Standard

What is IATF 16949?

In 30 seconds

IATF 16949 is the quality management system standard specific to the automotive industry. It is applied together with ISO 9001 and complemented by OEM customer-specific requirements; certification is performed by certification bodies recognised by the IATF.

How does it work?

  • It adds automotive-specific requirements to ISO 9001, such as product safety, problem solving, customer-specific requirements and supplier development.
  • It expects methods such as APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC and MSA to be used.
  • It requires customer complaints to be answered with structured problem solving and effectiveness verification.

Often confused with

IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements

The standard defines the common base; each OEM publishes its own customer-specific requirements (CSR) separately. Both apply together.

Common mistakes

  • Treating CSRs as outside the standard and being caught out in the audit.
  • Reducing problem solving to filling in an 8D form.

From a QWorks perspective

In an IATF 16949 environment QWorks supports running complaints, 8D/CAPA, customer-specific deadlines and evidence on the same case; it does not provide certification or compliance.

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