IATF 16949 calibration requirements

IATF 16949 is a quality management system specifically for the automotive industry - which helps manufacturers calibrate their equipment to an industry-agreed standard.

The accuracy of equipment is one of the most important factors safeguarding the quality of modern engineering. If sensitive equipment is just slightly off, it can result in compromised products that can potentially jeopardise safety. Various engineering equipment needs to be regularly monitored and calibrated to ensure manufacturing maintains quality and performance.

Quality management systems are standards of calibration that engineers and organisations need to abide by. These standards act to optimise manufacture across industries by harmonising processes and make it simpler for bodies to interact both nationally and internationally. IATF 16949 is one of these quality management systems for the automotive industry, but what exactly is it and what are its calibration requirements?

What is IATF 16949?

IATF 16949 is the international quality management system that specifically addresses the automotive industry. The standard was created by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), which comprises the major automotive manufacturers from around the world such as Ford, Volkswagen and BMW.

IATF 16949 was created in 1999 as a result of the complexity growing in the international automotive industry. Businesses and suppliers were required to build and certify according to multiple management systems, such as the VDA in Germany and the SMMT in the UK. This caused growing complexity which in turn inhibited growth in the industry. As a solution, IATF 16949 harmonised all country-specific regulations into one single quality management system.

IATF 16949 specifically aims to improve the quality of manufacturing, reduce and eliminate unnecessary waste, and ensure the safety of all automotive products. Another main focus of the international regulation is to identify risks and problems involved in manufacturing to improve industry wide growth. All of these factors combine to optimise automotive manufacturing and streamline the entire chain of production.

What are the specific requirements of IATF 16949?

Calibration equipment

The quality management system dictates that all inspection, measurement and test equipment needs to be regularly inspected. If it is out of acceptable range or defective during its use, documented records should be used to confirm the validity of previous measurements made by the same equipment. The customer must also be notified if there is any suspicion of their products having been affected by this.

Calibration records

IATF 16949 requires organisations to have a documented process for managing calibration records. This means that all records of all measuring and test equipment needs to be saved for evidence of calibration to ensure conformity to the standard’s requirements. IATF 16949 also states that organisations must ensure that all calibration records include revisions made by engineers that can impact measurement systems.

Internal and external laboratories

IATF 16949 requires organisations to prove the capability of their internal laboratories to perform the required calibrations in line with the standard’s requirements. The organisation must demonstrate the implementation of IATF 16949’s standards across the chain of production, such as with the quality of equipment and training of personnel. Any independent or external laboratory used for automotive inspection or calibration must also define their scope of capability to perform in accordance with IATF 16949’s requirements.

IATF 16949 calibration with DM

DM Systems and Test are fully certified to perform equipment calibration throughout the automotive industry to ensure the standard of IATF 16949. We have provided calibration services to businesses and government bodies for over 50 years for both mechanical and electrical equipment. We value trust, integrity and building long-term relationships with our clients.

We have a responsive team of engineers that are equipped and trained to provide same-day calibration to a high standard. Find out more about how we can provide you with full IATF 16949 calibration by contacting our team today.