ISO 16949:2009 Quality Management Systems for Automotive Production

From fascias to floor coverings, bumpers to mud flaps, and washers to seat covers, plastics in all its forms are a cost saving and practical solution for the automotive industry. Vehicles are made lighter using plastic components, so are more fuel efficient; parts are stronger and more durable, while flexibility of design attracts consumers. But in this very competitive sector, standards and consistency are vital if a plastics business is to tender to be part of the supply chain. Implementing lean practices throughout the organization is essential, while in a global market place, international recognition provides competitive advantage.

International standard ISO/TS16949:2009 is a technical specification which adds automotive defined requirements to ISO 9001 (quality management), with enhanced focus on defect prevention and reduction of variation and waste.
Using ISO9001 as a foundation, ISO/TS16949:2009 examines effectiveness and efficiency of processes in the automotive supply sector, including employee competence and awareness, design and development, as well as production and service provision.

Developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), working together with the International Standards Organization (ISO), the new process-based approach ensures consistency throughout the whole automotive supply chain, for any plastics business involved in production, installation and servicing of automotive-related products.

Continuous improvement: ISO/TS16949:2009 follows the successful Plan-Do-Check-Act model, incorporating existing systems, and building on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement plans. Quality and the pursuit of continuous improvement in the current global automotive market are essential if plastics suppliers are to succeed. Competitive companies will endeavour to maximise process efficiency to minimise costs, eliminate waste and continuously improve what they do.

Reduces defects and waste: With consumers aware more than ever of the automotive industry’s impact on the environment, achieving ISO/TS16949:2009 helps the plastics manufacturer to reduce defects and waste, and demonstrate consistency. Supported by major automotive manufacturers, this standard is built on the suppliers’ existing systems and industry best practice. This internationally recognized standard saves time by reducing multiple assessments, improves staff awareness and training, and minimizes disruptions.

Integration with other standards: ISO/TS16949:2009 is based on ISO 9001, with specific applications relevant to the automotive sector. It enjoys international recognition, and is an auditable standard which can be awarded third party certification. When a business already has ISO9001 in place, achieving ISO/TS16949:2009 becomes much simpler. With an estimated million ISO 9001 certificates now issued in 170 countries, the ISO 9001 standards have been written to enable the company to relate them to other management systems relevant to the plastics sector.

This content has been kindly provided by Business Support Network Member IMSM