How to define the scope of the QMS according to IATF 16949:2016?
To establish a QMS (Quality Management System) according to IATF 16949, you first need to define everything the QMS will apply to. This requirement is nothing new to quality standards, or any other management system standard, for that matter. Although it seems like just a formality, defining the scope is one of the crucial steps in the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the QMS. You will define to what processes, locations, products, and services your QMS applies, and this will provide input for the certification body and auditors. Requirements for the scope in IATF 16949 certification are based mostly on ISO 9001 certification, however, like several different needs, the automotive industry goes a little bit further. Since ISO 9001 certification needs are the first we want to fulfill within the implementation and are not stated in the text of the IATF 16949 certification standard, let’s examine them 1st. What are the fundamental needs for outlining the scope? Section 4.3 of the