Before settling on a partner for producing serial automotive parts, you will need to determine whether the company has been certified to the IATF 16949-2016 standard. The IATF quality certification is similar to the ISO 9001-2015 quality management certification but goes much further in detail specific to the automotive industry. In some cases, a supplier may be certified to both standards.

The most effective way to reduce cost is to start a project based on a solid foundation of processes. The IATF 16949 manual details five core tools that suppliers can use to develop and produce serial parts with the least amount of defects, taking all variables into account. The core tools include:

• APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning)
  A structured approach for designing and developing a stable production process that can produce error-free parts by eliminating or controlling risks. The process is carried out by a multidisciplinary team, including the customer, who provides crucial input in the form of  customer specific requirements.

• FMEA (Failure mode & Effect Analyses)
  Two different types include Design FMEA and Process FMEA. In DFMEA all risks within the design are analyzed and addressed, resulting in the final design, which is then frozen. In PFMEA the various risks within the production process are analyzed to detect potential problems and eliminate them early.
• SPC (Statistical Process Control) - Examines the critical aspects within production processes and how they are controlled to the required tolerances. A control plan is drawn up which isolates the critical factors and describes how each one will be checked, how often, by whom, and what to do if deviations occur.
• MSA (Measurement System Analysis)
  Ensures that the control plan, including the measurements to be taken and the measuring equipment used, will meet requirements. Each piece of equipment has its own tolerance which can influence the nominal tolerance of a part, so the MSA looks at the deviations of the control tools and what deviations this can cause in the final product. 
• PPAP (Production Part Approval Process)
  Once the development process is complete, a supplier will send the first parts produced along with complete documentation detailing the production process. The PPAP proves that the supplier can produce the products to the customer’s specification with the least amount of risk.

As part of its overall IATF quality management system, a supplier should also be able to work with its own subcontractors to help improve their quality processes. In this context, the supplier may perform regular audits at the subcontractor’s facility to ensure that their quality management systems are consistently maintained to the standard.

IATF Quality management certification is just one of 10 crucial cost drivers that buyers need to understand in order to acquire the highest quality product while minimizing cost. Download this white paper to find out how suppliers who meet the IATF 16949 requirements can reduce risk and increase profits.

Other standards certifications for automotive suppliers

Another important certification for suppliers in the automotive industry is the environmental quality certification, ISO 14001-2015. Certification to this standard demonstrates that the company has put in place an environmental management system that follows regulations for CO2 emissions, toxic materials, etc., while continuously improving its use of resources and reducing waste. 

A supplier may also be certified to the ISO-50001-16247 energy management system standard, which ensures that the company tracks and controls its energy use – another factor that helps in controlling costs.

Pursuing and maintaining these certifications demonstrate that a potential supplier is able to meet the environmental and quality management requirements necessary to ensure future viability, legality, and financial stability as a company.

About Bons & Evers Group

Bons & Evers is the leading supplier of non-ferrous hot forgings for the automotive industry. Our experienced process designers and quality management specialists can work with you to develop and establish stable production processes that meet the requirements of IATF 16949. Our goal is to deliver high quality serial automotive parts with zero defects at the lowest cost.