IATF 16949:2016

ISO/TS 16949, one of the automotive industry’s most widely used international standards for quality management, was first developed in 1999 by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) in conjunction with ISO’s technical committee for quality management, ISO/TC 176. Since then, it has risen to be one of the most widely used international standards in the automotive industry, and aims to harmonize the different assessment and certification systems in the global automotive supply chain.

In October, 2016, the IATF released IATF 16949:2016 which will supersede and replace the current ISO/TS 16949 automotive industry quality management system standards. IATF 16949:2016 is not a stand-alone quality management standard but a supplement to ISO9001:2015. As such IATF 16949:2016 aligns with and refers to ISO9001:2015.

The revised standard cancels and replaces ISO/TS 16949:2009. After October 1, 2017 no ISO/TS16949:2009 audits (initial, surveillance, recertification or transfer) will be possible and/or accepted. Current ISO/TS 16949:2009 certificates will no longer be valid after September 14th, 2018.

As stated by IATF, “Organizations certified to ISO/TS 16949:2009 shall transition to the new IATF 16949, through a transition audit in line with the current audit cycle for ISO/TS 16949:2009 (i.e. at a regularly scheduled recertification audit or surveillance audit), according to the allowable timing requirements defined in the IATF Rules, section 5.1.1.”

IATF 16949:2016 includes several new requirements including:

Incorporation of some of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customer specific requirements (CSRs) to reduce the complexity and number of CSRs for suppliers to implement, and for certification bodies (CB) to audit
Inclusion of requirements for safety related parts and processes
Enhancement of product traceability requirements
Inclusion of requirements for products with embedded software
Inclusion of a warranty management process addressing no trouble found (NTF) and the use of automotive industry guidance
Clarification of sub-tier supplier management and development requirements
Addition of corporate responsibility requirements to include employee code of conduct, reporting and escalation of ethics issues, and anti-bribery policies
Adoption of Annex SL High Level Structure, the same structure used when developing ISO 9001:2015

IATF has published the “Transition Strategy: ISO/TS 16949 > IATF 16949” guide to help organizations understand the transition requirements. The document can be downloaded for free at this link:

ISO/TS 16949 › IATF 16949

IATF 16949:2016 Transition Strategy PDF

The guide includes important information for current and potential users of ISO/TS 16949, including:

Transition timing requirements
Transition audit requirements
Transition audit team requirements for certification bodies
Transition audit nonconformity management
IATF 16949 certificate issuance
Initial certification to IATF 16949
Transition FAQs—this portion of the guidance document will be updated as questions arise over time

IATF 16949:2016 requires complete conformance to all ISO9001:2015 requirements and identifies the supplemental automotive management system requirements, which are extensive.

The University of Tennessee, Center for Industrial Services has quality management resources with lead auditor certification and many years’ experience in the automotive industry to help in your transition.

Contact your local Solutions Consultant to schedule a gap analysis or “save the date” to attend one of the following training sessions. These sessions will be offered as open enrollments throughout the year or can be conducted at your location for your specific team.

TS 16949:2016 Standard Overview and IATF Transition Overview – 1 Day

It is important to start now in integrating the changes seen in IATF 16949:2016 into your quality management system. If you are currently certified, you should expect to upgrade to the new standard for your next recertification audit. The changes that have been made are significant, and you will need to provide ample time to implement them throughout your company prior to the transition deadline. This one day course will provide an overview of the standard with a special emphasis on the changes of the IATF 16949:2016 revisions. Topics will include:

Understanding management systems and the process approach
Understanding linkages between context, interested party expectations, and planning including risk based thinking
Risk based thinking approaches for IATF 16949 and ISO 9001:2015
Integrating Code of Conduct, Environmental Policy, Protecting the Environment and Social Responsibility
Importance of integrated management systems to transition in the Automotive industry with the advent of the High Level Structure (HLS)
Organizing documentation according to IATF 16949:2016 to demonstrate effective planning, operation, and control of processes
Understanding the intent and content of the requirement changes from the perspective of the IATF and Writing Committee

Risk Management – 4 hours

This course will provide your organization with a straight forward step-by-step approach to implementing risk management in compliance with both the ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949:2016 standards. The training will provide active participation with real world examples, so that when you return to your organization you will be prepared to successfully integrate risk management into your quality management system. This training will be applicable to all levels of your organization and it is encouraged that you have participants from multiple departments attend to ensure risk management is developed as a part of your company culture.

This course provides coverage of the risk and opportunity management requirements within ISO/IATF, as well as the implications these requirements have for your organization. It will include the steps necessary to demonstrate that the risk and opportunity requirements have been met and also return value to the organization.

IATF 16949:2016 Gap Analysis – Onsite Engagement

The onsite gap analysis is designed for implementation teams and auditors for transitioning the organization to IATF 16949 and ISO 9001:2015. The key changes and processes to be improved will be covered along with the steps to transition and a full gap analysis. Tasks completed during the gap analysis include:

Understanding the IATF requirements for transition
Developing an implementation plan for transition
Determining key strategies and actions to ensure effective implementation
A gap analysis report and transition implementation plan will be provided. Contact your local Solutions Consultant to schedule.

IATF 16949:2016 Internal Auditor Training – 3 days

This three-day course is designed exclusively for current and future members of your internal auditing teams. Attendees of this course will learn to audit to the requirements of IATF 16949:2016 using process-based auditing techniques.

Interactive workshops, simulated audits, tutorials and case studies are used to:

develop practical audit skills,
enhance evaluation and communication skills,
refine reporting skills, and
implement corrective action programs.

This course uses ISO9001 and IATF 16949 as the reference standard for quality management system requirements for the design and development, production, and installation and service of automotive-related products. Additionally, this course includes specific communication on the relationship of core quality tools (FMEA, PPAP, MSA, APQP, SPC) to IATF 16949:2016.

By attending this course, participants will gain an advanced understanding of customer-oriented processes (COPs), as well as customer-specific requirements defined by the OEM's. This course includes continuous assessment of attendee understanding.

Special Note: This course meets all OEM Customer Specific requirements for Internal Auditor Training.

The Importance of Leadership in ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949:2016 - Lunch and Learn

According to the new ISO9001:2015 standard, leaders establish unity of purpose and direction of the organization and should create and maintain the internal environment in which people can become fully involved in achieving the organization’s objectives.

As such, leadership now has defined responsibilities for ensuring quality execution such as: strategic alignment, specific resource support, staffing, oversight, measurement, and promotion of the quality system. During this lunch and learn meeting you will learn about leadership and managements’ expanded role in managing quality within your QMS.