…Implementing the Next Automotive Quality Standard
IATF 16949:2016 has been released and ISO/TS 16949:2009 is now officially in the process of being replaced. In Part 1 of this subject we introduced the What, Why and When…and here in Part 2 we’ll talk a little bit more about How you can make the transition…
Transition Plans & Activities
The transition process is a team activity (hopefully!) for you and your organization. With the number of changes included in the ISO 9001:2015 standard, plus the automotive specific changes arriving within IATF 16949:2016, the principles of communication and involving others will be more important than ever.
Some key elements/activities that will need to be part of your plan…
Training
The need here is three-fold.
1) To provide an understanding of new requirements to those who will support the transition (including management). What are the new requirements? The biggest changes? How will they affect our processes? How will it affect my role and responsibilities? This group should include those who work with the QMS on a regular basis and/or those who will be ultimately asked to support or approve conceptual and structural changes. Early training on the new standard is the best form of communication, and the best way to garner support where needed.
Look for a 1-Day “Transitioning” course that will focus on the changes from old to new, and consider that management may only need the portions of the training that relate to them (Leadership).
2) To provide required knowledge and tools to those who will make the transition happen. This training starts with a review of the new requirements but continues to offer more depth on new concepts and their practical implementation, as well as hands-on practice with the tools and activities that should be part of your transition efforts. Where do new requirements and concepts arise within your QMS? What are some strategies and techniques to address them? What are the key activities of an implementation/transition project?
This is typically a 2-Day “Understanding and Implementing” course that gives this key group the depth of understanding they need to effectively transition your QMS.
3) To train your internal audit team and prepare them to conduct effective audits once the system is updated.
A 2-Day “Internal Auditor” course will teach the new requirements from an auditing perspective and review auditing skills and techniques. The ideal timing for this training is right when your new, updated QMS is ready for an internal audit, and an extra day or more of Audit Workshops (hands-on audits led by the trainer) will add a practical element to the training and get some audits completed in the process.
Gap Analysis
This is an audit of your existing QMS against the new IATF 16949:2016 requirements to identify the “gaps” between what is currently in place and what the new standard requires. Some organizations handle this internally while others contract it out to a consulting firm, in which case the key is to get a report that includes enough detail to be helpful with your project planning.
You may, by the nature of how you conduct your business, already be doing some or many of the things required in the new standard. The first important step in your implementation project is to get a clear picture of exactly where you stand…and what needs to be done.
Implementation
Fill the identified gaps by modifying processes (or adding new ones), update documentation and train employees on changes, then audit to see how well things have stuck. The new standard includes several new concepts that may require new tools and approaches (risk, leadership, documented information, etc.) and this is a common place for outside consultants to offer guidance, advise on best practices, and help to reduce the internal workload.
What Can You Do Now to Prepare?
Get Your Copy of IATF 16949:2016. Visit the AIAG Website to order your copy of the new standard.
Stay Up to Date. Visit The BRC’s Automotive Quality Information page for access to resources and to join our mailing list.
Watch for updated news and announcements. Visit us regularly at www.thebrc.ca for updates and blog posts, and subscribe to our monthly Quality Review Newsletter for insight, opinions, and the latest in quality news.
Train your teams. Dates for training courses for the new TS16949:2016 standard will be available soon! Join our mailing list for info on dates in your area or Ask Us About On-Site Training to have a course delivered at your location.
Consider The BRC for specialized services to assist with implementation. Our experienced consultants can help with Gap Analysis Audits, documentation review and revision, systems/process improvement, and other transition work. Contact Us to learn more.
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IATF 16949:2009 Transition Strategy – This 11-page document from the IATF provides detailed guidance on the transition process, including timing, the audit process, nonconformity management, and more.
IATF 16949:2009 Press Release – The IATF’s official press release announcing the upcoming release of IATF 16949:2016 and its relationship with ISO 9001:2015.
IATF 16949:2009 Transition Plan – Released in April 2016, this 11 slide PowerPoint presentation (in PDF format) provides a general overview of the transition timeline and scheduling options.
