IATF 16949:2016 is an International Standard for Automotive Quality Management Systems. Curated by The International Automotive Task Force (IATF) members back in 1999, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has since approved 3 editions of this certification for use within the industry, with the latest being published in 2016.

This management certification aims to create a common set of methods and techniques for processes and product development alongside manufacturers in the automotive industry, all over the world. The IATF 16949 certification focuses on continual improvement, reduction of waste, decreasing variations and defect prevention related to automotive processes so that everything produced meets exceptionally high customer standards and supply chain efficiency.

Who Should Be IATF 16949 Certified?

If your organisation is part of an automotive supply chain, then you can be expected by your contractors, clients, or governing bodies to implement IATF 16949 regulations. Those with existing certification will need to reapply every 3 years to ensure they are still conducting processes at the required quality management standard. 

An IATF 16949 quality management system will help you to continually monitor and manage quality across your business so you can identify areas for improvement and keep everything running smoothly. Internationally, this is the quality system necessary for automotive businesses to operate at the highest level. 

What Are The Benefits Of An IATF 16949 Certification?

• Increase your chance of success when tendering for new contracts.
• Giving you a competitive advantage over those without the IATF 16949 accreditation.
• Provides senior management with an efficient management process to allow the smooth running of the company.
• Build customer confidence that your products are safe and reliable.
• Highlight deficiencies.
• Identifies and encourages more efficient and time-saving processes.
• Reduces your costs.
• Improves quality and service.
• On-time delivery improves customer service.
• Right first-time attitude.

How To Create Competitive Advantage With IATF 16949

Continual Business Improvement

This accreditation seamlessly fits into other quality management systems, running alongside certifications, like ISO 9001. This can enable you to have business processes that run smoother, improve staff competency and confidence, and increase the efficiency of your organisation.

Elevate

It is incredibly important to shout about your IATF 16949 certification. Promoting your IATF 16949 accreditation status will ensure that your ideal clients, core customers and target demographics are all aware of your capabilities and the high level of quality in which you operate. Achieving IATF 16949 certification is an impressive feat, which will stand your business in good stead when applying for tenders, or advertising your services.

When your business is compared to your competitors, every detail counts. When you become IATF 16949 certified, you are showing your marketplace just how committed you are to achieving perfection.

Credibility

With ever-growing importance being placed on all companies auditing their supply chain, choosing safe and responsible suppliers and subcontractors is vital. With an IATF 16949 accreditation, you will be able to showcase the credibility of your business and the credibility of the automotive industry, helping to support your own supply chain and customer base in responsible practices. In the automotive sector, it’s important to make yourself look good, but even more vital to make your customers look good, too.

Learn more about the IATF 16949 accreditation and get certified.

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