Corporate Services
ISO/TS 16949:2002
ISO/TS 16949 is the automotive industry's version of ISO 9001. The newest version, ISO/TS 16949:2002 now incorporates the process-approach introduced by the ISO 9001:2000 revisions. Compliance to this specification will be required for all production and service part suppliers to Ford, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and a growing list of additional OEMs. Deadlines for making the conversion range from mid-2004 (in the case of DaimlerChrysler) to the end of 2006. Many companies are choosing to make the transition now, both to maintain their current ISO 9001 certifications, and to derive the potentially significant benefits of the process-approach.
Upgrading to the new specification is not easy however. Most companies developed their QMS around the twenty elements of the old ISO 9001:1994 and QS 9000 models. ISO 16949 requires that the organization demonstrate a knowledge of, and maintain control through, the process approach. This means that the organization must connect what were previously separate and essentially stand-alone activities into systems of interrelated processes, where the output from one process serves as the input into several other processes. Identifying and then managing these linkages is imperative, for experience has shown us that most problems occur at the boundaries, or interfaces between activities. In the older systems, these boundaries were rarely clearly identified or well-managed.
Beyond the fundamental philosophical changes, the new specification is also bringing into focus the importance of results. Both ISO 9001:2000 and ISO/TS 16949 require that the organization develop a system of metrics for measuring the effectiveness of operations...not just for the final product but for the internal operations that support its design, manufacture and delivery as well. Scrutiny of the firm's metrics by the registrar auditors is intense and begins before the auditor even comes on-site. Haphazard development of this system of metrics can result in problems during the certification process. Even if the company gets through certification, the use of inappropriate metrics will lead to disappointing quality system performance in helping the company achieve its strategic goals.
Additional emphasis is also being placed on the proper application of the core tools (APQP, FMEA, MSA, PPAP, SPC) that support ISO/TS 16949. Some OEMs have gone as far as to require core tools training of the organization's internal auditors.
Beyond certification, companies that want to use their quality management system help achieve their strategic goals must be willing to go beyond the minimum requirements of ISO/TS 16949 in areas of strategic importance. This requires a knowledge of how the company's internal operations contribute to the realization of their strategy, and the evaluation of the inputs, resources, controls and monitoring systems used to maintain and improve performance in those activities and processes deemed most important to execution of the strategy. In these critical areas, more focus on the essential inputs, resources, actions, and outputs is appropriate, certainly more than the minimal requirements of ISO/TS 16949 would require.
The trainers and consultants at Baker College have the knowledge and the experience needed to develop a QMS that addresses the needs of both your automotive customers and your internal customers, as represented by your strategic goals, so as to deliver both immediate and sustained business results. We will take the time to understand your strategic goals and the needs of your suppliers, employees and management team. We will identify the realization and support processes that are critical to the attainment of your strategy, and will work with you to develop a unique and focused implementation plan using the appropriate tools and methods.
And of, course, we will also ensure your readiness to support a certification audit, using our extensive experience and knowledge of the automotive quality system requirements and expectations of your registrar auditors. Baker has personnel who themselves are automotive quality system auditors, so we know what your registrar will look for. Our seminars and areas of consultation can assist your implementation and improvement project.
Seminars and areas of consultation include:
- ISO/TS 16949
- Gap Analysis
- Process-Based QMS Auditing
- Core Tools for Internal Auditors
- Strategic Quality Management
- Process Mapping
- Documentation Development
- Corrective / Preventive Action
- Supplier Quality Management
- Training Program Management
- APQP
- PPAP
- DFMEA
- MSA
- SPC
- BOS/QOS
- DFM/DFA
For more information about ISO/TS 16949:2002 seminars and areas of consultation, complete the request form or call (810) 766-4242.