IATF 16949 specified the quality system requirements for the design/development, production of automotive-related products. The IATF 16949 1st Edition released in 2016, was based on ISO 9001:2015. To emphasize continuous improvement in the supplier base, the International Automotive Task Force releases Sanctioned Interpretations (SIs). Unless otherwise indicated, Sanctioned Interpretations are applicable upon publication. The new IATF 16949 refers ISO 9001:2015, and successfully harmonizes the supplier quality system requirements of the automakers of US, UK,  Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Korea etc. It details the fundamental, sector-specific quality systems requirements, which sustain continuous improvement and emphasize defect prevention, while simultaneously reducing the magnitude of variation and waste in the supply chain and encouraging improvement in customer satisfaction.

IATF 16949 focuses on an organization’s ability to realize its stated goals as well as achieve customer satisfaction by delivering conforming parts on time to customer specification at acceptable cost. IATF 16949 concentrates on the effective linkages in the company’s business plan, quality policy, quality objectives and measures. The standard specifies how objectives can be achieved and deployed throughout the organization. (See more about IATF 16949.)

Originally published in 1987 by the International Organization for Standardization, ISO 9001 is a generic quality systems standard that specifies, in very broad terms, the necessary components of a quality management system. Rather than being specific to any one industry, ISO 9000 details the basic requirements of the quality function for all industries. ISO 9001 gives you the tools to grow a better business through continuous improvement and refined processes. The latest version of ISO 9001 is ISO 9001:2015. Today more than 500,000 businesses have achieved ISO 9001 certification throughout the world, making it by far the most recognized symbol for quality in the global marketplace.(See more about ISO 9001.)

Protection of the environment is one of society’s key goals. A significant increase in environmental awareness and stricter environmental regulations has led many organizations to integrate environmental protection into their corporate management systems structure.

Leading corporations have been utilizing environmental management systems (EMS) for years to help them reach defined environmental objectives. Now, a streamlined environmental management tool is available to all corporations in the form of ISO 14001, an internationally recognized environmental management system conformance standard. Very similar in structure to the ISO 9001 quality management system standard, ISO 14001 outlines key requirements to which companies should comply in order to operate in an environmentally responsible manner.

The ISO 14000 elements provide diverse organizations a framework for managing and continually improving their environmental programs. Many companies already monitor air and water permits, or toxic use reduction programs. Utilizing ISO 14001, companies can now merge environmental programs into one coherent system to efficiently manage all environmental activities.

In short, ISO 14001 can provide your company a competitive advantage, by demonstrating to your customers that your environmental processes and impact is effectively managed, continually improving, and part of the corporate management system. (See more about ISO14001…)