ISO/TS 16949:2002 Quality management systems -- Particular requirements for the application of ISO 9001:2000 for automotive production and relevant service part organizations management systems is designed for the auto industry and suppliers to the auto industry.

Some of the specific requirements of ISO/TS 16949 are discussed below. The focus below is on the differences between ISO 9001 and TS 16949. Please check the standard for the exact language and requirements. The standard emphasizes the specific differences within the text of the publication.

In TS 16949 there is a change in emphasis to include or expand on:

• process efficiencies
• cost of poor quality
• discussion of business planning
• employee motivation
• preparation of contingency plans
• discussion of product safety
• cleanliness of the premises
• confidentiality
• predictive maintenance
• service agreements
• use of statistical tools and data
• control and measurement of manufacturing processes

There are additional specific technical requirements including but not limited to: review of engineering specifications; nonconformance reporting; assignment of a customer representative; field failures; FMEA; change control; use of control plans; and production tooling.

The requirements for product design and development processes are expanded and more extensive including a number of additional items to consider and address.

Purchasing requirements provide more information and detail regarding requirements and monitoring. Preference is described toward suppliers compliant with TS 16949 or as a start registered to ISO 9001:2000.

Measurement system requirements, calibration/verification records and laboratory requirements are added section with enhanced requirements. Accreditation to ISO 17025 is helpful but not mandatory. Inspection and test activities are expanded. Control of nonconforming product is more descriptive.

Audits are expanded to include:

• Quality management system audits,
• Manufacturing process audits,
• Product audits, and
• An annual audit plan

Improvement requirements are strengthened and include problem solving, error proofing, and analysis of the impact of corrective actions to other areas of the operation.

ISO/TS Related Standards:

ISO/IEC 17025:1999 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

ISO 10011 Guidelines for auditing quality systems.

IATF Guidance to ISO/TS 16949:2002.