ISO 16949

ISO/TS 16949 was an international standard for quality management in the automotive sector. This standard was applicable to all suppliers and manufacturers in the automotive industry and was created to improve product quality, enhance processes, and ensure customer satisfaction. ISO/TS 16949 was based on the ISO 9001 standard, and included specific requirements and additional criteria unique to the automotive industry. This standard provided a framework for manufacturers to continually improve quality, and focused on key elements such as product safety and customer satisfaction.

In 2016, ISO/TS 16949 was updated and superseded by IATF 16949. Therefore, ISO/TS 16949 has been replaced by the IATF 16949 standard. However, it is possible that some older facilities may still hold ISO/TS 16949 certification. IATF 16949 is an enhanced version of ISO/TS 16949 and includes more comprehensive requirements.

Key Objectives of ISO/TS 16949

• Improve Automotive Product Quality:

  • To ensure the continuous improvement of the quality level of automotive products.

• Continual Improvement:

  • To continuously improve production processes and reduce waste.

• Ensure Customer Satisfaction:

  • To produce quality products that meet and exceed customer expectations.

• Supply Chain Management:

  • To ensure quality throughout the entire supply chain by collaborating with suppliers.
    
    

Key Requirements of ISO/TS 16949

• Quality Management System (QMS)

  • ISO/TS 16949 requires the continual improvement of the quality management system and control of business processes.

• Product Design and Development

  • Customer requirements must be considered in the design and development of automotive products.

• Production Processes and Control

  • Quality control measures must be implemented at every stage of production processes. Processes are continuously monitored to detect errors in advance.

• Risk Management and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)

  • Potential risks must be identified, and preventive measures must be taken to address them.

• Customer and Supplier Communication

  • It is important to consider customer feedback and establish effective collaboration with suppliers.

• Traceability and Record Keeping

  • Production and quality management processes must be traceable. All operations, tests, and corrective actions performed are recorded.

Application Areas of ISO/TS 16949 (Now Superseded by IATF 16949)

• Automotive Aftermarket Parts Manufacturers:

  • Aftermarket parts manufacturers apply this quality management system for all types of automobile parts.

• Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs):

  • Automobile manufacturers applied ISO/TS 16949 in the production processes of their vehicles.

• Suppliers and Sub-Industry Companies:

  • Companies that supply materials for automotive production serve the automotive industry by complying with these standards (referring to the former ISO/TS 16949, and, by implication, the current IATF 16949).
    
    

Related Standards and Update to ISO/TS 16949

ISO/TS 16949 was based on the ISO 9001:2008 standard ( not ISO 9001:2015) and included additional requirements specific to the automotive sector. In 2016, this standard was updated and superseded by IATF 16949, which replaced ISO/TS 16949. IATF 16949 is a standard that further develops quality management and includes stricter requirements.