ISO/TS 16949

What Is ISO/TS 16949?

ISO/TS 16949 is a quality management system standard for the automotive and truck manufacturing industry.

ISO 9001:2000 Based:

TS 16949 is based on ISO 9001:2000 and includes all the requirements of ISO 9001 word-for-word.

There are, however, many additional requirements set forth in TS 16949 than those in ISO 9001.

International Automotive Task Force (IATF):

Developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), ISO/TS 16949 combines several supplier and international quality system requirements for the design, development, production, installation and servicing of automotive-related products. The alignment of these multiple automotive quality system standards allow automotive parts suppliers to obtain a globally recognized certification.

ISO/TS 16949 represents the current minimum requirements requested of suppliers by most of the major automobile and truck manufacturers worldwide, including GM, Chrysler, Ford, Renault, BMW, VW, PSA and Fiat. Any company manufacturing automotive parts and included in the OEM supply chain is eligible for registration.

Benefits of registration to the ISO/TS 16949 standard include:

    * Increased value from its process-based methodology
    * Ability to satisfy customer requirements even if you have clients
       on different continents
    * Internationally recognized certification based on ISO 9001:2000
    * Potential reduction in quality system audits from customers, and
    * Beneficial and measurable quality objectives for the entire
       company.

Additional Requirements:

In addition to the requirements set out in TS 16949 for all automotive suppliers, those that supply to GM, Ford and Daimler-Chrysler must also master and comply with the following guidelines established by the Automotive Industry Action Guide (AIAG):

    * Advanced Product Quality Planning and Control Plans
      
    * Production Part Approval Process
       
    * Potential Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
      
    * Statistical Process Control, and
      
    * Measurement System Analysis.

These additional guides are available from AIAG.

An ISO/TS 16949 Audit checklist is available from here.