Automotive: the highest demands on quality management and quality assurance
Automotive manufacturers expect the highest standards of automotive quality management from every supplier. Without them, it is hardly possible to win lucrative contracts or build long-term partnerships. Suppliers who cannot demonstrate effective quality assurance and quality planning through the relevant certifications have little chance. Continuous training and certification to the latest standards are therefore practically indispensable in the automotive industry.
What does quality management mean in the automotive industry?
Automotive quality management covers all measures that ensure and continually improve the quality of products and processes – from the first development step through production to after-sales service.
Why the automotive industry sets the bar so high
Complex processes, long supply chains and many sources of risk – from the first drawing to the last screw – constantly challenge organisation and planning. Vehicle manufacturers have to rely not only on themselves but, to a particular degree, on the reliability and quality of their suppliers. In just-in-time production, even minor problems or supply shortages have a massive impact on final assembly.
That is why the entire process chain must be optimised and controlled. For automotive suppliers, this usually means adapting their own processes to the customer’s requirements. Flexible processes and suitable quality tools help to master these challenges.
Why quality management matters in the automotive industry
In the automotive industry, quality management (QM) offers a range of benefits that are essential for success in a global and highly competitive market:
- Assuring and improving product quality
- Higher customer satisfaction and trust in your brand and company
- Lower costs through fewer defects, recalls and production stoppages
- Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
- Continual improvement
- More efficient supply chains
- Sustainability and environmental protection
Key automotive QM standards at a glance
IATF 16949
As the successor to ISO/TS 16949, IATF 16949 is recognised worldwide as the quality management standard for the automotive industry. It supplements ISO 9001 with sector-specific requirements and only applies together with it: the ISO 9001 requirements are assessed in every IATF audit. A separate ISO 9001 certificate is not required. Requirements, process and costs are explained on our page on IATF 16949 certification.
VDA 6.1
VDA 6.1 is a German standard for vehicle manufacturers and the supplier industry. A valid ISO 9001 certificate is a prerequisite for certification to VDA 6.1.
VDA 6.2
VDA 6.2 sets out quality management requirements for service providers in the automotive industry, such as logistics companies or engineering firms.
VDA 6.3
Process audits to VDA 6.3 (current edition 2023) assess product development and series production processes and their implementation. As the standard evolves, your own processes need to be reviewed and optimised regularly.
VDA 6.4
VDA 6.4 is aimed at manufacturers of production equipment and measuring and test equipment that cannot be certified to the other VDA standards or IATF 16949.
TISAX®
With TISAX®, automotive companies demonstrate the level of their information security – for example, when protecting confidential development data and prototypes.
Key methods and tools: the Automotive Core Tools
Automotive quality management relies on a set of methods to reduce risks and assure quality – the Automotive Core Tools:
- FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis): a preventive method for risk analysis, in line with the AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook (2019)
- APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning): planning and developing new products in defined phases
- PPAP (Production Part Approval Process): approval of series production parts
- MSA (Measurement System Analysis): assessing the capability of measuring and test systems
- SPC (Statistical Process Control): statistical monitoring of production processes
Digitalisation: QM software as a key building block
Because automotive quality management involves long and complex processes, suitable QM software is a key basis for digitalisation. It is the most effective way to document and control critical interfaces – between companies, departments and responsibilities. Good QM software reduces effort and cost while maintaining the highest quality level, avoids redundant processes and, through comprehensive risk management, ensures that problems at sensitive interfaces are minimised or prevented.
Remote audits in the automotive industry – what works and what doesn’t
There is broad consensus that remote audits cannot yet fully replace on-site audits in the automotive industry, mainly for technical and legal (including data protection) reasons. However, there are recommendations (for example from the VDA) on how remote audits can be used as a complement – for instance as a hybrid audit. Remote audits are particularly suitable for areas with low quality risks or a high level of product and process maturity.
Automotive quality management with PeRoBa®
PeRoBa® Unternehmensberatung GmbH – headquartered in Baldham with a representative office in Munich – supports you worldwide in introducing and optimising automotive quality management. Whether you are aiming for initial certification, recertification or the transition of existing certificates, we help you analyse and implement a suitable management system (for example IATF 16949 or VDA 6.3).
We analyse and optimise your processes, organisation and infrastructure, carry out internal audits, train your employees in the practical application of quality management and support you in planning and preparing for certification – following our principle of “help for self-help”, so that your team can continue independently.
Automotive quality management – frequently asked questions
Which QM standards matter most in the automotive industry?
Internationally, IATF 16949 is the established standard for quality management in the automotive industry. For the German and European automotive industry, the VDA standards 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4 are also highly relevant; they are strongly process-oriented and cover the entire value chain.
Why is quality management so important in the automotive industry?
Mechanical engineering – and the automotive industry in particular – has always been the driving force behind quality management. Quality and cost pressure can only be managed with optimised processes. Without a suitable QM system, suppliers and manufacturers of production equipment hardly stand a chance in the market today.
What does IATF 16949 focus on?
IATF 16949 is the most important international automotive standard. Its focus areas include product safety, change management, risk management including contingency planning, and products with embedded software. Continual improvement is a particular priority.
Do I need a separate ISO 9001 certificate in addition to IATF 16949?
No. IATF 16949 supplements ISO 9001 and only applies together with it. The ISO 9001 requirements are assessed in every IATF audit, so a separate ISO 9001 certificate is not required.
What are the Automotive Core Tools?
The Core Tools are supporting methods for meeting the high automotive quality requirements – in particular FMEA, APQP, PPAP, MSA and SPC, complemented by the 8D method. Good knowledge of the Core Tools is one of the prerequisites for qualifying as a certified VDA 6.3 process auditor. Test your knowledge: Automotive Core Tools Online Quiz.
About PeRoBa®:
PeRoBa® Unternehmensberatung GmbH has specialised in management systems since 1991. The company has been headquartered in Baldham since 2011 and also maintains an office on Prinzregentenstraße in Munich. PeRoBa® advises, audits and assesses to support clients in introducing and implementing their management systems, and also offers audits, QM training, seminars and workshops. Since January 2016, the in-house, patented software iVision® – Smart Remote Audit Solution has been on the market.
Dr. Roland Scherb is the founder and Managing Director of PeRoBa® Unternehmensberatung GmbH, certified to DIN EN ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 27001 and based in Baldham. He is President of the Bundesverband der Auditoren e. V. (German Federal Association of Auditors), head of the ISO Certification Competence Forum at BVMW e. V. (German Association for Small and Medium-sized Businesses) and a member of the DIN working committee NQSZ NA 147-00-07 GA on the revision of DIN EN ISO 19011. He is also a book author as well as a trainer and lecturer at renowned educational institutions on management systems and the associated core methods.
How may we help you?
Arrange a free, no-obligation initial consultation via online appointment, or send us a message using our contact form. You are also welcome to call us.
In the free initial consultation, we first clarify your needs.