The aim of ISO/TS16949 is the development of a quality management system that provides for continual improvement, emphasizing defect prevention and the reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain. ISO/TS 16949 applies to the design/development, production, installation and servicing of automotive related products. ISO/TS 16949 was developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), in cooperation with the International Standards Organization (ISO). The aim of this standard is to provide harmonized quality systems within the automotive supply chain, resulting in a focused and consistent approach. The standard is based on the structure of ISO 9001:2000 and the specific requirements of the automotive quality standard QS-9000.

 

ISO/TS 16949 includes:

 

·        Improved product and process quality

·        Additional confidence for global sourcing

·        Reassignment of supplier resources to quality improvement

·        Reduction in multiple 3rd party registrations

·        Some potential benefits of certification

·        Certification is rapidly becoming a condition of supply

·        Focused sector scheme allowing for a common approach

·        Delivers cost savings

·        Increases customer confidence

·        Improved operational efficiency

 

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 ISO /TS 16949:2002.

 

ISO/TS 16949:2002 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. ISO/TS16949:2002 is relevant to all types of automotive supply companies, from small manufacturers to multi-site multinational organizations located anywhere in the world. However, it is only applicable to sites where production or service parts are manufactured. Organizations wishing to break into the automotive market must wait until they are on an automotive customer's potential supplier list before they can progress with certification to this specification.

 

Streamlined QMS management: The certification to a widely accepted standard streamlines and simplifies the management of the quality management system (QMS), by reducing the complexity and overhead required to administer separate proprietary programs for individual customers.  This leads to a reduction in both second and third party system audits and ultimately a common quality system approach among all suppliers and subcontractors in the supply chain. 

Improved product and process quality: The requirements of ISO/TS 16949 promote a process approach for the design and development, production, installation, and service of automotive products. This approach can result in a reduction in variation and increased efficiency.

 

ISO 9001 benefits: Since ISO/TS 16949 exceeds the requirements of ISO 9001, your company gets automotive industry specific guidelines in addition to ISO 9001's anticipated benefits of reduced transaction costs, reduced costs of sales, expanded market access, and improved overall performance.