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From ISO 9001 to IATF 16949

In the fields of quality management and quality assurance, standards and norms play a crucial role. They define minimum requirements for processes and procedures that directly impact products and services. This is particularly true for management system standards such as ISO 9001:2015. A company certified to ISO 9001:2015 guarantees its customers a systematic, goal-oriented, and standards-compliant approach.

ISO Standards

ISO standards are internationally recognized regulations that establish minimum requirements for the quality and safety of goods, services, and processes. The establishment of these globally accepted standards not only simplifies international trade but also facilitates cross-border collaboration. In Germany, ISO standards have replaced national DIN standards in numerous fields and set specific requirements for products, services, and processes across all industries. As a result, virtually every company is affected by them.

These standards are developed by the independent non-governmental organization, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They are published in the monthly ISO Bulletin and the Standards Handbooks and are identified by a numerical code ranging from 1 to 99,999, following the publisher’s abbreviation “ISO.”

ISO 9001 Standard

The DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 is one of the most widely used quality management standards both nationally and internationally. Like many ISO standards, ISO 9001 is applicable across nearly all industries and sectors. It ensures that a company’s internal processes align with international standards.

Certification requires adherence to various quality management principles, including:

• Customer focus
• Employee motivation and involvement
• A structured and goal-oriented process approach
• A commitment to continuous process improvement (CIP – Continuous Improvement Process)

Additionally, certification mandates:

• A system-oriented management approach
• A fact-based decision-making process
• Clearly defined corporate objectives based on measurable key performance indicators

Naturally, GREMCO has been continuously certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001 since 1999. This enables us to guarantee the highest level of professionalism and reliability across all internal structures and processes. For instance, we routinely conduct resource and production analyses to meticulously assess the feasibility of an offer before presenting it. Similarly, we continuously monitor materials, production processes, internal infrastructure, and employee qualifications to ensure maximum professionalism and quality in our operations. To uphold compliance with ISO 9001, GREMCO undergoes periodic audits conducted by an accredited certification body, which is, in turn, overseen by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS).

From ISO 9001 to IATF 16949

In line with ISO 9001’s principle of continuous improvement (CIP), we are currently striving for certification according to IATF 16949. Unlike ISO 9001, IATF 16949 is not an international standard, but a requirement established by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), whose members include BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Renault, Stellantis, and Volkswagen—primarily North American and European automotive manufacturers. This requirement is based on the High-Level Structure of ISO 9001:2015. The key aspects of IATF 16949 can be found in the attached diagram.

Furthermore, IATF 16949 certification demonstrates that a company’s internal organization continuously meets the highest quality management requirements through ongoing optimization. The resulting benefits include defect prevention, reduced product deviations, and minimized material waste. Ultimately, this leads to improved overall efficiency and greater sustainability. Achieving this certification requires even more in-depth analysis of internal structures and processes. The 23 processes that must be further optimized to transition from ISO 9001 certification to IATF 16949 requirements are detailed in the accompanying documentation. Despite the significant additional challenges, we are confident we will achieve certification shortly. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our expert representatives.