In our first blog we looked at the introduction of the IATF 16949:2016 (IATF) and what is its relationship to the ISO 9001:2015.
The second in this series of blogs will look at how IATF addresses Customer Focus and the tools available when implementing the standard.
The Customer
The ‘customer’ in IATF is the most crucial element of the standard, with the core focus of IATF being to ensure that the product is delivered on time and responds to the client’s exact requirements.
If a supplier cannot deliver a product on time it could hold up the factory line. If the supplier is shown as being liable the fines can be in the millions of pounds.
A product needs to be assessed by the client at each step of the way to ensure that the specifications of the customer’s requirements have been met, an example is the “prototype approval”.
Contingency
The standard dictates that you must have contingency plans in place for all areas of your business such as;
- Manufacturing Machinery & Tools
- Sub-contractors
- Suppliers
- Employees & Competencies
These areas will be constantly assessed making sure that information and data is recorded.
Evidenced Based Decision Making
Very much in line with reviewing and learning from data from improvements, but with further emphasis on external factors such as;
- Customers
- Suppliers
- Machinery & Equipment
From reviewing Statistical Process Control (SPC) from the above criteria certain issues could affect the strategy of the business. The results by using this method could conclude;
- Is the customer too big for our company?
- Is there a risk of not delivering a quality product on time?
- Are our Main supplier’s delivering a quality product time after time?
- Has a piece of equipment shown evidence of a decline in productivity and is it time to invest in a replacement or an updated version?
The IATF requires the business to assess the evidence and make decisions through the management review and through objectives (Maintenance Program).
Tools
The core tools are used to support the standard are;
- FMEA – Potential Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
- APQP - Advanced Product Quality Planning and Control Plan
- SPC – Statistical Process Control
- PPAP – Production Part Approval Process
- MSA – Measurement System Analysis
APQP is the tool that ensures specifications are met. What is interesting about this standard is that it is a non-conformity for a business to produce a product that has not been ordered by the customer. This is because the control of quality and risk mitigation could be affected. When collecting feedback, the standard requires in-depth information and businesses must log the following details;
- Delivered part quality performance
- Customer disruptions
- Field returns, recalls and warranty (where applicable)
- Delivery schedule performance
- Customer notification related to quality or delivery issues
If you have any questions relating to IATF: 16949 or would like to arrange for one of our experienced consultants to vast for a no obligation chat about IATF: 16949 please do not hesitate to get in touch.
By Oliver Leaney
AvISO Consultancy – Part of a series entitled: Introducing IATF 16949:2016.
