IATF 16949 consulting & audit support
IATF 16949 is the globally recognised standard for quality management systems in the automotive industry. For suppliers, it is much more than just a certificate: it is their ticket to the OEM supply chain and the basis for stable, auditable processes.
GBN Experts has been active in quality management in the automotive industry for over 20 years. With experience from projects at leading OEMs such as Porsche, we support companies in the introduction, further development and audit preparation according to IATF 16949. We are engineers, not trainers – and we make your organisation audit-ready.
Why is IATF 16949 essential for suppliers?
GAP analyses, Without an IATF 16949-compliant QM system, cooperation with leading OEMs or Tier 1 partners is virtually impossible.
Ensure auditability
The standard requires not only processes ‘on paper’, but also their practical implementation in everyday life.
Typical challenges faced by our customers
Head of Quality / QM Manager: ‘How can I efficiently adapt our processes to IATF 16949 without creating excessive bureaucracy?’
SQEs: ‘How do I involve suppliers in the requirements?’
Management: ‘How can I ensure that we pass the audit and do not expose our customers to any risks?’
Ensure delivery capability
A robust QM system reduces the risk of complaints, delivery stoppages and escalations.
An overview of our services
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GAP analysis & audit preparation
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Introduction & Further development of the QM system
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Interne Audits & Simulationen
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Support during certification audits
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Operational coaching & workshops
Details about our services
OEM requirement
Without an IATF 16949-compliant QM system, cooperation with leading OEMs or Tier 1 partners is virtually impossible.
Our services in the area of IATF16949 consulting
As an engineering service provider, we do not offer abstract training courses,
but rather operational support, practical workshops and direct collaboration on your projects.
1. Audit preparation & gap analysis
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Determining the maturity level of your QM system.
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Identification of deviations from standard requirements.
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Creation of an action plan with clear prioritisation.
2. Introduction & further development of the QM system
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Establishment or adaptation of a process-oriented QM system.
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Integration of IATF 16949 into existing structures (ISO 9001, etc.).
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Support with documentation and process orientation.
3. Internal audits & simulations
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Conducting audits in accordance with IATF 16949.
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Audit simulations to prepare for certification or customer audits.
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On-the-job training for your employees.
4. Assistance with certification audits
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Support during the audit.
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Coaching of process owners.
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Support in communicating with auditors.
5. Operational coaching & workshops
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Practical workshops on core tools (maturity level, FMEA, APQP, SPC, MSA).
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No official training courses – instead, tailor-made internal workshops directly aligned with your projects.
Your advantages with GBN Experts
For Head of Quality & QM Manager
- Access to 14+ years of OEM experience with brands such as Porsche.
- Support with complex audit and certification requirements.
- Practical solutions instead of over-engineering.
For SQEs
- Support in integrating suppliers into the IATF requirements.
- Coaching for supplier audits based on OEM logic.
- First-hand methodological expertise.
For decision-makers & management
- Risk protection through stable QM systems.
- Higher chances of success in the certification audit.
- Strengthening the supply chain and market position.
The process of an IATF 16949 consultation with us
Analysis & goal definition
Recording of the current status, definition of the audit and certification objectives.
GAP-Analysis & action planning
Identification of gaps, creation of a roadmap.
Operative Umsetzung
Collaboration on projects, support with core tools, process optimisation.
Audit preparation & simulation
Conducting internal audits, training employees in everyday situations.
Support during the certification audit
On-site support, follow-up work and tracking of measures.
Scope of services in detail
GAP analysis & audit preparation
• Determining the maturity level of your QM system.
• Identification of deviations from standard requirements.
• Prepare an action plan with clear priorities.
Introduction and further development of the QM system
- Establishment or adaptation of a process-oriented QM system.
- Integration of IATF 16949 into existing structures (ISO 9001, etc.).
- Support with documentation and process orientation.
- Introduction to minimum requirements IATF 16949 (MAQMSR)
Internal audits & simulations
- Conducting audits in accordance with IATF 16949.
- Audit simulations to prepare for certification or customer audits.
- On-the-job training for your employees.
Support during certification audits
- Support during the audit.
- Coaching of process owners.
- Support in communicating with auditors.
Operational coaching & workshops
- Practical workshops on core tools (maturity level, FMEA, PPAP, SPC, MSA).
- No official training courses – instead, tailor-made internal workshops directly aligned with your projects.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to implement IATF 16949?
Between 10 and 15 months, depending on the size of the company.
Do you offer IATF 16949 training courses?
No – we are not an official training provider. We offer internal workshops and coaching as part of our consulting services, which are tailored directly to your projects.
Do I also need ISO 9001?
No – IATF 16949 incorporates all the requirements of ISO 9001.
How do you prepare companies for certification audits?
Through GAP analyses, internal audits, practical workshops and support during the certification audit.
What role do the core tools play?
The Core Tools are a mandatory part of IATF 16949. We show your teams how to apply these methods in a practical manner.
Glossary – IATF 16949
Audit Planning
The process of preparing and scheduling IATF 16949 audits to evaluate system performance and compliance.
Automotive Quality
The discipline focused on maintaining product and process quality across the automotive supply chain.
Assessment Criteria
Defined benchmarks used to measure quality management effectiveness during internal or external audits.
Benchmarking Process
Comparing quality and audit performance with industry standards to identify improvement areas.
Business Continuity
Ensuring operations remain stable and compliant with IATF 16949 requirements during disruptions.
Baseline Audit
An initial evaluation used to determine the current state of an organization’s quality management system.
Control Plan
A structured document describing process controls to ensure consistent product quality.
Corrective Action
A process used to eliminate causes of nonconformities and prevent their recurrence.
Consulting Support
Professional guidance provided by IATF 16949 consultants to help organizations achieve certification.
Document Control
Managing and maintaining quality-related documents in line with IATF 16949 standards.
Data Analysis
Evaluating quality data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Defect Prevention
Implementing proactive strategies to reduce product and process nonconformities.
External Audit
An independent evaluation performed by a certification body to assess compliance with IATF 16949.
Employee Training
Developing staff competence to meet IATF 16949 quality and process requirements.
Escalation Process
A defined system for managing and resolving major quality or compliance issues.
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
A structured approach to identify and mitigate potential process or product failures.
Factory Assessment
An in-depth review of production facilities to ensure adherence to quality standards.
Follow-up Audit
Conducted after a previous audit to verify the implementation of corrective actions.
Gap Analysis
Comparing existing processes with IATF 16949 requirements to identify compliance gaps.
Global Standards
Internationally recognized frameworks like IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 that guide quality management.
Governance System
The structure ensuring accountability and compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
Human Factors
The study of how human performance affects quality, safety, and process reliability.
Hoshin Kanri
A strategic planning method aligning organizational goals with quality improvement initiatives.
High-Level Audit
Executive-level assessment focusing on strategic compliance and performance effectiveness.
IATF 16949 Certification
A globally recognized quality standard specific to the automotive industry.
Internal Audit
A systematic review conducted by trained personnel to ensure compliance and continual improvement.
Implementation Support
Consulting assistance for integrating IATF 16949 requirements into daily operations.
Just-in-Time (JIT)
A production strategy aimed at minimizing waste and optimizing process efficiency.
Job Instruction
Detailed guidance ensuring tasks are performed consistently and meet quality standards.
Joint Audit
Collaborative audit conducted by multiple parties to align compliance across supply chains.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Measurable values used to monitor quality, process, and audit performance.
Knowledge Management
Systematic handling of organizational knowledge to improve audit and consulting effectiveness.
Kaizen Methodology
Continuous improvement philosophy driving incremental process enhancements.
Layered Process Audit (LPA)
Regular multi-level audits ensuring process discipline and consistency.
Lessons Learned
Documentation of experiences to prevent future quality issues and improve processes.
Leadership Commitment
Executive involvement ensuring adherence to IATF 16949 principles.
Management Review
Periodic evaluation of the quality management system’s performance and effectiveness.
Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
A statistical approach to assess the reliability of measurement processes.
Monitoring Plan
A structured approach to track quality and compliance performance over time.
Nonconformity Report (NCR)
A formal record of deviations from quality or process requirements.
Normalization Process
Standardizing processes to meet global automotive quality expectations.
Network of Suppliers
Collaboration among certified suppliers to maintain IATF 16949 compliance.
Operational Excellence
Continuous improvement of business processes to achieve superior quality
Objective Evidence
Verifiable data used to confirm conformity during audits.
Outsourced Process Control
Managing external partners to ensure compliance with IATF 16949 requirements.
Process Audit
A detailed review of operational procedures to ensure process efficiency and compliance.
Preventive Action
Measures taken to eliminate potential causes of future nonconformities.
Performance Evaluation
Assessment of process effectiveness and quality targets achievement.
Quality Management System (QMS)
The structured framework ensuring compliance with IATF 16949 standards.
Quality Objective
Specific goals set to drive continuous improvement in automotive quality.
Quality Manual
The document outlining an organization’s quality management approach and procedures.
Risk Assessment
Identifying and evaluating potential risks impacting product and process quality.
Root Cause Analysis
A methodical approach to identify underlying causes of nonconformities.
Regulatory Compliance
Meeting legal and industry-specific standards required in the automotive sector.
Supplier Audit
Evaluation of supplier processes to ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and customer standards.
System Documentation
The complete set of policies, procedures, and records supporting quality management.
Surveillance Audit
Periodic evaluation by a certification body to maintain IATF 16949 certification.
Training Matrix
A tool for managing employee skills and ensuring competency for quality processes.
Traceability System
The ability to track materials and processes throughout production.
Third-Party Audit
An independent external audit assessing compliance with certification requirements.
Understanding Requirements
Ensuring all employees know and apply IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements.
Updated Procedures
Continuous revision of processes to align with the latest standards.
User Documentation
Clear instructions ensuring quality standards are followed at every operational level.
Verification Process
Confirming that implemented processes meet intended quality outcomes.
Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
A lean tool used to visualize and optimize process flow.
Validation Audit
A review ensuring that implemented corrective actions are effective.
Work Instruction
Step-by-step documentation guiding employees in performing tasks correctly.
Workflow Optimization
Streamlining processes to improve efficiency and maintain compliance.
Warranty Analysis
Evaluating product returns to identify and eliminate recurring quality issues.
X-Bar Control Chart
A statistical tool used to monitor process variation and stability.
XML Reporting
A digital method for structured data exchange in quality systems.
X-Factor Review
Evaluation of key variables influencing audit and process performance.
Yield Improvement
Strategies to increase production output without compromising quality.
Yearly Audit Plan
The annual schedule outlining internal and external audit activities.
Yellow Belt Training
Foundational Lean Six Sigma course supporting quality improvement initiatives.
Zero Defect Strategy
A proactive quality approach aiming for flawless production and processes.
Zone Control
Monitoring of defined production areas to ensure compliance and safety.
Zonal Audit
Targeted audit focusing on specific plant areas or process zones.
Führende OEMs wie Porsche vertrauen schon seit über 20 Jahren auf unsere Expertise, und wir freuen uns darauf, auch Ihr Projekt auf höchstem Niveau zu realisieren.
Unsere Kompetenz - Qualität in Mechanik, Elektronik und Montage
Qualitätsmanagement kann nur dann wirksam sein, wenn man neben den Q-Methoden, die Fertigungstechnologie und das Produkt wirklich versteht. Bei GBN Experts verbinden wir methodische Expertise nach VDA-Standard mit technischer Erfahrung aus über 25 Jahren Arbeit in der Entwicklung von robusten Fertigungsprozessen.
Wir kennen die Anforderungen der OEMs ebenso wie die technischen Herausforderungen der Bauteile und Fertigungsprozesse – sowohl im mechanischen als auch im elektronischen Umfeld.
Unsere Ingenieure verfügen über umfassende Erfahrung in der Bewertung, Industrialisierung und präventiven Qualitätsabsicherung von mechanischen und elektronischen Komponenten.
Mechanische Komponenten & Verfahren
- Zerspanten Präzisionsteilen (z. B. Wellen, Gehäuse, Ventile, Schrauben)
- Umformteilen (Tiefziehen, Stanzen, Schmieden)
- Gussteilen (Alu-, Druck- und Feinguss)
- Schweißbaugruppen und Verbindungstechnologien
- Oberflächen- und Wärmebehandlungsprozessen
- Montageprozessen und Funktionsprüfungen
Elektronische Baugruppen & Systeme
- Leiterplatten & Baugruppenfertigung (SMD/THT)
- Elektronische Steuergeräte & Sensorik
- Steckverbinder, Kabelsätze & Kontaktierungen
- Funktionstests, EOL-Prüfungen, Software-/Hardware-Validierung
- ESD- & Lötprozesse, Klimatests, Lebensdauertests