ISO TS16949

ISO/TS 16949:2009 is a common quality system requirement jointly developed by the US, German, French and Italian automotive industry in a concerted effort to improve quality and assure the integrity of supplies to the industry. The requirement is applicable to any organisation that manufactures components, assemblies and parts for supply to the automotive industry.

It is based on ISO 9001:2008 to which has been added specific requirements of the automotive sector.Some of the areas where ISO/TS 16949:2009 adds to ISO 9001:2008 are:

Better management involvement

  • Senior Management review all important processes and quality objectives are contained within in the business plan
  • The quality team are informed of processes that do not meet expectations with the capacity to halt production to correct quality complications
  • Management reviews are recorded and contain the cost outcome of poor quality
  • A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to ensure that design, development, production and quality teams are skilled in each area
  • Product safety is incorporated into the design and development process
  • Employees are driven to reach quality goals, and there are visible contingency plans for any emergencies that could arise
  • Erratic application of organization standards across the board are approached as quality and safety concerns
  • Product and Process plan and development are a unified process
  • A Control Plan to track customer requirements is made, comprising all information concerning the product, processes, measurement, response plan and corrective actions. System alterations are echoed in the Control Plan.
  • A plan is determined to recognize, measure and diminish inconsistencies
  • Suppliers must be accredited to TS 16949 or  ISO 9001
  • Manufacturing process studies are required, with enhancements added to decrease discrepancy
  • Layout inspections and functional certifications are required for the product as indicated in the Control Plan

Better resource management

Product Realization

Measurement, Analysis, & Improvement

Primary benefits of the ISO/TS 16949:2009 requirement standard include the following:

  • Customer satisfaction:This is achieved through the supply of products that constantly meet customer requirements
  • Global recognition as a reputable supplier:Certification is recognized and accepted through the automotive supply chain as an industry point of reference
  • Reduced cost of compliance with customer specifications:This is attained through application of a single management system and abridged audit requirements
  • Reduced operating costs:Ensures continuous improvement of processes and subsequent operational proficiencies
  • Legal compliance:Increases awareness of how legislative and regulatory requirements effects the organization and its stakeholders
  • Improved risk management:Provides better constancy and traceability of products and services
  • Proven business credentials:Offers independent certification against recognized standards

 

ISO / TS 16949 certification offers the following benefits:

  • Improved product and process quality and reliability.
  • Improved on-time delivery.
  • Greater emphasis on supplier quality improvement efforts.
  • ISO/TS 16949 satisfies automotive mandates of IATF members on a global basis, when complemented by fulfillment of customer-specific requirements
  • Eliminates the need for multiple third-party registrations on a geographic basis
  • Enables firms to upgrade from QS-9000, VDA 6.1, etc. during regularly scheduled surveillance audits, provided the registrar is IATF-approved for ISO/TS 16949.
  • Promises more consistent auditing performance. Auditors of recognized ISO/TS 16949 registrars must undergo extensive training, testing and re-qualification to meet rigorous qualification requirements.