of European and American automotive manufacturers and automotive associations. As a result, certification according to IATF 16949 is almost always a basic prerequisite for being integrated into the supply chain of automotive manufacturers.
For whom is IATF 16949 relevant?
The standard is based on ISO 9001 and contains industry-specific additions for the automotive industry. In addition to automotive production, the target group also includes truck, bus and motorcycle production. The standard is particularly relevant for the direct suppliers of the large original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and their supply chains (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, etc.).
IATF 16949 is applicable to companies that are active in the areas of production or development for the automotive industry. Service activities can only be considered within the scope of an IATF certification if they are directly related to production, such as assembly work or heat and surface treatments.
Due to the strong focus on component manufacturing, only production sites can be certified according to this standard. The IATF does not provide for the certification of companies whose core business is exclusively sales and service activities. The ISO 9001 quality standard is suitable for these companies.
What are the benefits of IATF 16949?
Production facilities that have IATF certification can be integrated into the supply chains of major car manufacturers.
The strict guidelines of the standard bring the following advantages:
- Customer satisfaction through high product quality
- Cost optimization through error prevention
- Continuous process improvement and efficiency enhancement
- Clear responsibilities
- Effective knowledge management and organisational learning
The prerequisite for certification is a complete implementation of the quality management system in the company in accordance with the requirements of the standard. The company must be involved in the value chain of automotive, truck, bus or motorcycle production. Companies in special vehicle manufacturing, such as in the production of construction or agricultural vehicles, are not eligible for IATF certification.
As a DAkkS-accredited certification body, we are happy to combine your IATF audit with audits for other management systems, such as an audit in environmental management according to ISO 14001, in energy management according to ISO 50001 or in the area of occupational health and safety according to ISO 45001. Our auditors are multi-qualified and can often audit several standards simultaneously.
The close link between the IATF standard and ISO 9001 makes it easier for companies to expand an existing quality management system to include the additional requirements of IATF 16949 - without cumbersome duplication of effort, e.g. in documentation.
We calculate the cost of certification according to IATF 16949 individually, depending on the complexity of the product, the data acquisition effort and the product portfolio. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
How does a certification according to IATF 16949 work?
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Cost calculation: Contact us and we will provide you with a non-binding offer including a presentation of the necessary audit times.
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Introduction of the audit team: Personal contact is important to us. Before you start the audit, get to know your audit team to discuss further planning.
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Stage 1 audit (readiness assessment): Before the certification audit begins, a 1-2 day Stage 1 audit assesses the certification readiness of the system on-site.
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Stage 2 audit: Certification audit: On-site inspection of the processes and documentation as well as the production facilities by the audit team
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Preparation of the audit report: At the latest 2 weeks after the on-site visit, you will receive a preliminary report with the audit findings.
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Certification decision: After closing all deviations, the audit documentation is checked in the certification body.
Issue of the certificate: If the certification decision is positive, you will receive your certificate. IATF certificates are always valid for 3 years and provide for at least annual review audits.
More info / guide
With our parent company AFNOR Certification, we are an experienced partner in carrying out IATF certifications in all parts of the world.
Here you will find further information on the subject of IATF certification.