IATF 16949
Global standard for automotive quality management systems
AS9120B
Aerospace standard for distributors ensuring traceability and counterfeit prevention.
Quick Verdict
IATF 16949 drives defect prevention for automotive manufacturers via core tools and APQP, while AS9120B ensures traceability and counterfeit prevention for aerospace distributors. Organizations adopt them for OEM compliance, supply chain access, and risk reduction in high-stakes industries.
IATF 16949
IATF 16949:2016 Automotive Quality Management Standard
Key Features
- Mandates core tools (APQP, FMEA, PPAP, MSA, SPC)
- Non-delegable top management quality responsibility
- Risk-based thinking using operational data analysis
- Enhanced supplier development and second-party audits
- Structured product safety processes with traceability
AS9120B
AS9120B Quality Management Systems - Requirements
Key Features
- Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
- Traceability and chain-of-custody controls for split lots
- Rigorous external provider evaluation and flowdown
- Configuration management via sales order records
- Product safety and ethical behavior awareness training
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
IATF 16949 Details
What It Is
IATF 16949:2016 is an international certification standard for automotive quality management systems, built on ISO 9001:2015 with sector-specific supplements. Its primary purpose is defect prevention, variation reduction, and supply chain consistency for organizations producing automotive parts. It employs a risk-based thinking approach aligned with the PDCA cycle across Clauses 4-10.
Key Components
- Automotive enhancements: core tools (APQP, FMEA, PPAP, MSA, SPC, Control Plans)
- Pillars: leadership accountability, supplier management, product safety, contingency planning
- Over 30 supplemental requirements beyond ISO 9001
- Certification via IATF-approved bodies with staged audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets OEM contractual mandates and CSRs
- Reduces warranty costs, recalls, and COPQ
- Builds stakeholder trust and market access
- Drives operational excellence and competitiveness
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, core tool deployment, training, audits
- Targets automotive suppliers globally
- 12-18 months typical; requires process owners and evidence-based reviews
AS9120B Details
What It Is
AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aerospace distributors, built on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause structure. It targets organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling parts without alteration, emphasizing risk-based thinking to address distribution risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.
Key Components
- Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements in clauses 4-10.
- Core pillars: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, preservation, counterfeit prevention), performance evaluation, improvement.
- Built on PDCA cycle; requires documented information, not a full manual.
- Certification via accredited bodies with OASIS listing.
Why Organizations Use It
- Commercial necessity for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
- Mitigates risks of nonconformities, recalls, liabilities.
- Enhances market access (2,442 global certifications), customer trust, efficiency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
- Applies to aviation/space/defense distributors globally.
- Involves internal audits, management reviews, Stage 1/2 certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | IATF 16949 | AS9120B |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Automotive production, core tools, supply chain | Aerospace distribution, traceability, counterfeit prevention |
| Industry | Automotive supply chain globally | Aerospace parts distributors worldwide |
| Nature | ISO 9001-based certification standard | ISO 9001-based distributor certification |
| Testing | IATF audits, core tools validation | IAQG audits, traceability verification |
| Penalties | Certification loss, OEM contract exclusion | Certification loss, supply chain exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IATF 16949 and AS9120B
IATF 16949 FAQ
AS9120B FAQ
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