IATF Audit Checklist

Organizations shall create and follow a documented procedure to assess internal auditor competence. This should cover all requirements (a-g), including listing competence requirements for quality management system audits, manufacturing process audits, product audits and customer specific audit requirements as well as justifying an increase in audit frequency when necessary.

IATF audit checklists
An IATF audit checklist is an essential component of internal quality assurance (QA) and compliance auditing, enabling organizations to meet all the requirements set out by IATF 16949 standard while all processes are functioning as planned and any improvement areas identified and tracked effectively.

IATF audits are conducted to ascertain compliance between an organization’s quality management system (QMS) and IATF 16949:2016 standard. This standard mandates accountability, proof of competency and documentation and auditing on all processes within its jurisdiction – this standard can also require regular updates by auditors of documentations as part of their annual certification requirements.

As part of your preparation for an IATF audit, begin by reviewing any documents or records which require review. This will enable you to compile an audit checklist. After which, begin your inspection by interviewing personnel and observing actual processes before documenting all findings in a comprehensive report.

Paper-based checklists
Paper-based checklists offer users an easier alternative to digital tools; they don’t require extensive tech literacy knowledge from users and are especially beneficial when connectivity is limited. We recently conducted an experiment using one such paper checklist during trauma resuscitation in an emergency department of a hospital; as opposed to its digital equivalent, the paper checklist resulted in less missed steps and higher rates of task completion.

Confirming compliance with international quality assurance standards can be both time consuming and challenging. A clear audit trail that can quickly be accessed in case of inspection or regulatory review can save both time and money by streamlining internal audit processes using mobile digital checklist solutions.

Traditional paper-based checklists can be very useful, yet are often cumbersome and time consuming for both employees and managers to use. Paper forms must be filled out, re-entered into spreadsheets or archived back at the main office – this consumes valuable time while potentially leading to errors.

Recordkeeping
Recordkeeping is an integral component of quality management systems, particularly in the automotive industry. IATF 16949 demands documentation of all processes – such as nonconformances and corrective actions – as well as documentation of the effectiveness of internal audits – an integral step in IATF certification processes.

An effective checklist for IATF 16949 will enable you to create the necessary documents and ensure all processes comply. This includes documenting internal audits, developing risk-based audit approaches and using standard work instructions. Furthermore, supplier verification and mapping work orders properly with work instructions must also be covered by your checklist.

IATF 16949 was designed specifically with automotive industry in mind. Based on ISO 9001:2015 requirements and with additional critical conditions added in order to support automakers’ quality objectives. Implementation is also simpler due to close connections within AIAG members’ communities as well as stakeholder involvement such as AIAG members’ involvement.

Timely response
Planning an IATF audit may seem like a daunting task for your company if this is its inaugural time around, which is why hiring an experienced internal auditor who understands IATF 16949 can make the transition smoother and help make sure no essential details are missed out. They should provide you with a checklist so you don’t miss any crucial aspects.

IATF 16949 requires more detailed documentation, with new qualifications for internal auditors. As such, companies will have to invest both time and money in altering existing processes as well as training staff on these standards and procedures.

Finally, create a timeline for the transition process, including training, internal audits and nonconformity management. Your goal should be to be ready for your certification audit by September 2018 — after that date all organizations that currently hold ISO/TS certification will need to complete their transition or risk not receiving recertification under their former standard.