More than 35,000 companies in more than 80 countries have implemented a quality management system according to the IATF 16949 requirements seeking certification to verify their systems and provide evidence to their customers and other stakeholders. DQS Inc. ranks among the leading certification bodies for the automotive industry, holding top market positions in the United States, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, many Asian countries, among others.
IATF 16949 is the Technical Specification for quality management systems developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) with the objective of improving the quality capability and the entire certification process throughout the supply chain. It applies to the design/development, production and, when relevant, installation and servicing of automotive-related products. The focus lies not on the discovery, but on the avoidance of errors.
Most Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) require evidence of a quality management system. Whether for small or medium enterprises (SMEs) or large corporations, a certificate to IATF 16949 is necessary in order to gain market entry. It is relevant to any organization working in the production, assembly or maintenance fields of the automotive industry, or who is listed as a potential supplier.
Benefits of a quality management system according to IATF 16949:2016
- Improved quality
- Improved on-time delivery
- Emphasis on supplier quality improvement
- Reduced variation
- Increased efficiency
- Reduced waste
IATF 16949 is based on the process-oriented ISO 9001, which facilitates the integration of other important major management systems including ISO 14001 for Environmental Management and ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety Management. To customers, employees, investors and the general public, implementation and certification of an integrated management system demonstrates the continuous improvement of an organization’s performance in the areas of quality, environmental protection and workplace safety.
DQS Inc. provides independent, third-party assessments of strategies, processes and results. This will provide management with the assurance that the system conforms to the requirements of the standard.
