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How do the latest rules on the Certification audit process affect your organization?
If you are currently pursuing TS 16949:2002 certification, then the IATF 2^nd edition (published in 2004 and referred to as TS-2) Rules for achieving IATF recognized TS 16949 certification specifies the following audit process for your organization:

The initial certification audit will be conducted in two stages:

Stage 1: Readiness Review - You must have a QMS and provide the CB audit team the following information for review on site:
1.Descriptions of processes showing the sequence and interactions, key indicators, and performance trends for the past 12 months

2.Evidence that all requirements of TS-2 are addressed by your organization

3.Quality Manual (level 1 and 2)

4.Internal audits and management review from past 12 months (must include a full cycle of internal audits (QMS, Manufacturing, Product) to TS-2 using the process approach.

5.List of qualified internal auditors and how they were qualified

6.List of customer specific requirements

7.Customer satisfaction and complaint status, including customer reports and scorecards

This review will typically last 1-2 days. Based on the Readiness Review, the CB audit  team determines the appropriate scope of the audit; readiness for the stage 2 site audit and develops the audit plan for stage 2.

Stage 2: Site Audit - Initial certification audits must be conducted according to the following:
1.Must be performed on-site within 90 days from stage 1 readiness acceptance

2.Use the automotive Process Approach (Checklist use not permitted)

3.Audit all processes for the initial assessment

4.Within the process, audit all clauses.

5.All process sequences and interactions must be appropriately addressed

6.Review effectiveness of implementation and practice, related to planned and achieved quality performance.

7.For the initial registration audit, remote supporting functions must be audited prior to the manufacturing site.

Post Stage 2 Audit - At the end of the site audit, the CB team conduct the final presentation and provide a draft report that includes as a minimum;

1.Description of all non conformities. All nonconformities must be recorded and shall NOT be closed during the audit

2.Audit team recommendation to the certification committee

3.Issue final report within 15 working days from the closing meeting

4.The audit Team may require a follow up visit to verify the effective implementation of the corrective actions

Additional information
The contract between the CB and your organization must agree that:

1.The organization shall notify the CB of any material changes, legal, commercial, organizational status or ownership

2.Organization cannot refuse an IATF witness audit

3.Access authorization for the IATF and their representatives

4.Authorization to provide the final report to the IATF

5.Only use of the IATF logo is as displayed on the certificate issued by the IATF qualified CB

6.If an organization is placed on Suspension (replaces Probation), the date of suspension is the date of the concern, not the date of notification. The CB is required to verify on site the effective implementation of the C/A before removing the Suspension.

7.If the CB withdraws the certificate, the organization must return the certificate and send out written notice that it is no longer certified, to its customers that require certification.

This is just an overview of the key rules governing the IATF prescribed TS 16949 certification audit process. For more information, contact your CB or obtain a copy of the - Automotive Certification Scheme for ISO/TS 16949:2002, Rules for achieving IATF recognition, 2nd Edition for ISO/TS 16949:2002, 2004, 2nd Printing. Effective December 15, 2004 at www.iaob.org

There are many other contractual factors governing your relationship with your CB. Did you know that we can help you negotiate the most optimal financial and contractual terms with your CB? Most organizations leave thousands of dollars on the table without even knowing it. Give us a call for details.

Will the Process-based Approach be much different for the automotive sector?
Yes! The IATF has mandated an automotive process-based approach to QMS development and implementation, with a greater emphasis on meeting customer's needs. Organizations must clearly stress the important elements of Customer Oriented Processes (COP's), including:

- Process ownership, process definition, customer-focused process objectives, controls, linkages and interaction

· Process monitoring and feedback for process improvement

· Process effectiveness in meeting customer requirements, process efficiency and key performance indicators for the business

Process effectiveness and efficiency for product realization and support processes must be reviewed by top management. This also includes a more focused effort to tie process performance to customer requirements and expectations.

Are there specific competency or training requirements for an organization’s internal auditors?
Personnel performing QMS audits or manufacturing process audits must have adequate training on -

1.the requirements of the TS 16949 standard; training on the automotive process to auditing;

2.audit practices and audit experience as defined by ISO 19011 and IATF guidance;

3.QMS processes and their interaction;

4.customer requirements and applicable regulatory requirements.

Personnel performing product audits must have training on -

1.production and delivery processes; audit practices and techniques;

2.product specific customer requirements and applicable regulatory requirements.

3.Product specific auditors do not necessarily need training on the requirements of the TS 16949 Standard.

Organizations applying for TS 16949 certification must use a process-based approach to internal auditing.  Check out our articles on the process based approach on the resources page.

Some OEM’s have mandated that internal auditors meet specific competency requirements. Check out these criteria at www.iaob.org  (especially suppliers to Ford).

Where can I get further help?
For an complete and in-depth coverage of the TS 16949:2002 standard, please review our free eBook “Understanding TS 16949:2002”, available on our website. This book provides clause by clause explanation of TS requirements. It is an excellent guide for automotive QMS development, maintenance or improvement.

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