IATF 16949 Requirements Articles

IATF 16949 is an international standard for quality in the automotive industry, developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) to provide a quality management system that meets industry-specific requirements. It focuses on product safety, process quality, cost reduction and increased customer satisfaction. Companies must implement a quality management system, document processes, train personnel, evaluate performance and manage non-conformities. IATF 16949 certification is required by leading automotive manufacturers and helps to improve product and process quality, reduce costs and increase a company's competitiveness.

What is IATF 16949:2016 certification and what is the route to obtaining it? Starting from the fact that you already have an ISO 9001 certification (whose requirements are the basis of the IATF 16949 ones), you have to take into account that the IATF standard is more complex and involves a fair amount of effort that can easily take 10-12 months,

Many automotive customers suggest that their suppliers start on the path to IATF 16949 certification. For small and medium-sized companies, however, obtaining certification may not be an easy path. Let's see why.