Back in 2022, we put up a blog post on the International Automotive Task Force, or IATF, explaining what the task force is and why IATF 16969 certification is so essential to manufacturers. Well, it’s audit season again here at Fastco, which gives us a good reason to recap that post.
What is IATF 16949 and IATF Certification?
IATF 16949 is a global Quality Management System (QMS) Standard for the automotive industry. It incorporates the ISO 9001:2015 QMS standard with additional customer-specific requirements. In many ways, IATF is an extension of the ISO certification. In fact, to be IATF certified, a company must also implement the ISO 9001 standards. The two certifications work together to make sure that every company in the automotive supply chain is turning out quality parts for its customers and has a QMS in place.
IATF certification is a stamp of approval, certifying that our company is a quality supplier of fasteners. And that matters in every industry, not just automotive. Customers can rely on IATF-certified companies to provide high-quality parts, due to the robust quality standards they have in place.
How to Become IATF Certified?
Becoming IATF Certified is not a quick or easy process. It requires a robust quality system and continuous monitoring and improvement of that system.
Here are seven steps to becoming IATF certified:
- Evaluate your current quality system
- Add systems and processes to meet the requirements
- Develop the “Documented Information” for the QMS and your processes
- Implement and use the new quality system
- Select a registrar for the certification audit
- Obtain the certificate of registration
- Celebrate!
After you’ve celebrated, you still have to work to maintain the certificate. Companies need to regularly audit their own systems, processes, and products to make sure that they still meet the requirements of the ISO and IATF standards.
Continual Improvement
IATF focuses on continual improvement. IATF-certified companies must consistently work to improve their processes through such things as waste reduction, decreased variation, defect prevention, and improved operations.
As an IATF 16949 certified company, Fastco is poised to provide your company with top-quality parts that meet rigorous, globally-recognized standards. Give us a call today or complete our RFQ form.