IATF 16949

The standard is intended for organizations that manufacture production parts, replacement parts, or accessories for the automotive industry – that is, automotive manufacturers (OEMs) themselves as well as their suppliers at all levels (Tier 1 through Tier 3). Purely development-focused service providers without their own series production are generally not covered by the scope of the standard.

• Zero-defect strategy: systematic error prevention instead of post-production error checking

• FMEA: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis for products and processes

• Control plan: documented production control plan for each component

• Traceability: seamless assignment of batch, serial, and part numbers

• Statistical Process Control (SPC): verification of stable and capable processes

• Continuous Improvement Process (CIP): structured root cause analysis, e.g., via 8D reports

• Start-up management: standardized processes for production start-ups and change approvals

ISO 9001 provides the basic framework for IATF 16949 and is applicable across all industries. IATF 16949 fully adopts this structure but supplements it with additional automotive-specific requirements, such as those related to FMEA, control plans, customer-specific requirements (CSR) of individual OEMs, and a significantly more rigorous audit process.

Without valid IATF 16949 certification, most OEMs will refuse to approve a supplier. The direct consequence is the loss of an order. Even with existing certifications, nonconformities identified during OEM audits or VDA 6.3 process audits lead to corrective actions; repeated occurrences result in the revocation of certification and, consequently, the loss of supplier authorization.

• ISO 9001 – basic quality management standard

• VDA 6.3 – process audit standard of the German automotive industry association

• VDA 6.5 – product audit in the automotive industry

• EN 10204 – material certificates and material documentation