Overview

This technical specification ISO/TS 16949:2009, in conjunction with ISO 9001:2008, specifies the quality system requirements for the design, development, production, installation and servicing of automotive sector.

This technical specification is applied along with the customer specific requirement. Automobile components manufacturers have to comply with the standard to be able to supply to the automotive OEMs and supply chain.

Based on ISO 9001:2008, the ISO/TS 16949 is being adopted by many major automobile companies in the supply chain. The certification is widely sought by automotive product manufacturers because automobile giant like BMW, Volkswagen, fiat, ford, GM, and Japanese auto majors recognize it.

Several factors make registration to ISO/TS 16949 attractive. Major automotive companies in the world reorganize the standard. Its success has led to a move towards the development of globally accepted quality management system. Adoption of this standard ensures reduction in errors and continuous development of quality standards in the organization.

Benefits at a glance

The benefits of adopting this standard as numerous including increased efficiency and improved quality. Some of the benefits are outlined here:

• Improves product and process quality
• Common quality system approach in the supply chain for development and consistency, ensuring that the organization works more effectively
• Emphasis on defect prevention
• Reduction of variation and increase in efficiency
• Reduction in multiple third party registrations freeing up time and supplier resources for other quality activities and improvement opportunities that can enhance business