WHAT IS ISO/TS 16949?
ISO/TS 16949 is a quality management system for the automotive industry. Since its development in 1999 by technical committees from the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) and the International Standards Organization (ISO), it has become the most widely used standard in the automotive industry. In 2016, IATF 16949 replaced ISO/TS 16949.
IATF 16949 Consists of:
– ISO9001 (International quality management system requirements)
– Five Tools (Automotive industry quality management requirements)
– Customer Special Requirements (CSR)
Epoch is dedicated to quality and is proud to be IATF 16949 certified.
HOW DOES OUR IATF 16949 CERTIFICATE BENEFIT OUR CUSTOMERS?
1. Qualified Products
An IATF 16949 certification inherently requires for us to have a very effective quality management system. The high-quality standards indicated in the IATF 16949 means we follow a very strict set of requirements for new product introduction (NPI) and mass production processes. Following these requirements serve as a preventive tool against defects and process failures.
2. Cost Savings for Our Customers
The preventive role of the quality management system in IATF 16949 translates to fewer defects and product failures. This saves Epoch’s clients time and money. There are also other ways by which Epoch’s high-quality standards save money for our clients. Our ability to provide qualified products leads to an excellent relationship with our customers which results in lower supplier management costs.
HOW DOES OUR IATF 16949 CERTIFICATE BENEFIT US?
1. New Clients
Our IATF 16949 certification tells prospective clients that our quality management system is in compliance with one of the most widely, internationally recognized standards. This helps us establish a level of trust right off the bat.
IATF 16949 is a highly prized certification by automotive clients and is an essential requirement for gaining entry into the automotive industry. Therefore being IATF 16949 certified has allowed Epoch to establish itself as a supplier to automotive clients.
2. Cost Savings for Epoch
The IATF 16949 sets clear guidelines and requirements on new project management, risk analysis, product and process quality control, and customer approvals. These tools help us in providing the best possible service to our customers.
Following the guidelines set out in the certification also means we constantly learn and improve our project management process while at the same time continuously upgrading the technical skills of our employees. This ends up saving everyone money and time. The cost savings that result from an astringent quality management system like IATF 16949 doesn’t just go to our clients; Epoch also saves money by producing defect-free products.
3. Developing a Quality Conscious Company Culture
Following the IATF 16949 technical standards reinforces Epoch’s goal to be on constant watch for quality issues. Practicing the standards laid out in this certification as a company as a whole helps grow each individual employees’ quality consciousness. When employees are involved in the process of improving quality, they are motivated and engaged in identifying potential quality issues which helps save costs and improve product quality.
Due to the countless benefits of the IATF 16949, some of which are mentioned above, Epoch is very pleased to have this certification as one of our well-earned quality badges.
