Steps to implement IATF 16949

• Define the purpose and scope of the quality management system;
• Establish an IATF 16949 implementation steering committee;
• Appoint the responsible roles specified in the implementation arrangements, including a Quality Management Representative (QMR);
• Appoint a Customer Representative (CR) and assign responsibility for a coordinating secretary where necessary;
• Provide general awareness training on IATF 16949;
• Assess the current situation against IATF 16949 requirements through a gap analysis;
• Prepare an implementation plan, including an overall ISO/TS 16949 implementation plan and a detailed plan for developing the documented system;
• Prepare and allocate the resources needed to develop and implement the system.

• Provide awareness and interpretation training on IATF 16949 requirements;
• Guide the development of documentation;
• Establish the QMS documentation;
• Provide training on understanding and applying the 6 Core Tools;
• Develop practical skills in the six essential tools used in IATF 16949 implementation — the 6 Core Tools:
  • APQP — Advanced Product Quality Planning
  • Control Plan (CP): link the process flow diagram and PFMEA to control methods and reaction plans at each process step.
  • PPAP — Production Part Approval Process
  • MSA — Measurement Systems Analysis
  • FMEA — Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
  • SPC — Statistical Process Control
• Develop problem-solving skills;
• Develop teamwork skills.

See ITVC’s 6 Core Tools consulting and training service, which includes practical work on Control Plan as a separate tool and its links to APQP, PFMEA, MSA, SPC and PPAP.

• Issue the management system processes and provide guidance on their application;
• Implement and monitor their application across departments;
• Review and improve processes and documentation to ensure that work is controlled conveniently and effectively.

• Train internal auditors for the IATF 16949 quality management system;
• Plan and conduct internal audits, including QMS audits, manufacturing process audits and product audits;
• Correct deficiencies and improve the system following the audits;
• Conduct management review of quality performance.

• Conduct an optional pre-audit;
• Complete the stage 1 certification audit (readiness review);
• Implement corrective actions and improvements;
• Verify the readiness of the system following the stage 1 audit;
• Complete the stage 2 certification audit;
• Implement corrective actions and improvements;
• Obtain an IATF 16949 certificate, valid for three years;
• Maintain and continually improve the system and undergo periodic surveillance by the certification body at 12-month intervals.