1. What is IATF 16949?

IATF 16949 is a quality management system standard for the automotive industry, developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF). IATF 16949:2016 replaces ISO/TS 16949:2009 and is applied in conjunction with ISO 9001:2015.

The focus of the system is to meet customer requirements, prevent errors, reduce variability and waste, and improve process efficiency. For manufacturing businesses, this needs to be reflected in how orders are managed, products are developed, production is controlled, measurements are taken, suppliers are managed, and quality issues are addressed.

Source: IATF Introduction to IATF 16949 and press release on the relationship with ISO 9001 .

2. Which businesses need IATF 16949 consulting and training?

This service is suitable for businesses in the automotive supply chain that are experiencing one or more of the following needs:

• Implementing a new system: it is necessary to translate the IATF 16949 requirements into applicable procedures, responsibilities, and documentation at the plant.
• Building upon the ISO 9001 framework, it is necessary to identify and supplement the specific requirements of the automotive industry.
• Meeting customer requirements: needs to review CSR, product approval documents, or prepare for customer audits.
• Strengthening the existing system: addressing weaknesses, improving the use of Core Tools, and enhancing internal audit capabilities are necessary.
• Training the team: it is necessary to equip management, QA/QC, engineering, production, purchasing, and personnel involved in the system with the necessary knowledge.

For certification requirements, it is necessary to review the applicable conditions based on the product, production location, customer, and current certification rules. ITVC discusses the scope from the outset so that businesses can choose the appropriate implementation approach.

3. What kind of support does ITVC provide to businesses?

Assess the current situation and develop a plan.

Review how the business is currently operating, identify gaps compared to implementation requirements, and determine priorities. Develop an implementation plan that aligns with responsible personnel, timelines, and available resources.

Consulting on system development and operation

Guidance covers the necessary processes, responsibilities, monitoring indicators, documents and records. Consulting focuses on practical implementation across departments, linking customer requirements with production control and improvement.

Training and practical guidance

Training includes awareness, interpretation of IATF 16949 requirements, internal audits, and quality tools relevant to the job position. Exercises and practical content are discussed according to the company's needs.

Review readiness levels and support improvements.

ITVC guides businesses in conducting internal audits and management reviews, addressing nonconformities, and verifying the effectiveness of corrective actions before external audits.

4. IATF 16949 Consulting and Implementation Process at ITVC

The following roadmap is a reference framework. The scope of work and timeline will be agreed upon after discussions about the company's current status and objectives.

1. Needs and scope assessment: clarify the product, process, location, customers, and implementation goals.
2. Gap assessment: review existing systems, documents, records, and capabilities; create a to-do list.
3. Foundation planning and training: agreeing on departmental roles, timelines, and training programs.
4. Develop and update documentation and core tools: provide process-based documentation guidance; link flowcharts, PFMEA, Control Plan, and work instructions.
5. Operational implementation: deployment across departments, data collection, performance monitoring, and problem resolution.
6. Internal audits and management reviews: checking performance levels, identifying areas for improvement, and monitoring actions.
7. Prepare for external audits: review documents, assist in clarifying points and provide guidance on corrective actions within the scope of the agreed-upon services.

Refer to the IATF 16949 internal audit implementation steps and checklist →

5. IATF 16949 and 6 Core Tools Training Program

Training to understand and interpret requirements.

This helps trainees understand the structure of IATF 16949, its relationship with ISO 9001, the process-based approach, and the role of customer requirements. Businesses select content based on the responsibilities of each trainee group.

Internal audit training

The focus is on planning, question preparation, evidence gathering, recording audit findings, and corrective action tracking. The scope of practice is defined by the types of audits and related processes within the enterprise.

Training on 6 Core Tools in Automotive Quality Management

AIAG introduces a core set of tools including APQP, Control Plan, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC. Training content should be aligned with customer requirements and applicable document versions.

• APQP — Advanced Product Quality Planning: organizing work from development to production preparation.
• Control Plan: defines the characteristics, control methods, and response to any anomalies.
• PPAP — Production Part Approval Process: organize evidence and documentation to be submitted to the customer as required.
• FMEA — Failure Mode and Effects Analysis: Identifying Risks to Prioritize Preventive Measures.
• MSA — Measurement System Analysis: assessing the suitability of data and measurement systems.
• SPC — Statistical Process Control: using data to monitor process variability.

Source: AIAG — Core Tools documentation . See the training program on understanding and applying Core Tools at ITVC .

Supplementary topics upon request

Depending on the stage and customer requirements, businesses may discuss further training on CQI , PSCR, and product integrity, or process assessment according to VDA 6.3 .

6. How are documentation and deliverables agreed upon?

Once the scope of services is defined, ITVC and the business agree on a list of tasks and expected outcomes. Depending on the consulting or training needs, the items may include:

• The report assesses the current situation and outlines a phased implementation plan.
• A list of processes, documents, forms, and records that need to be created or completed.
• Training materials, practical exercises and learning assessment results under the agreed program.
• Core Tools records developed, reviewed or improved with guidance within the agreed scope of work.
• Internal audit plan, review results and a list of corrective actions.

Businesses need to assign personnel, provide data, and directly operate the system. The document template is only valuable when it is adapted and applied appropriately to actual operations.

7. Refer to ITVC's implementation experience.

Businesses can refer to published articles on ITVC's consulting and training activities to better understand the implementation context. Each project has its own scope and timeline; new program content will be discussed based on current needs.

• IATF 16949 consulting services at Nippo Mechatronics (Vietnam) Co., Ltd.
• IATF 16949 consulting services at Yura Harness Vietnam Co., Ltd.
• Training on 5 core tools at Uniden Vietnam Co., Ltd.
• Training on awareness and interpretation of IATF 16949:2016 standard at Federal Mogul Vietnam.
• ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949 consulting services at IRISO Vietnam Electronics Co., Ltd.
• IATF 16949:2016 consulting services at Halla Electronic Vietnam
• IATF 16949:2016 consulting services at YOSHINO DENKA KOGYO VIETNAM

8. Timeframe, cost, and how to obtain a quote.

The time and cost of IATF 16949 consulting depend on the system status, number of sites, product and process complexity, customer requirements, training content, and company resources. Certification assessment costs are quoted separately by the certification body based on the scope of application.

To have ITVC recommend a suitable program, please send:

• Product, manufacturing sector, and factory location.
• Your current management system and consulting or training needs.
• Customers, customer-specific requirements (CSRs) or audit objectives to be addressed.
• Number of participants, their job roles and the preferred timing.

9. Frequently Asked Questions about IATF 16949 Consulting and Training

If ISO 9001 is already in place, what further steps need to be taken?

An assessment of the gap with the additional requirements of IATF 16949 and the customer's applicable requirements is necessary. Existing ISO 9001 certification is input for planning; it does not automatically mean compliance with IATF 16949.

Is it possible to register for training only without hiring a consultant for the entire system?

Businesses can submit their needs by topic: standards awareness, internal auditing or Core Tools. ITVC will discuss the scope, participants, and appropriate format before confirming the program.

Is ITVC an organization that issues IATF 16949 certification?

In this service, ITVC provides consulting and training. Assessment, decision-making, and certification are the responsibility of an IATF-recognized certification body. Businesses need to select a certification body and confirm eligibility according to current regulations.

Does training in all 6 Core Tools replace operating the management system?

Training helps to build knowledge and skills. Businesses still need to apply appropriate tools, maintain records, monitor process effectiveness, and fulfill system requirements and customer demands.

What updates need to be monitored during deployment?

It is necessary to monitor specific customer requirements, Sanctioned Interpretations (SIs), frequently asked questions (FAQs), and applicable certification rules. Rules 6th Edition are effective from January 1, 2025; these are the certification program rules, not a replacement version name for IATF 16949:2016. See the official IATF announcement .

10. Documents and References

Check current requirements on the IATF Global Oversight and the Customer Specific Requirements catalog . Standard documents should be used according to the appropriate access rights and licenses.

Sign up to receive information and reference materials.

Businesses can submit information via the form below or the service request button to receive support with documents tailored to their needs.

Published articles and materials

Some of the information below reflects a previous standard version or implementation. When applying it, refer to current documentation and customer requirements.

• ISO/TS 16949 Consulting for Federal Mogul Vietnam Company - Trang Due Industrial Park, Hai Phong
• Download IATF 16949:2016 standard
• Download IATF 16949:2016 – Sanctioned Interpretations #1~15
• List of IATF 16949 certification bodies
• IATF 16949:2016 – Sanctioned Interpretations
• Consulting on upgrading to IATF 16949:2016
• ISO 9001:2008 Consulting Services at Bridgestone Tire Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Content compiled and verified on September 27, 2026.