The ISO/TS16949 technical standard does more than just inform companies about the requirements of each process in the quality management system; it also introduces and defines many useful, practical control procedures and methods.
What benefits does the ISO/TS16949 system bring to companies?
ISO/TS16949 is a modern tool for quality management used by manufacturers of automotive production parts and related repair parts. Establishing, implementing, and maintaining a quality management system according to this technical standard will bring many benefits and significant advantages to companies. These are mainly reflected in the following areas:
First, it helps companies become suppliers to automotive customers, especially as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Automotive OEMs currently widely require quality management system standards from suppliers of automotive production parts and related repair parts. Establishing a quality management system based on the ISO/TS16949 technical standard or other quality system standards and obtaining certification can make it possible to enter the procurement circle of international and domestic automotive customers.
Second, it improves the efficiency of the company. The ISO/TS16949 technical standard not only informs companies about the requirements of each process in the quality management system but also proposes and defines many useful, practical control procedures and methods, such as Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). Properly using these methods can effectively improve work efficiency and enhance the company's competitiveness.
Third, it helps all employees focus on customer satisfaction and fosters an awareness of meeting customer requirements. Through human resource management and training management, the overall quality of managers and position employees related to quality continuously improves.
Fourth, it continuously enhances customer satisfaction with the products and services provided by the company. Continuous improvement in product quality, mechanisms ensuring 100% timely delivery of products, and attention to, communication with, and satisfaction of customer needs mean that the ISO/TS16949 technical standard helps companies continuously increase customer satisfaction.
Fifth, it prevents product defects and reduces non-conforming products. The ISO/TS16949 technical standard controls many processes, including product planning, design and development, manufacturing process design, production process confirmation, analysis and control of non-conforming products, corrective actions, and preventive actions. It identifies and analyzes potential defects in the product realization process, formulates corresponding measures to prevent non-conformance, reduces non-conforming products, lowers finished goods losses, cuts costs, and significantly improves physical product quality. Implementing the ISO/TS16949 technical standard and using tools like Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Control Plans allows for control throughout the entire process from raw material procurement to product realization and delivery, enhancing the physical quality of products and thus improving the market competitiveness of the company’s products.
Sixth, it reduces repeated inspections and validations of the quality management system. Based on ISO9001:2000, ISO/TS16949 integrates the management ideas and requirements of automotive quality system standards such as QS9000 and VDA6.1, which have been accepted by global automotive customers. "Common standards, common third-party certification, mutual recognition" is a growing trend. The previous repetitive certifications under different automotive management system standards will gradually transition to single certification, reducing the burden on automotive component manufacturers.
Seventh, it helps companies establish self-inspection mechanisms, identify problems, seek improvements, and achieve self-perfection. Building and maintaining a team of internal auditors will provide ongoing assurance for continuous improvement and enhancement of the company's quality management level.