Quality of products is the most important aspect for all manufacturers. With that in mind, the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) develops standards of quality control for the automotive industry. IATF 16949 is an evolutionary standard that replaces the ISO/TS 16949 standard.
IATF 16949 adds a more risk-based approach to automotive quality assurance. It is progressive and takes a more preventative approach so that manufacturers can prevent versus detect quality defects. OEM suppliers have to comply with the new requirements and go through audits in order to be certified.
More Accountability with KPIs
A key focus area for IATF 16949 is management accountability for key performance indicators (KPIs). KPIs are great tools that help you track your ongoing progress towards your goals. This new standard requires that companies not only set targets but must also provide details on action plans if they can’t meet them. Documenting these procedures is part of the ongoing process for all manufacturers. Going forward during audits, auditors will be reviewing KPIs and how the companies are tracking as well as reviewing them.
Risk Management
Risk management for OEM suppliers is another focus area of IATF 16949. As part of this new standard compliance, OEM suppliers must have proper checks for product safety. They will also need to provide adequate employee training which will mitigate risk. Training details will be verified during audits as well. The idea behind these changes is that when you have proper risk management procedures identified in the beginning, you can prevent defects earlier in the cycle.
Producing High Quality
LTC Roll and Engineering has been southeast Michigan’s center for roll forming excellence. We started as a supplier of excellent custom tooling, providing precision-built roll forming tools that have helped numerous vehicles. Quality is crucial to us, and we recognize the importance of effective Quality Management System in the automotive industry. Just like our peers, we have also adopted the new IATF 16949 standard.
We have found that custom tooling allows us to have more freedom to serve our customers better. In fact, quality is the number-one reason that customers turn to us. This transition to IATF 16949 standard will strengthen our customer base and our commitment to excellence. If you have an interest in our tooling methods or seeing them in action, then give us a call at 586-465-1023.
