What Is IATF vs. TS 16949?

What Is IATF vs. TS 16949?

Even though IATF 16949:2016 has been in effect for several years, many people still wonder, "What is IATF vs. TS 16949?" It's crucial to thoroughly understand the changes between the two automotive standards as your organization prepares for its IATF 16949 audit.

This article will look at some critical differences between IATF 16949:2016 and ISO/TS 16949. We'll also consider the importance of an IATF 16949:2016 audit checklist, sometimes called an ISO/TS 16949 process audit checklist, to your certification preparations. Smithers has the information you need for a successful IATF 16949 certification process.

IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015

Despite its name, ISO/TS 16949 was a stand-alone quality standard. A significant difference between it and IATF 16949:2016 is that the IATF standard is based on and incorporates the entirety of ISO 9001:2015, the primary global quality standard. Alongside the quality management system requirements in ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949:2016 adds critical conditions specific to the automotive supply chain.
 
A quality management system based on IATF requirements is now considered table stakes to participate in the automotive industry.

Industry Involvement in IATF 16949:2016

When you're considering, "What is IATF vs. TS 16949," another overarching difference between the two standards is the unprecedented level of industry involvement in developing IATF 16949:2016. The International Automotive Task Force created the newer standard with crucial input from automakers, suppliers, auditors and organizations like the Automotive Industry Action Group.
 
Unlike ISO/TS 16949, the IATF standard also includes requirements for specific automakers, leading to greater customer satisfaction.

Basic Differences Between IATF 16949:2016 and ISO/TS 16949

A complete comparison of the numerous changes from ISO/TS 16949 to IATF 16949:2016 is beyond the scope of this article. But here are some of the major differences between the two automotive standards:

Clause 4: Context of the Organization

This is a new clause with requirements to define the organization's context, along with external and internal issues. It also calls for an organization's quality management system to consider interested parties like shareholders and employees, where ISO/TS 16949 only referenced customers.

Clause 5: Leadership

Clause 5 now requires the accountability of top management for the effectiveness of the quality management system. IATF 16949:2016 also adds requirements concerning corporate responsibility.

Clause 6: Planning

IATF 16949:2016 incorporates new requirements concerning the organization's determination of risks and opportunities. It also addresses risk assessment and risk analysis processes like FMEA.

Clause 7: Support

While ISO/TS 16949 only addressed measuring equipment, IATF requirements call for monitoring and measurement activities. The newer standard also touches on software installed on employee-owned and customer-owned equipment.

Clause 8: Operation

The revised clause in IATF 16949:2016 places a greater emphasis on the control of processes, especially planned changes, and the review of the consequences of unintended changes. It also adds several requirements concerning the management, measurement, and selection of suppliers.

Clause 9: Performance Evaluation

IATF 16949:2016 outlines a requirement to use a risk-based approach to internal audits. The newer standard also highlights new qualifications for internal auditors.

Clause 10: Improvement

Unlike ISO/TS 16949, the updated standard requires an organization to determine and identify opportunities for improvement to enhance customer satisfaction. It also contains new corrective action requirements.
 
Generally speaking, IATF 16949:2016 requires more documentation than ISO/TS 16949 did.

The Role of an IATF 16949:2016 Audit Checklist

There are many moving parts in an automotive audit, and you need to be careful in preparing for an IATF 16949 certification audit. An internal audit checklist for IATF 16949:2016 certification can be a big help. Like a checklist for an audit of ISO/TS 16949, a good IATF checklist should touch on all the components required for certification.

Trust Your IATF 16949 Audit to Smithers

IATF 16949:2016 lays out rigorous requirements for automotive auditors, which we closely adhere to. You can rely on our team to conduct a thorough, by-the-book IATF 16949 audit. Now that we've answered the question, "What is IATF vs. TS 16949," you're ready to take the next step. Contact us for a quote today.
 

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