IATF 16949 Internal Audit plays a vital role in automotive environment. It validates if the system is effectively implemented and is effective in meeting its core purpose and is the primary requirement of the standard.  Systems that are not monitored can’t be maintained and loses credibility. Internal Audit is the cornerstone of IATF 16949 compliance. It is a continuous improvement process and if defined in a strategic way can help achieve operational excellence, increases customer satisfaction, open doors for new business, reduce Cost of Poor Quality and achieve Just in Time or On Time Delivery. If the Internal Audits are not done in right way and are considered just a system that must be followed will result in zero improvement, poor performance and measuring system, customer satisfaction will decline, poor employee engagement where employee will not know the purpose and values of the organization and audit will be treated as single time events that would lead into chaos.

In the current era a traditional checklist is no longer effective and automotive organizations and suppliers needs to focus on risk-based thinking, process effectiveness, and PDCA Cycle.
The IATF 16949 audit checklist listed below is designed to effectively help organizations to grow, be competitive and make their system better. This will further help organizations to be in audit ready phase through out the year.

IATF 16949 Internal Audit- Planning and Scope

• Define the Audit Scope and Objectives.
• Audit all the processes including customer-specific requirements (CSRs) and CQI.
• Use risk-based approach to define frequency of the audit.
• Define audit plan for 3-year cycle.
• Train Internal Auditors and carryout employee awareness campaign.
• Assign Competent Auditors.
• Ensure auditors are trained on IATF requirements and process auditing.
• Rotate auditors to maintain independence and objectivity.
• Schedule Audits.
• Internal Audit is part of Management Review Meetings.

Key Audit Areas

Quality Management System (Clause 4 & 5)

These clauses are the foundation of the Quality Management System. It helps organization to strategically define the scope of the organization. A clear vision and mission help organization in defining its strategies in achieving operational excellence.

• Define the organizations constraints and define actions to mitigate risks.
• Confirm management commitment and evidence of leadership engagement.
• Risk and Opportunity Management
• PFMEA and Risk register are developed and maintained.
• Risk is defined for each process and alternate processes are in place.
• Ensure corrective actions address root causes, not symptoms.

Supplier Quality (Clause 8.4)

• Suppliers are one of the most important stakeholders and their performance should be reviewed in accordance with defined procedure.
• Suppliers training and second party audits are ways of monitoring and measuring suppliers.
• Further helps in building suppliers and increase operational excellence for your organization.
• Audit key suppliers, verify CSR compliance.

Operational Control (Clause 8)

• Process Flow, PFMEA, Control Plan and Work instructions should be linked with one another and should be treated as live document.
• Check calibration, maintenance, and product verification records.
• The Operation Phase in any organization is the key area that makes the product, and the most controls should be place in this process to have control and customer satisfactory output.

Internal Audit & Corrective Action (Clause 9.2 & 10.2)

• Internal audit must define as per standard requirement and carried out in the same manner. Like defined earlier it evaluates your system and provides means of carrying out continual improvement activities.
• Confirm past audit findings are resolved and CAPAs are effective.
• Verify trending of recurring issues.

Audit Checklist Format

• Area
• Management Review
• Document Control
• Supplier Quality
• Nonconforming Product
• Risk-Based Thinking

Preparing Teams for Audits

• Conduct pre-audit briefings.
• Train operators on process ownership and audit interviews.
• Emphasize evidence over opinions.

In a nutshell Internal Audit can be a means of organization’s strategic move in sustaining in the current era if done correctly.

How Kadmar Consultants Helps

Kadmar Consultants specialize in simplifying certification. Our experts provide:

• IATF 16949 and ISO 9001:2015 Implementation Services.
• Documentation support.
• Gap analysis and process mapping.
• Internal audit services.
• IATF 16949 Understanding and Internal Auditor Training.
• ISO 9001:2015 Understanding and Internal Auditor Training.
• Problem Solving and 8D Training.
• Audit readiness coaching.

Take the First Step Today

If you’re preparing for IATF 16949 certification, don’t go in blind. We build businesses and help them grow. We make sure Quality Management System is embedded in the organization that helps operational excellence. IATF 16949 and ISO 9001:2015 is not just a paper document but a living standard.

Book Your Free Consultancy Call Today