The automotive sector is one of the industries with many quality requirements. ISO standards are therefore essential certifications for many players in the automotive industry. In addition to compliance with high quality standards, these standards make it possible to meet major challenges related to consumer safety and environmental protection. ISO standards are also very beneficial levers for effective cost reduction and boosting the company’s financial performance.

What is an ISO standard?

An ISO standard is a certification dedicated to an institution, and issued by an approved body (called standardization bodies), such as ISO, the International Organization for Standardization. This body provides strict guidelines and rules to be adhered to at all levels of the company.

There are also several types of ISO standards :

basic standards (relating to signs and terminologies);
Specification standards (relating to the characteristics and performance expected of a product or service);
standards of analysis and testing (which concern the tests to be carried out before a product or service is marketed);
organisational standards (relating to quality management and the organisation’s quality process).

To obtain ISO certification, you will have to apply to the International Organization for Standardization, or to AFNOR (French Association for Standardization).

ISO standards thus guarantee stakeholders (customers, suppliers, investors, subcontractors, etc.) that the company complies with the quality standards specific to its sector.

IAFT 16949 in the automotive industry

IAFT 16949 is a standard specific to the automotive sector. It replaces the old ISO/TS 16949 standard, and is inspired by the ISO 9001 standard, as well as many other international standards from the French, Italian, American, German automotive industry, etc.

IAFT 16949 is not an independent standard: to obtain certification, the company must also meet the requirements of ISO 9001.

This ISO quality standard is aimed at all companies involved in the supply chain on a global scale car manufacturers: equipment manufacturers; suppliers; manufacturers of cars, spare parts, components, integrated software, accessories, maintenance parts, etc. ; design companies; car and other vehicle assembly sites; subcontractors who deliver automotive parts and finishing services (painting, welding, etc.).

The IAFT 16949 standard sets out the quality requirements for the design, development, production, installation and maintenance of automotive parts. For many companies, this standard is a sine qua non condition for carrying out their activity, and an essential criterion in the choice of supplier.

All ISO certifications are issued after an audit has been carried out from the approved bodies. The company is then supported in the optimization of its quality approach, and will be subject to regular audits.

ISO automotive standards: major challenges

In the automotive industry, ISO standards make it possible to meet multiple challenges, in terms of safety, environmental protection and cost reduction.

The environmental challenges of ISO standards

ISO standards emphasize compliance with strict environmental criteria. They encourage companies to innovate and implement good practices to reduce their environmental impact.

The ISO 14001 standard, which is aimed at companies in all sectors, defines for example environmental management practices and encourages companies to improve their environmental performance at all levels : building increasingly economical vehicles; improve energy performance throughout the supply chain ; reduce waste; improve the recycling rate; reduce water and energy consumption and use resources more efficiently and thoughtfully; take into consideration the environmental impact related to all the company’s operations (air pollution, water management, waste management, soil contamination, etc.).

Safety issues

In addition to these ecological criteria, ISO certifications also set very high safety requirements, an unavoidable commitment in the automotive industry.

For example, the IAFT 16949 standard makes it possible to aim for a high level of quality, to strengthen product control and testing, to monitor and anticipate the requirements and standards in force in the automotive industry, and to comply with strict criteria in terms of safety, performance and customer satisfaction.

ISO standards and cost reduction

Finally, ISO standards are also excellent levers to allow the company to optimize and reduce its costs.

This standard encourages cost minimization through the reduction of resources (water, energy, etc.), the optimization of processes and continuous improvement tools, and the implementation of a first-rate quality system .

All these operations contribute to strengthening the operational efficiency of the teams, the profitability of the company and its competitiveness.

Why get ISO certification in the automotive industry?

Obtaining ISO certification to have your quality management system recognized has many advantages for the company. This initiative makes it possible to:

Strengthen its competitive advantage;
Strengthen customer satisfaction;
Strengthen the credibility and gain the trust of investors and business partners internationally;
Harmonize its processes and results in terms of manufacturing quality;
Increase its financial results;
Enhance the company’s brand image;
Implement a CSR approach ;
Integrate the quality management system into a continuous improvement approach.

How to get ISO certification in the automotive industry?

To obtain ISO certification, it is first necessary to deploy a number of actions to ensure compliance with the requirements of the standard.

This can be a time-consuming and complex process, as it requires a number of deep transformations at several levels of the company. It can therefore be very relevant to be accompanied by a professional, such as a interim manager, to carry out this change management.

The challenges of ISO standards in the automotive industry: safety, cost reduction and ecology