ISO/TS16949:2002 is the automotive quality standard. It was released in March 2002, to incorporate incorporate the ISO 9001:2000. It also embaraced a number of requirements from other automative standards, such as AVSQ and QS-9000.
The standard was originally published in 1999, with ISO by the International Automotive Task Force. This latter body comprises international manufacturers and associations from across the industry, including GM, Ford, BMW and the AIAG.
WHO DOES IT COVER?
It is applicable to production and service part organization sites, and can be applied throughout the automotive supply chain.
It is certainly being adopted aggressively by the industry, with many major manufacturers requiring supplier transition by specific dates.
THE BENEFITS
The benefits of adopting the standard are numerous, and include: improved quality of process; increased efficiency; wider sourcing confidence; reduced multi-registration; supplier quality improvement.
WHAT IS ISO/TS 16949?
The standard specifies the quality system requirements for the design, development, production, and installation/servicing of automotive related products.
WHAT OF QS-9000?
Certificates for QS-9000 will have to be amended if they are to remain valid after the 15th December 2003. Although certificates for QS-9000 can continue to be issued, QS-9000 will cease to exist on 15th December 2006.
IMPLEMENTATION
The following is a derivation from BSI's suggested key steps for implementation:
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Obtain the standard itself (see below)
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Review support literature
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Assemble a team and form strategy
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Review consultancy options
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Develop a quality manual
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Develop supporting documentation
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Implement your QMS
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Consider pre-assessment
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Gain registration
TAKING THE FIRST STEP - PURCHASING THE STANDARD
The ISO/TS 16949 : 2002 can now be purchased online. The price includes packaging and shipment directly from BSI (UPS worldwide, First Class Mail in UK).
BUY
ISO/TS 16949 HERE
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