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IATF 16949 audit checklist template

IATF 16949 audit checklist template

Conduct thorough audits with this IATF 16949 audit checklist. It covers essential elements to verify compliance with automotive quality management standards. Use this checklist to improve quality assurance and regulatory adherence.

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IATF 16949 audit checklist template

Conduct thorough audits with this IATF 16949 audit checklist. It covers essential elements to verify compliance with automotive quality management standards. Use this checklist to improve quality assurance and regulatory adherence.

Use this template with Lumiform

  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF

Our IATF 16949 audit checklist template helps you conduct thorough internal audits of your automotive quality management system. This comprehensive checklist covers all critical requirements of the IATF 16949:2016 standard, including management responsibility, resource management, product realization, and measurement processes.

When preparing for certification audits, you need a systematic approach to identify gaps in your QMS. This template solves that challenge by providing a structured framework to evaluate compliance across all departments. According to the International Automotive Task Force, effective internal audits are a key requirement of IATF 16949, also serving as a vital tool for evaluating QMS effectiveness and identifying improvement areas.

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Created by

Author Name Inioluwa Ademuwagun
Preview of the template
4 Context of the organization
4.1 Understanding the organization and its context
Verify how the organization has determined external and internal issues relevant to its purpose and strategic direction.
Verify how these issues affect the ability to achieve the intended result of the QMS.
Verify how the organization monitors and reviews information about these internal and external issues.
4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties
Verify how organization determined relevant interested parties to QMS.
Verify how the organization has determined the relevant needs and expectations of interested parties.
Verify how the organization has determined the impact or potential impact of the interested parties.
Verify how the organization monitors and reviews information about interested parties and their relevant requirements.
4.3 Determining the scope of the quality management system
Verify the QMS scope considers the following:
External and internal issues.
The requirements of relevant interested parties.
The products and services of the organization.
Verify how the organization has determined how the ISO 9001:2015 standard is applied within the organization.
If the organization has determined any of the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard not to be applicable, show me how conformity of products and services are not affected by this.
Verify QMS scope is documented.
Verify scope states what products and services are covered by the QMS and how it justifies instances where requirements cannot be applied.
4.3.1 Determining the scope of the quality management system - supplemental
Verify support functions included in scope
If exemption taken, verify that it is for ISO 9001, Section 8.3. Also verify that permitted exclusion does not include manufacturing process design.
4.3.2 Customer-specific requirements
Verify customer-specific requirements evaluated and included in scope
4.4 Quality management system and its processes
Show me how the processes have been determined and how they interact.
Verify how the processes for the QMS were determine. Verify the inputs and outputs to the processes.
Verify the sequence and interaction of of the processes.
Verify the criteria, methods, measurement and related performance indicators needed to operate and control the processes.
Verify how resources are determined and allocated.
Verify how responsibilities and authorities are determined.
Verify how risks and opportunities are considered and what actions are taken to address them.
Verify what methods are used to monitor, measure and evaluate processes. Verify changes, if needed, are implemented to achieve intended results.
Verify how opportunities for improvement for the QMS and its processes are determined.
Reviewed documented information created to support the operation of its processes.
4.4.1.1 Conformance of products and processes
Verify conformance to all applicable customer, statutory and regulatory requirements
4.4.1.2 Product Safety
Verify documented process
Where applicable, shall include:
identification of statutory and regulatory product-safety requirements and customer notification
special approvals for design FMEA, process FMEAs and control plans
identification and controls of product safety-related characteristics (including at the point of manufacture)
reaction plans
definition of responsibilities, escalation process and flow of information, including top management and customer notification
training required
changes of product or process shall be approved prior to implementation
transfer of requirements with regard to product safety throughout the supply chain, including customer-designated sources
product traceability by manufactured lot (at a minimum) throughout the supply chain
lessons learned for new product introductions
5 Leadership
5.1 Leadership and commitment
Top management is identified
Verify top management demonstrates leadership and commitment by
Taking accountability for QMS effectiveness
Ensuring the QMS policy and objectives are established and are compatible with strategic direction and context of organization
Ensuring the QMS is integrated into organization's business processes
Promoting the use of the process approach and risk-based thinking
Ensuring resources are available
Communicating the importance of effective QMS and of conforming to its requirements
Ensuring intended outcomes
Engaging, directing and supporting persons to contribute to the effectiveness of the QMS
Promoting continuous improvement
Supporting other relevant management roles to demonstrate their leadership as it applies to their areas of respsonsibility
Verify how top management demonstrates leadership and commitment with respect to customer focus by ensuring that
customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements are determined, understood and consistently met.
the risks and opportunities that affect product and service conformity and the ability to enhance customer satisfaction are determined and addressed.
the focus of enhancing customer satisfaction is maintained.
Verify corporate responsibility policies are defined and implemented
Anti-bribery policy
Employee code of conduct
Ethics escalation policy ("whistle-blowing policy")
Verify top management reviews the product realization process for effectiveness and efficiency and is input to Management Review
Verify top management has identified process owners and that the process owners understand their roles and are competent to perform those roles
5.2 Policy
Verify the quality policy ...
is appropriate to the purpose and context of the organization and supports its strategic direction.
provides a framework for setting quality objectives.
includes a commitment to satisfy applicable requirements.
includes a commitment to continual improvement of the QMS.
Verify QMS Policy is maintained as documented information.
Verify QMS Policy is communicated, understood and applied within the organization.
Verify QMS Policy is available to relevant interested parties.
5.3 Organizational roles, responsibilities and authorities
Verify responsibilities and authorities for relevant roles are assigned and communicated within the organization
Verify top management assigns responsibility and authority for..
ensuring the QMS conforms to the ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949:2016 standards.
ensuring that processes are delivering their intended outputs.
reporting on the performance of the QMS and on opportunities for improvement, in particular to top management.
ensuring the promotion of customer focus throughout the organization.
ensuring the integrity of the QMS is maintained when changes to the QMS are planned and implemented.
Verify personnel are assigned responsibility and authority to ensure that customer requirements are met and these assignments are documented.
Verify personnel responsible for conformity have the authority to stop shipment and stop production to correct quality problems.
Verify personnel with authority and responsibility for corrective action are promptly informed of products or processes that do not conform
Verify that personnel across all shifts have responsibility for ensuring conformity to product requirements.
6 Planning
6.1 Actions to address risks and opportunities
Verify how the internal and external issues and interested parties are considered when planning for the QMS?
Verify how risks and opportunities are determined and addressed so the QMS can achieve its intended results, prevent and reduce undesired effects and achieve continual improvement
Verify how actions are planned to address risks and opportunities.
Verify how actions are integrated and implemented into the QMS processes.
Verify how the organization evaluates the effectiveness of the actions.
Verify how actions are taken to address risks and opportunities determined as being appropriate to the potential impact on the conformity of products and services.
Verify risk analysis includes, at a minimum, lessons learned from product recalls, product audits, field returns and repairs, complaints, scrap and rework.
Verify retained documented information
Verify preventive action process
Verify contingency plans are documented
Verify contingency plans are prepared for continuity of supply in the event of:
key equipment failures
interruption from externally provided products, processes and services
recurring natural disasters
fire
utility interruptions
labour shortages
infrastructure disruptions
Verify validation of manufactured product after re-start
6.2 Quality objectives and planning to achieve them
Verify top management ensures that quality objectives are defined, established and maintained at relevant functions, levels and processes.
Verify the quality objectives are..
consistent with the quality policy.
measurable.
taking into account applicable requirements.
relevant to the conformity of products and services and to the enhancement of customer satisfaction.
moinitored.
communicated.
updated as appropriate.
Verify objectives are documented.
Verify how the organization determines what will be done, with what resources, when completed and how the results will be evaluated for quality objectives.
Verify annual quality objectives and related performance targets (internal and external) are established
6.3 Planning of changes
Verify how QMS changes are planned systematically.
Verify how the organization demonstrates the purpose and potential consequences of changes.
Verify how the organization considers the integrity of the QMS.
Verify how resources are made available.
Verify how responsibility and authority is allocated and reallocated.
7 Support
7.1 Resources
7.1.1 General - 7.1.3 Infrastructure
Verify how resources are determined for the organization.
Show me how the capabilities and constraints on internal resources are considered.
Show me how needs from external providers are considered.
Verify how the organization provides persons necessary to consistently meet customer, applicable statutory and regulatory requirements for the QMS including the necessary processes.
Verify how the organization determines, provides and maintains the infrastructure for the operation of processes to achieve products and services conformity.
Verify design layout optimizes material flow, material handling and value-added use of floor space
Verify assessments of manufacturing feasibility and evaluation of capacity planning as inputs into Management Review
7.1.4 Environment for the operation of processes
Verify how the organization determines, provides and maintains the environment for the operation of processes to achieve products and service conformity.
Verify premises are in a state of order, cleanliness and repair
7.1.5 Monitoring and measuring resources
Verify how resources are determined to ensure valid and reliable monitoring and measuring results.
Verify how the organization ensures that the resources provided are suitable for the specific type of monitoring and measurement activities being undertaken and that they are maintained to ensure continued fitness of purpose.
Verify documented information that shows evidence of fitness for purpose of monitoring and measurement resources.
Show me how measurement instruments are verified or calibrated at specific intervals against national or international standards. If no standards, show me documented information which is used as the basis for calibration or verification.
Show me how measurement instruments are identified.
Show me how measurement instruments are safeguarded from adjustments, damage and deterioration.
Verify how the organization determines the validity of previous measurements if you find an instrument to be defective during verification or calibration. Verify any actions taken.
Verify MSA
Verify criteria used conforms to those in reference manuals on MSA
Verify documented process for managing calibration/verification records
Verify calibration/verification activities and records shall include:
revisions following engineering changes that impact measurement systems
any out-of-spec readings as received for calibration/verification
risk assessment caused by out-of-spec condition
documented information on the validity of previous measurement results when a piece of inspection measurement and test equipment is found to be out of calibration or defective during its planned verification or calibration or during its use
customer notification if product or material has been shipped
statements of conformity to spec after calibration/verification
verification of software version
records of the calibration and maintenance activities for all gauging, including employee-owned, customer-owned or on-site supplier-owned equipment
production-related software verification used for product and process control
Verify defined scope for internal laboratory is documented
Verify laboratory requirements for:
adequacy of the laboratory technical procedures
competency of laboratory personnel
testing of the product
traceability to relevant process standard (such as ASTM, EN, etc.) or when no national standard(s) is available, the organization shall define and implement a methodology to verify measurement system capability
customer requirements, if any
review of related records
Verify external laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 or national equivalent and or is acceptable to the customer
Verify scope incudes relevant inspection, test or calibration service and the certificate of calibration or test report includes the mark of a national accreditation body
7.1.6 Organizational knowledge
Verify how the organization determines the necessary knowledge for the operation of processes and achieves conformity of products and services.
Verify how knowledge is maintained and made available to the extent necessary.
Verify how the organization determines current knowledge and how its acquires additional knowledge when addressing changing needs and trends.
7.2 Competence
Show me how you determine the necessary competence of people doing work under your control that affects quality performance.
Show me how you determine competence on the basis of appropriate education, training or experience.
Show me how you take actions to acquire necessary competence where applicable and how do you evaluate the effectiveness of those actions.
Verify documented information as evidence of competence where appropriate.
Verify documented process(es) for identifying training needs including awareness and achieving competence
Verify on-the-job training process
Verify documented process(es) to verify internal and second-party auditors are competent and can demonstrate
understanding of the automotive process approach for auditing, including risk-based thinking
understanding of applicable customer and organization specific requirements
understanding of applicable ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 requirements
applicable manufacturing process(es) to be audited, including PFMEA and control plan (second-party auditor only)
understanding of the applicable core tool requirements
understanding how to plan, conduct, report and close out audit findings
Verify how manufacturing process auditors demonstrate technical understanding of the relevant manufacturing process(es) to be audited, including process risk analysis (PFMEA) and control plan
Verify product auditors demonstrate competence in understanding product requirements and use of relevant measuring and test equipment to verify product conformity
Verify maintenance of and improvement in internal auditor competence by
executing minimum number of audits per year, as defined by organization
maintaining knowledge of relevant requirements based on internal or external changes
7.3 Awareness
Verify people doing work under the organization's control are aware of
the quality policy.
the relevant quality objectives.
their contribution to the effectiveness of the QMS, including the benefits of improved performance.
the implications of not conforming with the QMS requirements.
7.4 Communication
Verify internal and external communication process (what, when, with whom and how to communicate).
7.5 Documented information
Verify documented information required by the ISO 9001:2015 standard.
Verify documented information that shows the effectiveness of the QMS.
Show me that your documented information contains appropriate identification, format (language, software version, graphics, ...) and media (paper, electronic, ...).
Show me how the documented information is reviewed and approved for suitability and adequacy.
Show me how you control documented information and make it available and suitable for use. Tell me how you protect your documented information.
Verify how the organization controls the distribution, access, retrieval, use, storage, preservation, legibility, control of changes, retention and disposition of documented information.
Verify documented information of external origin is identified, as appropriate, and controlled.
Verify quality manual and it includes, at a minimum:
Scope of the QMS, including details of and justification for any exclusions
documented processes established for the QMS or reference to them
the organization's processes and their sequence and interactions (inputs and outputs), including type and extent of control of any outsourced processes
a document indicating where within the QMS their customer-specific requirements are addressed
Verify record retention policy
Verify production part approvals, tooling records, product and process design records, purchase orders (if applicable) or contracts and amendments are maintained for the length of time that the product is active for production/service plus one calendar year
Verify documented process describing the review, distribution and implementation of all customer engineering standards/specifications and related revisions
Verify records of dates engineering standard/spec change implemented in production (implementation shall included updated documents)
Verify review is completed within 10 working days of receipt of notification of engineering standards/spec changes
8 Operation
8.1 Operational planning and control
Verify how the organization has planned, implemented and controlled processes needed to meet the requirements of products and services.
Verify how requirements for products and services are determined.
Verify how criteria for processes and acceptance for products and services are determined.
Verify how resources are determined.
Verify how process control is implemented.
Show me documented information that demonstrates processes have been carried out as planned and can demonstrate conformity of products and services.
Determine how output from the planning process is suitable for operations.
Verify how planned changes are controlled. Verify how unintended changes are reviewed and what actions are taken to mitigate any adverse effects, as necessary.
Verify how outsourced processes are controlled.
Verify topics shall be included in planning for product realization:
customer product requirements and technical specifications
logistics requirements
manufacturing feasibility
project planning
acceptance criteria
Verify organization ensures confidentiality
8.2 Determination of requirements for products and services
Verify processes created for communicating with customers on information relating to products, services, enquiries, contracts, order handling, customer views, perceptions and complaints, handling or treatment of customer property and specific requirements for contingency actions.
Verify process to determine the requirements for products and services to be offered to potential customers and how the process is established, implemented and maintained.
Verify how product and service requirements including statutory and regulatory requirements are defined. Verify that the organization has the ability to meet the defined requirements and substantiate any claims for its products and services.
Verify how the organization reviews..
customer requirements for delivery and post-delivery.
requirements necessary for customer's specified or intended use, where known.
statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the products and services.
other contract or order requirements.
Verify retained documented evidence of customer-authorized waiver of above requirements for a formal review
Verify organization's manufacturing processes are capable (capability analysis, Cp, Cpk, Pp, Ppk)
Show me that the review is conducted prior to the organization's commitment to supply products and services to the customer.
Verify how the organization resolves differences in the contract or order requirements from those previously defined.
Verify how the organization confirms customer requirements where the customer doesn't provide a documented statement.
Verify documented information of reviews describing new or changed requirements to products and services.
Verify documented information of amended reviews and how relevant personnel are made aware of those changes.
Verify written or verbal communication is in language agreed to with the customer
8.3 Design and development of products and services
8.3.1 General
Verify how the design and development process is established, implemented and maintained.
Verify product and manufacturing design is focused on error prevention rather than detection
8.3.2 Design and development planning
In determining the stages and control for design and development, verify the organization considers..
the nature, duration and complexity of the activities.
the requirements that specify particular process stages including applicable reviews.
required verification and validation.
responsibilities and authorities.
how interfaces are controlled between individuals and parties.
the need for involvement of customer and user groups.
Verify documented information that confirms design and development requirements have been met.
Verify design and development planning includes a multidisciplinary approach of all affected stakeholders within its organization and its supply chain (as appropriate).
Verify product design personnel are competent to achieve design requirements and are skilled in applicable product design tools and techniques.
Verify process for quality assurance for their products with internally developed embedded software.
8.3.3 Design and development inputs
In determining requirements essential for the type of products and services being designed and developed, the organization shall consider..
functional and performance requirements.
information derived from previous similar design and development activities.
statutory and regulatory requirements.
standard or codes of practice that the organization has committed to implement.
potential consequences of failure due to the nature of the products and services.
Verify that the inputs are complete and unambiguous.
Verify documented information on design and development inputs are retained.
Verify design input requirements as a result of contract review
product specs including but not limited to special characteristics
boundary and interface requirements
identification, traceability and packaging
consideration of design alternatives
assessment of risks with the input requirements and the organization's ability to mitigate/manage the risks, including from the feasibility analysis
targets for conformity to product requirements
applicable statutory and regulatory requirements
embedded software requirements
Verify manufacturing process design inputs
product design output data including special characteristics
targets for productivity, process capability, timing and cost
manufacturing technology alternatives
customer requirements
experience from previous developments
new materials
product handling and ergonomic requirements
design for manufacturing and design for assembly
Verify error-proofing included in manufacturing process design as appropriate
Verify multi-disciplinary approach to identify special characteristics
documentation of all special characteristics in the drawings, risk analysis (FMEA), control plans and standard work/instructions
verify special characteristics are identified with specific markings and are cascaded through each of the documents
development of control and monitoring strategies
customer-specified approvals
compliance with customer-specified definitions and symbols (can be organization's equivalent as defined by conversion table)
8.3.4 Design and development controls
Verify the organization applies controls to the design and development process to ensure that..
the results to be achieved are defined.
reviews are conducted to evaluate the ability of the results of design and development to meet requirements.
verification activities are conducted to ensure that the resulting products and services meet the requirements for the specified application or intended use.
validation activities are conducted to ensure that the resulting products and services meet the requirements of the specified application or intended use.
any necessary actions are taken on problems determined during the reviews, or verification and validation activities.
Verify documented information of these activities are retained.
Verify measurement results summary are an input to management review
Verify measurements are reported to customer, if required
Verify validation performed in accordance to customer requirements, including industry and government regulation standards.
Verify interaction of organization's product, including embedded software, within the system of the final customer's product (if contractually agreed with customer)
Verify prototype program and control plan (if required)
Verify prototype performance testing is monitored for timely completion
Verify product and manufacturing approval process conforming to customer requirements
Verify approval of external provided parts and services prior to submission of part approval to customer
Verify product approval is documented prior to shipment (if required) and retained.
8.3.5 Design and development outputs
Verify the organization ensures the design and development outputs..
meet the input requirements.
are adequate for the subsequent processes for the provision of products and services.
include or reference monitoring and measuring requirements, as appropriate , and acceptance criteria.
specify the characteristics of the products and services that are essential for their intended purpose and their safe and proper provision.
design risk analysis (FMEA)
reliability study results
product special characteristics
results of product design error-proofing, such as DFSS, DFMA and FTA
product definition including 3D models, technical data packages, product manufacturing information and geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T)
product design review results
service diagnostic guidelines and repair and serviceability instructions
service part requirements
packaging and labeling requirements for shipping
Verify documented information on design and development outputs are retained.
Verify manufacturing process design output is documented
Verify manufacturing process design output versus input
Verify manufacturing process design output includes..
specifications and drawings
special characteristics for product and manufacturing process
identification of process input variables that impact characteristics
tooling and equipment for production and control, including capability studies of equipment and process(es)
manufacturing process flow charts/layout, including linkage of product, process and tooling
capacity analysis
manufacturing process FMEA
maintenance plans and instructions
control plan
standard work and work instructions
process approval acceptance criteria
data for quality, reliability, maintainability and measurability
results of error-proofing identification and verification, as appropriate
methods of rapid detection, feedback and correction of product/manufacturing process nonconformities
8.3.6 Design and development changes
Verify the organization identifies, reviews and controls changes made during, or subsequent to, the design and development of products and services, to the extent necessary to ensure that there is no adverse impact on conformity to requirements.
Verify documented information on design and development changes, the result of reviews, the authorization of changes and the actions taken to prevent adverse impacts are retained.
Verify organization evaluates design changes after initial product approval
Verify documented approval or waiver from the customer prior to production implementation (if required)
Verify revision level of embedded software and hardware
8.4 Control of externally provided processes, products and services
Verify the organization has a documented supplier selection process and it includes..
an assessment of the selected supplier's risk to product conformity and uninterrupted supply of the organization's product to their customers
relevant quality and delivery performance
an evaluation of the supplier's QMS
multidisciplinary decision making
an assessment of software development capabilities (if applicable)
Verify "Directed-Buy" external providers meet all requirement
Verify how the organization ensures externally provided processes, products and services conform to specified requirements.
Verify controls applied to externally provided processes, products and services when products and services are intended for incorporation into the organization's own products and services, products and services are provided directly to the customer or a process, or part of a process, is provided by an external provider as a result of a decision by the organization.
Verify how the organization determines and applies criteria for the evaluation, selection, monitoring of performance and re-evaluation of external providers.
Verify documented information of activities and actions arising from the evaluations.
Verify how the organization determines controls applied to the external provision of processes, products and services and the resulting output.
Verify how the organization considers the potential impact of the external provided processes, products and services on its ability to meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Verify the effectiveness of the controls applied by the external provider.
Verify how the organization determines the verification, or other activities, necessary to ensure the externally provided processes, products and services meet requirements.
Verify the organization has a documented process to identify outsourced processes and to select the types and extent of controls used to verify conformity ( shall include criteria and actions to escalate or reduce controls based on supplier performance and assessment of product, material or service risk
Verify the organization has a documented process that purchased products, processes and services conform to the current applicable statutory and regulatory requirements
Verify the organization ensures special controls defined by the customer are implemented and maintained, including at suppliers
Verify supplier's QMS is certified to ISO 9001 with the ultimate objective of becoming certified to IATF 16949
Verify process for software quality assurance for suppliers of automotive product-related software or automotive products with embedded software
Verify organization has documented process and criteria to evaluate supplier performance
Verify organization monitors the following supplier performance indicators
delivered product conformity to requirements
customer disruptions at the receiving plant, including yard holds and stop ships
delivery schedule performance
number of occurrences of premium freight
special status customer notifications related to quality or delivery issues (if provided by customer)
dealer returns, warranty, field actions and recalls (if provided by customer)
Verify the organization has documented the criteria for determining the need, type, frequency and scope of second-party audit
Verify second-party audit reports are retained
Verify inputs to supplier development includes..
performance issues
second-party audit findings
third-part quality management system certification status
risk analysis
Verify the organization communicates to external providers its requirements for..
the processes, products and services to be provided.
the approval of product and services; methods, processes and equipment; and the release of products and services.
competence, including any required qualification of persons.
the external providers' interactions with the organization.
control and monitoring of the external providers' performance to be applied by the organization.
verification or validation activities that the organization, or its customer, intends to perform at the external providers' premises.
Verify all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements and special product and process characteristics are passed down to suppliers
8.5 Production and service provision
8.5.1 Control of production and service provision
Verify the organization has documented information that defines the characteristics of the products to be produced, the services to be provided or the activities to be performed and the results to be achieved.
Verify the availability and use of suitable monitoring and measuring resources.
Verify the implementation of monitoring and measuring activities at appropriate stages to verify that criteria for control of processes or outputs, and acceptance criteria for products and services, have been met.
Verify the use of suitable infrastructure and environment for the operation of processes.
Verify the appointment of competent persons, including any required qualification.
Verify the validation, and periodic revalidation, of the ability to achieve planned results of the processes for production and service provision, where the resulting output cannot be verified by subsequent monitoring or measurement.
Verify the implementation of actions to prevent human error (i.e. poke yoke, visual locations, checklist, emergency stops, templates, document control, ...)
Verify the implementation of release, delivery and post-delivery activities.
8.5.1.1 Control Plan
Verify control plans (in accordance with Annex A) include..
controls used for the manufacturing process control, including verification of job set-ups
first-off/last-off part validation (as applicable)
methods for monitoring of control exercised over special characteristics defined by both the customer and the organization
the customer-required information (if any)
specified reaction plan (see Annex A)
Verify the control plans shall be reviewed and updated..
if the organization determines it has shipped nonconforming product to the customer
when any change occurs affecting product, manufacturing process, measurement, logistics, supply sources, production volume changes or risk analysis (FMEA) (see Annex A)
after a customer complaint and implementation of the associated corrective action (as applicable)
at a set frequency based on a risk analysis
Verify if the customer requires approval of Control Plan after review or revision
8.5.1.2 Standardized work - operator instructions and visual standards
Verify standardized work documents are..
communicated to and understood by the employees who are responsible for performing the work
legible
presented in language(s) understood by personnel who follow them
accessible for use at the designated work area(s)
Verify standardized work documents include rules for operator safety
8.5.1.3 Verification of job set-ups / 8.5.1.4 Verification after shutdown
Verify organization verifies job setups
Verify documentation is maintained for set-up personnel
Verify organization uses statistical methods of verification, where applicable
Verify first-off/last-off part validation
Verify records are retained for process and product approval following set-up and first-off/last-off validations
Verify organization ensure compliance with requirements after a planned or unplanned production shutdown period
8.5.1.5 Total productive maintenance
Verify total productive maintenance system is documented and includes..
identification of process equipment
availability of replacement parts
provision of resource for machine, equipment and facility maintenance
packaging and preservation of equipment, tooling and gauging
applicable customer-specfic requirements
documented maintenance objectives (i.e. OEE, MTBF, MTTR and preventive maintenance compliance metrics)
regular review of maintenance plan and objectives and documented action plan to address corrective actions where objectives are not met
use of preventive maintenance methods
use of predictive maintenance methods (as applicable)
periodic overhaul
8.5.1.6 Management of production tooling and manufacturing, test, inspection tooling and equipment
Verify production tooling management system (customer-owned or organization-owned) includes..
maintenance and repair facilities and personnel
storage and recovery
set-up
tool-change programs for perishable tools
tool design modification documentation, including engineering change level of the product
tool modification and revision to documentation
tool identification, such as serial or asset number; the status, such as production, repair or disposal; ownership; and location
Verify customer-owned tools and equipment are permanently marked in a visible location
Verify system implemented to monitors these activities
8.5.1.7 Production scheduling
Verify production is scheduled to meet customer orders/demands such as JIT
Verify production scheduling is supported by an information system
8.5.2 Identification and traceability
Verify how organization identifies outputs from the process to ensure conformity.
How does the organization identify the status of process outputs.
Verify how the organization controls the unique identification of process outputs when traceability is required. Verify documented information of traceability, where required.
Verify traceability plans..
enable the organization to identify nonconforming and/or suspect product
enable the organization to segregate nonconforming and/or suspect product
ensure the ability to meet the customer and/or regulatory response time requirements
ensure documented information is retained in the format (electronic, hardcopy, archive) that enables the organization to meet the response time requirements
ensure serialized identification of individual products, if specified by the customer or regulatory standards
ensure the identification and traceability requirements are extended to externally provided products with safety/regulatory characteristics
8.5.3 Property belonging to customers or external providers
What care is provided to customers' or external providers' property?
Verify how the organization identifies, verifies, protects and safeguards customers' or external providers' property which is provided for use or incorporation into the organization's products or services.
Verify retained documented information for property that is damaged or otherwise found to be unsuitable for use.
8.5.4 Preservation
Verify how the organization ensures preservation of the process outputs to ensure conformity to requirements.
Verify organization assesses product in stock, the place/type of storage container and the storage environment at planned intervals
Verify organization uses inventory management system to optimize inventory turns over time and ensure stock rotation (i.e. FIFO)
Verify obsolete product is controlled similar to that of nonconforming product
Verify organization complies with customer requirements for preservation, packaging, shipping and labeling
8.5.5 Post-delivery activities
Verify the organization considers the following to meet post-delivery activities.
statutory and regulatory requirements
potential undesired consequences associated with its products and services
the nature, use and intended lifetime of its products and services
customer requirements
customer feedback
Verify organization has process for communication of information on service concerns to manufacturing, material handling, logistics, engineering and design
Verify the following if a service agreement with the customer exists:
relevant service centers comply with applicable requirements
effectiveness of any special purpose tools or measurement equipment
service personnel are trained in applicable requirements
8.5.6 Control of changes
Verify how the organization reviews and controls changes for production or service provision.
Verify retained documented information describing the results of the review of changes, the person(s) authorizing the change and any necessary actions arising from the review.
8.5.6.1 Control of changes - supplemental
Verify documented process
Verify organization...
defines verification and validation activities
validates changes before implementation
documents evidence of related risk analysis
retains records of verification and validation
notifies the customer of any planned product realization changes after the most recent product approval (if required)
obtains documented approval, prior to implementation of the change (if required)
completes additional verification or identification requirements, such as production trial run and new product validation (if required)
Verify production trial run for verification of changes made a supplier
8.5.6.1.1 Temporary change of process controls
Verify organization has a list of primary and approved back-up/alternate process controls
Verify alternate method is documented
Verify alternate control method is approved internally prior to production implementation and by the customer (if required)
Verify alternative control methods are identified in the Control Plan and are reviewed periodically
Verify standard work instructions are created for alternative control methods
Verify alternative process controls are reviewed on a daily basis (at a minimum)
Verify restart verification is documented for a defined period
Verify traceability of all product produced with alternative process control devices or processes
8.6 Release of products and services
Verify at appropriate stages product and service requirements have been met.
Verify products and services are not released to the customer until the planned arrangements have been satisfactorily completed, unless otherwise approved by relevant authority and, as applicable, by the customer.
Verify retained documented information that shows evidence of conformity with acceptance criteria and traceability to person(s) authorizing the release.
Verify verification of product and service requirements are documented as specified in the Control Plan
Verify a layout inspection and functional inspection is performed per the Control Plan and are available for customer review
For appearance items, verify the organizations provides..
appropriate resources, including lighting, for evaluation
masters for color, grain, gloss, metallic brilliance, texture, distinctness of image (DOI) and haptic technology, as appropriate
maintenance and control of appearance masters and evaluation equipment
verification that personnel making appearance evaluations are competent and qualified
For externally provided processes, products, services, verify the organization utilizes one or more of the following methds
receipt and evaluation of statistical data
receiving inspection and/or testing, such as sampling based on performance
second-party or third-party assessments or audits of supplier sites when coupled with records of acceptable delivered product conformance to requirements
part evaluation by a designated laboratory
another method agreed with the customer
Verify organization confirms and is able to provide evidence that externally provided processes, products and services conform to the latest applicable statutory, regulatory and other requirements in the countries where they are manufactured and in the customer-identified countries of destination, if provided
Verify acceptance criteria defined by organization
8.7 Control of nonconforming outputs
Verify that outputs that do not conform to requirements are identified and controlled.
Verify appropriate action is taken for nonconforming products and services (also include after delivery of product or during/after the provision of services).
Correction
Segregation, containment, return or suspension of provision of products and services
Informing the customer
Obtaining authorization for acceptance under concession
Verify conformity to the requirements when nonconforming outputs are corrected.
Verify retained documented information that describes the nonconformity, describes actions taken, describes any concessions obtained and identifies the authority deciding the action in respect of the nonconformity.
8.7.1.1 Customer authorization for concession - 8.7.1.3 Control of suspect product
Verify concession or deviation permit approved by customer prior to further processing from what is currently approved
Verify organization obtains customer authorization prior to further processing for "use as is" and rework dispositions of nonconforming product (including sub-components)
Verify records are maintained of expiration date and quantity authorized under concession
Verify material shipped under concession is appropriately identified
Verify product with unidentified or suspect status is classified and controlled as nonconforming product
Verify appropriate manufacturing personnel are trained for containment of suspect and nonconforming product
8.7.1.4 Control of reworked product - 8.7.1.5 Control of repaired product
Verify documented process for rework confirmation
Verify instructions for disassembly or rework, including re-inspection and traceability requirements
Verify documented process for repair confirmation
Verify instructions for disassembly or repair, including re-inspection and traceability requirements
Verify documented customer authorization for concession for the product to be repaired
Verify retained documentation on the disposition of rework including quantity, disposition, disposition date and applicable traceability information
8.7.1.6 Customer notification - 8.7.1.7 Nonconforming product disposition
Verify customer is immediately notified if nonconforming product is shipped
Verify detailed documentation of the event followed initial communication
Verify documented process for disposition of nonconforming product not subject to rework or repair
Verify nonconforming product is rendered unusable prior to disposal
9 Performance evaluation
9.1 Monitoring, measurement, analysis and evaluation
Verify the organization has determined what needs to be monitored and measured, the methods to be used, when it will be performed, analyzed and evaluated.
Verify the organization evaluates the performance and effectiveness of its QMS.
Review retained appropriate documented information
Verify the organization performs process studies on all new manufacturing processes to verify process capability
Verify adherence to..
measurement techniques
sampling plans
acceptance criteria
records of actual measurement values and/or test results for variable data
reaction plans and escalation process when acceptance criterial are not met
Verify significant process events (i.e. tool change, machine repair) are retained documented information
Verify reaction plans created for processes that are either not statistically capable or are unstable. Reaction plans shall include containment of product and 100% inspection (as appropriate)
Verify records of effective dates of process changes
Verify that organization has determined the appropriate use of statistical tools
Verify statistical concepts are understood and used by employees involved in the collection, analysis and management of statistical data
Verify the organization monitors customers' perceptions and satisfaction based on performance indicators that include but not limited to ..
delivered part quality performance
customer disruptions
field returns, recalls and warranty (where applicable)
delivery schedule performance (including incidents of premium freight)
customer notifications related to quality or delivery issues, including special status
Verify organization monitors customer portals and customer scorecards (where provided)
Verify the organization analyzes and evaluates:
conformity of products and services.
the degree of customer satisfaction.
the performance and effectiveness of the QMS.
if planning has been implemented effectively.
the effectiveness of actions taken to address risks and opportunities.
the performance of external providers.
the need for improvements the the QMS.
Verify organization compares trends in quality and operational performance with progress toward objectives and leads to improving customer satisfaction
9.2 Internal audit
Verify internal audit process is documented
Verify audits are conducted at planned intervals
Verify organization has established, implemented, and maintains an internal audit program
Verify the importance of the process, changes affecting the organization and the results of previous audits are considered
Verify audit criteria and scope are created for each audit
Auditors are objective and impartial
Audit results reported to relevant management
Verify appropriate correction and corrective actions are taken without delay
Review retained documented information
Verify QMS processes are audited over three-year calendar period
Verify manufacturing processes are audited over three-year calendar period
Verify all shifts are audited
Verify products are audited using customer-specific required approaches
9.3 Management review (go through entire standard and add to inputs)
Verify management reviews QMS at least annually
Verify inputs to management review includes:
status of actions from previous management reviews
changes in external and internal issues relevant to the QMS
customer satisfaction and feedback from relevant interested parties
the extent to which quality objectives have been met
process performance and conformity of products and services
nonconformities and corrective actions
monitoring and measurement results
audit results
effectiveness of the audit program
the performance of external providers
adequacy of resources
effectiveness of actions taken to address risks and opportunities
opportunities for improvement
cost of poor quality (cost of internal and external nonconformance)
measures of process effectiveness
measures of process efficiency
product conformity
assessments of manufacturing feasibility made for changes to existing operations and for new facilities or new product
review of performance against maintenance objectives
warranty performance (where applicable)
review of customer scorecards (where applicable)
identification of potential field failures identified through risk analysis (such as FMEA)
actual field failures and their impact on safety or the environment
Verify outputs to management review includes:
opportunities for improvement
any need for changes to the QMS
resource needs
action plan when customer performance targets are not met
Verify retained documented information
10 Improvement
10.1 General
Verify the organization determines and selects opportunities for improvement to improve products and services, corrects, prevents or reduces undesired effects and improves the performance and effectiveness of the QMS.
10.2 Nonconformity and corrective action
Verify how organization reacts to nonconformity, including complaints, by evaluating how its takes action to control and correct it and how it deals with the consequences.
Verify how the organization evaluates the need for action to eliminate the cause(s) of the nonconformity, in order that it does not recur or occur elsewhere.
Verify how organization implements necessary actions.
Verify how organization evaluates the effectiveness of actions taken.
Verify the organization updates risks and opportunities determined during planning, if necessary.
Verify any changes made to the QMS, if necessary.
Verify retained documented information that provides evidence of the nature of the nonconformity and any subsequent actions taken and the results of any corrective actions
10.2.3 Problem solving
Verify document process that includes..
defined approaches for various types and scales of problems
containment, interim actions and related activities necessary for controlling nonconforming outputs
root cause analysis, methodology used, analysis and results
implementation of systemic corrective actions, including consideration of the impact on similar processes and products
verification of the effectiveness of implemented corrective actions
reviewing and updating appropriate documented information (where necessary)
10.2.4 Error-proofing
Verify documented process to determine the use of appropriate error-proofing methodologies
Verify details of error-proofing method used is documented in the process risk analysis (PFMEA) and test frequencies documented in the Control Plan
Verify records of testing of error-proofing devices
Verify challenge parts are identified, controlled, verified and calibrated (where feasible)
Verify reaction plans for error-proofing device failures
10.2.5 Warranty management systems - 10.2.6 Customer complaints and field failure test analysis
Verify warranty management process (if required)
Verify method for warranty part analysis, including NTF (no trouble found)
Verify that the organization has performed analysis on customer complaints and field failures (include embedded software
Verify problem solving and corrective action initiated
Verify the organization communicates the results of testing/analysis to the customer and also within the organization
10.3 Continual improvement
Verify how the organization continually improves. Does it consider the results of analysis and evaluation and the outputs from management review to determine if there are needs or opportunities that shall be addressed as part of continual improvement?
Verify documented process for continual improvement includes..
identification of methodology used, objectives, measurement, effectiveness and documented information
a manufacturing process improvement action plan with emphasis on the reduction of process variation and waste
risk analysis (such as FMEA)
Sign Off
I, the undersigned, have completed this IATF 16949:2016 audit in a proper manner. I have attached proof as required and declare this audit complete.
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Frequently asked questions

How can I customize the IATF 16949 checklist for my specific automotive operation?

You can customize the checklist by adding your company’s specific processes, incorporating relevant customer-specific requirements from automotive OEMs, and adjusting the evaluation criteria to match your quality objectives. Lumiform’s template allows you to modify questions and add sections while maintaining alignment with the IATF standard.

Who should conduct audits using this IATF 16949 checklist?

Audits should be conducted by trained internal auditors who understand IATF 16949 requirements and are independent from the areas being audited. Quality managers, process owners with cross-functional experience, or certified lead auditors are ideal. The standard requires auditor competence, so ensure your auditors have appropriate training.

How can this checklist help prepare for an IATF certification audit?

The checklist systematically evaluates your compliance with all IATF 16949 requirements, helping identify gaps before external auditors arrive. It guides you through the same areas certification auditors will examine, while allowing you to implement corrective actions proactively and prepare documentation evidence that demonstrates your system’s effectiveness.

Can this checklist help identify root causes of quality issues?

Yes, the checklist contains specific questions about your problem-solving methodology, root cause analysis processes, and corrective action effectiveness. By systematically evaluating these areas, you can also identify weaknesses in your approach to quality issues and improve your organization’s ability to prevent recurrence.

Author
Inioluwa Ademuwagun
Inioluwa is a freelance content writer with a passion for words and everything marketing. She has worked closely with B2B SaaS and e-commerce brands creating product-led content. She loves to read fiction and would describe herself as an introverted nerd who desires to travel around the world. She currently doing that with her words till she can with her eyes
This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.