Organizations need to have a comprehensive QMS (Quality Management System). Owners need to establish it in their companies absolutely according to the rules or standards defined by IATF 16949 (an international quality management system standard specifically designed for the automotive industry). So, defining everything the QMS will apply to is the first step to follow. Although it may appear to be a mere formality, proper implementation and persistent maintenance of the QMS are impossible without defining the scope. Therefore, it is necessary to define specific processes, procedures, locations, products, and services that your QMS will apply, and the certification body and auditors will use this input.
Let’s explore the importance of QMS systems, the benefits companies can reap through their proper implementation, and the link between QMS systems and IATF 16949.
Revolutionizing Your Business: The Power of Quality Management Systems (QMS)-
With the proper implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS), companies can improve their business operations and satisfy the needs and preferences of their target audience. You can find many different QMSs established around ISO 9000, international standards that guide organizations in satisfying customer and other stakeholder needs within statutory and regulatory requirements. It’s up to you to manage all your processes on your own or by hiring an external QMS documentation service provider. In any case, having a comprehensive QMS implementation will let your business remain compliant with the respective quality standards and regulations.
After receiving an ISO certification, implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) will enable your organization to enhance productivity and minimize waste by assessing all procedures. You can implement TQM as a key management philosophy in all business aspects, from the front office to the production facility.
Understanding Quality Management
Businesses use a QMS that guides them in developing and implementing policies, processes, and procedures. The system coordinates the direction and control of important business practices and activities. This suggests that continual enhancements in effectiveness and efficiency are the focal point of the QMS.
Having a well-implemented QMS can be beneficial to a greater extent. It can help your business reduce costs and expenses, enhance performance and productivity, minimize waste, and provide existing and new employees with professional training.
QMS and Lean Manufacturing
Businesses may look to a systematic approach to improve the lean process, and a QMS is the perfect solution to do this. With the system, companies can find quality-related issues, get rid of needless activities, and bridge gaps in performance. Any business implements a QMS to benefit from a formal system of tools and processes. A core purpose of a QMS is to allow certification via an independent agency. There is a close relationship between process improvement and being lean, helping businesses improve efficiency, minimize waste, and enhance overall performance.
The Connection between QMS and International Automotive Task Force (IATF) 16949
Companies use the IATF 16949 standard as a standardized framework to implement organizational processes that meet the high standards and consistency demanded by customers and a larger market. It describes the elements of a quality control system compatible with the automotive and related sectors. IATF 16949 is fully compliant with the structure and implementation of ISO 9001:2015 and is also based on seven quality management principles, as stated below:
- Client-centeredness
- The leadership
- Public participation
- Process Approach
- Development
- Evidence-based decision making
- Relationship management
IATF 16949 is a broad-based organizational standard that outlines a way of working for various functions across the business, in contrast to ISO 26262, which defines functional safety and concentrates on the project or product level. Section 8.3.2.1 of IATF 16949 is a prime illustration of the varying scope. This section describes that the organization must ensure that all impacted internal stakeholders are involved in design and development planning and, as needed, its supply chain.
Advantages of QMS Implementation for Your Organization
The core advantages your business can reap by implementing a thorough Quality Management System (QMS) are as follows:
Ensuring Products Consistency
Having a QMS means your company has the potential to enhance the products’ (or services’) quality and reliability because QMS focuses on the products’ improvement. Therefore, you can make your customers loyal to your business or brand and keep them happy by delivering better products. Consequently, you can ensure more revenues are generated.
In addition, your company can leverage in terms of quality and deliverance by ensuring a better focus on overall product development, helping your business set apart in the industry.
Maximizing Efficiency and Performance
Improved communication structure within companies is necessary for improving workflow, productivity, and overall success, and QMS is an approach that emphasizes this. With enhanced communication, you can ensure that all departments have better accessibility to their respective tasks and responsibilities. This way, you can make your employees aware of their roles and what is expected of them. As a result of better communication, you can increase employees’ efficiency, performance, and morale.
Improving Customer Satisfaction
As discussed earlier, QMS focuses on the quality of companies’ products or services. This suggests the system ensures that your company will always exceed the customer’s satisfaction levels by delivering better products/services. Remember that accessing millions of products has made today’s consumers more demanding than ever.
QMS ensures that your product or service quality continuously improves, helping your company stand out to meet and exceed customer expectations. You may need to incorporate evolving changes, and the system provides the necessary inputs to do this. Besides, you can also improve and develop products based on the valuable insights generated through your well-implemented QMS.
Consequently, your business can gain maximum market share and would be considered to be under the elite business category.
Final Thoughts
Every business wants to improve its operations, meet customer satisfaction, and remain compliant with quality standards and regulations. It is possible through implementing a thorough Quality Management System (QMS). At Quality Audit Solutions, we build the best internal audit solutions, write QMS and EMS documentation, and coordinate management reviews and risk management. If you need to revolutionize your business and reap the advantages of QMS, schedule an appointment today.