Summary
First, review the key points in 30 seconds.
In the automotive industry, IATF 16949 serves as a kind of "common language for discussing quality." It's not just about compiling documentation; it's crucial to be able to view customer-specific requirements, measurement and calibration, process control, and corrective actions as a continuous whole.
- IATF16949 is an automotive QMS standard based on ISO9001:2015.
- In practice, we always check not only the standard text but also the customer-specific requirements of each OEM.
- In special process such as heat treatment, process-specific requirements like CQI-9 often overlap.
- Establishing measurement and calibration systems provides the foundation for quickly identifying the root cause of non-conformities.
Chapter 1
What is IATF16949?
IATF 16949 is a quality management system standard for the automotive industry. According to official IATF information, the current text is treated as IATF 16949:2016 and is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 9001:2015.
| Item | Contents |
|---|---|
| IATF16949 | This is a quality management system standard for the automotive industry. It is commonly used in supply organizations for production parts, replacement parts, and ancillary parts. |
| ISO9001 | This is international standards that forms the basis of quality management systems. IATF 16949 is based on this standard. |
| Customer specific requirements | These are the operational rules that each OEM adds. You need to check these as well, not just the IATF 16949 document itself. |
| CQI-9 | This document provides pointer for the evaluation and operation of special process such as heat treatment. It is sometimes required in conjunction with IATF 16949. |
According to IATF's publicly available information, the current operational rules are Rules 6th Edition. In practice, it is important to follow not only the standard text but also these operational rules and the CSRs of each OEM.
Chapter 2
First, understand the differences from ISO 9001.
It might seem like having ISO 9001 certification is sufficient, but in the automotive industry, that alone isn't enough. IATF 16949 is easier to understand if you think of it as a standard that adds automotive-specific requirements on top of ISO 9001.
| perspective | ISO9001 | IATF16949 |
|---|---|---|
| subject | Quality management across a wide range of industries | Automotive industry supply chain |
| Depth of requirements | The focus is on basic QMS operation. | We delve into customer-specific requirements and special process management. |
| Points that are likely to be scrutinized during an audit | Documentation, corrective actions, internal audits, and reviews. | process capability, recurrence prevention, traceability, measurement control, special process |
| Practical characteristics | The focus is on developing internal company standards. | You will also need to check any additional rules specific to each OEM. |
Chapter 3
What is required in practice
Compliance with IATF 16949 is not about increasing the number of forms. The focus is on creating a situation that can be reproduced on-site and being able to explain it as evidence.
Preparation of documents and records
We will organize procedure, inspection records, corrective action records, and training records into a format that can be traced during audits.
Confirmation of customer-specific requirements
Not overlooking additional requirements that vary from OEM to OEM is a prerequisite for continuing business relationships.
Internal audit and corrective action
We don't just stop at identifying problems; we also investigate why they occurred and how to prevent them from happening again.
Management of special process
For processes such as heat treatment, painting, and surface treatment, evaluation criteria for each process may be considered.
Measurement and Calibration
Measurement and monitoring equipment that affects quality should be identified without narrowing down the scope too much.
Emergency response
We will decide who will make what decisions in situations such as equipment shutdowns, defective products being shipped, or material changes.
For companies entering a new market, it's easier to first visualize "which requirements will affect which process within their company" rather than aiming for perfection right away.
Chapter 4
Common pitfalls in measurement and calibration
IATF 16949 questions not only the measurement values themselves, but also the reliability of the measuring resources that produce those values. It is crucial to be able to isolate where the discrepancy lies among the thermometer, recorder, controller, and sensor.
| Points that are easy to overlook | What happens on site | First things to check |
|---|---|---|
| Assumptions about the scope of calibration | It's often assumed that this only applies to "devices that directly measure products." | We will identify all monitoring and measuring equipment that affects process and quality. |
| Correction values not reflected | Although the certificate exists, display values at the site have not been corrected. | We will check that the calibration values have been applied and that the changes have not been properly activated. |
| Discrepancy in cold contact compensation | Temperature changes around terminal block will cause the temperature reading to gradually drift. | Check the ambient temperature, wiring path, and how terminal block is exposed to heat. |
| Changes in the instrumentation over time | The input is correct, but only display and recording are incorrect. | We will input a reference signal to check the health of display system. |
JCSS is a calibration laboratory accreditation and registration system based on the Measurement Law. It is useful for on-site identification in order to easily explain the traceability of reference instruments.
Chapter 5
Certification Acquisition and Maintenance Process
For new companies, the biggest burden is not knowing "where to start." Dividing the process into sections beforehand makes it easier to proceed even if the person in charge changes.
| step | Things to do |
|---|---|
| 1. gap Analysis | We will identify the differences between the current QMS and IATF 16949. |
| 2. Rule Establishment | We will establish regulations, forms, training, and division of responsibilities. |
| 3. Operation confirmation | Internal audits and daily checks are conducted to verify that the system actually works. |
| 4. Review process | We will ensure that the system is in a state where it can be explained during third-party audits and customer audits. |
| 5. Maintenance | We will continue to update, correct, and review. |
Passing IATF 16949 isn't a one-time thing. In practice, it's crucial to be able to demonstrate "the fact that it's in operation" at each audit.
Chapter 6
Relationship with individual standards such as CQI-9
IATF 16949 is the overall foundation. On top of that, for special process such as heat treatment, additional process-specific requirements like CQI-9 are found.
base
IATF16949
This standard supports the entire quality management system in the automotive industry.
By process
CQI-9
This outlines the evaluation and operational considerations for heat treatment systems. This includes verification of TUS and SAT.
Issues on the ground
Measurement reliability
Checking whether the thermocouple, recorder, correction values, and calibration are consistent is the starting point for troubleshooting.
Related articles
What is CQI-9?
The causes of non-conformity in the heat treatment process and improvement approaches are explained in detail in a separate article.
Chapter 7
What CHINO can do to help
CHINO 's support isn't in IATF16949 certification itself, but rather in establishing the underlying measurement, recording, and calibration systems. We support the creation of reliable figures in the field.
Record
Graphic recorder with heat treatment support function KR (Some are Japan Only)
This recorder features support functions to comply with the requirements of AMS2750 and IATF16949/CQI-9. It has a broken line correction function for up to 16 points, making it easier to improve the accuracy of sensor corrections.
Calibration
JCSS Calibration Service
JCSS calibration, based on the Measurement Law, makes it easier to ensure the traceability of your reference instruments. On-site calibration services are also available.
reference device
Temperature Calibration Equipment and Standard Sensors
This group of instruments is easy to use for calibrating temperature sensors and thermocouples, performing routine checks, and establishing standards.
In heat treatment process, it's crucial to determine whether the problem stems from the sensor, the instrumentation, or the furnace body. CHINO 's equipment and calibration services help lay the foundation for this troubleshooting.
FAQ
FAQ
We've compiled a concise summary of frequently asked questions in practical work situations.
Is IATF16949 absolutely necessary?
While not a legally mandated requirement, many automakers and Tier 1 suppliers require it as a prerequisite for transactions. It's a condition you should confirm before entering the market.
Is ISO 9001 sufficient?
That's not enough. IATF 16949 goes beyond the specific requirements of the automotive industry and includes customer-specific requirements.
Who is CQI-9 intended for?
This is especially important for companies with heat treatment process. Topics include furnace management, TUS (Total Operating System), SAT (Surface Attack), and measurement system management.
What is the scope of the calibration?
This isn't limited to equipment that directly measures the product. It can also include monitoring and measuring equipment that affects quality, so it's important to identify issues at each stage process.
References
Reference information
This information is compiled based on publicly available standards, organizational information, and manufacturer documents.
Standards and Organizations
If you want to review your measurement and calibration procedures to comply with IATF16949,
Organizing the reliability of measurements, calibration methods, and record-keeping for the heat treatment process makes it easier to pinpoint the cause of non-conformities. If you want to discuss the on-site conditions, having the measuring instruments used, calibration certificates, and an overview of process ready will expedite the discussion.
Contact usJCSS calibration testing, heat treatment support function graphic recorder KR, temperature calibration device, standard sensor
