Understand the process for achieving IATF 16949 certification so your organization’s journey can go as smoothly as possible. Here’s an overview of the typical process:
1. Understand the Requirements
Familiarize yourself with the IATF 16949 standard and its requirements. This involves understanding how these requirements align with your current QMS and what changes might be needed.
2. Conduct a Gap Analysis and Prepare Documentation
Start by conducting a gap analysis to identify areas where your current QMS does not meet IATF 16949 requirements. This will help you understand what changes are needed and where best to direct your resources and time for maximum impact.
You will also need to prepare a comprehensive portfolio of documentation that includes quality manuals, procedures and records of changes and previous audits. These documents must align with both IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards.
3. Implement the Necessary Improvements
Develop a detailed plan to address the gaps identified. This may involve revising processes, documentation, and quality procedures to align with the standard. Implement the necessary changes, focusing on areas such as defect prevention, risk management, and supply chain quality assurance.
4. Staff Training
At this point, you may benefit from training your team to better understand the IATF 16949 standard and how it applies to your organization. This helps everyone understand their roles in maintaining the QMS.
5. Conduct Internal Audits
Your organization must conduct internal audits to assess the effectiveness of your QMS and how it aligns with IATF 16949 requirements.
Internal audits also help identify any remaining nonconformities and prepare your team for the external audits. Use these audits as a learning tool to continually improve and fine-tune your QMS.
See more on our ‘Understanding The IATF 16949 Audit Process’ article.
6. Select a Certification Body
Choose an IATF-approved certification body that is authorized to conduct IATF 16949 audits. It’s important to select a body with experience in the automotive industry for a credible audit and insights specific to the industry’s quality requirements.
7. Stage 1 Assessment
The certification process begins with a Stage One readiness assessment, which determines your readiness for the Stage 2 certification audit. This is a mandatory activity which ensures the proper resources, documentation and operational process are in place to support the IATF 16949 management system. Following the stage 1 assessment, the auditor will determine if you are ready to proceed with the Stage 2 audit. In the event a determination is made that you are not ready to proceed, the Stage 1 assessment must be repeated.
8. Stage 2 Audit
The Stage Two Audit is the main assessment where the certification body evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of your QMS against the IATF 16949 standard. This involves a thorough on-site review of processes and records.
Any nonconformities identified during the audit should be addressed promptly.
9. Achieve Certification
Once the audit team is satisfied that your QMS meets the standard’s requirements, they will recommend certification.
The certification body will then decide to grant IATF 16949 certification.
10. Maintain Compliance and Recertification
It is crucial to maintain compliance after achieving IATF 16949 certification. This typically involves conducting annual surveillance audits to check ongoing compliance with the standard. This helps maintain the certification over the typical three-year cycle.
Foster a culture of continual improvement within your organization by encouraging feedback and innovative solutions from all staff members.
Towards the end of the certification cycle, a recertification audit is conducted to renew the certification for another cycle. This involves a comprehensive review similar to the initial certification audit.
