Hi. I work for a startup company that is currently only producing prototypes to the OEMs. We do not have TS but I am putting together the plan to get there. Can anyone tell me if a years worth of prototype manufacturing "count" for the metrics, etc. for TS? Do we have to be in production go go through an audit or can we still be manufacturing prototypes?

Any help would be appreciated. I checked out the IATF website and based on my reading of the FAQ and sanction interpretations I didn't get a definitive answer with the exception of perhaps my 2nd question. It would seem to me we need to be in production during an audit based on my intrepretation of the interpretations! But I'd love knowledgeable feedback on that.

Thanks!

Does anyone have some comments here?

Bump - Can anyone help out with this pre-production TS 16949 registration scenario?

Hi. I work for a startup company that is currently only producing prototypes to the OEMs. We do not have TS but I am putting together the plan to get there. Can anyone tell me if a years worth of prototype manufacturing "count" for the metrics, etc. for TS? Do we have to be in production go go through an audit or can we still be manufacturing prototypes?

Any help would be appreciated. I checked out the IATF website and based on my reading of the FAQ and sanction interpretations I didn't get a definitive answer with the exception of perhaps my 2nd question. It would seem to me we need to be in production during an audit based on my intrepretation of the interpretations! But I'd love knowledgeable feedback on that.

Thanks!

Toucan,

Do you currently have sufficient data to "pass" a Stage One audit?

You make production parts/materials, even though they are in a prototype stage. My view is that you would be OK.

However, just to make sure, I sent your question to the President of a well-known Registrar/CB. See what he says.... I'll do more "research."

Stijloor.

Hi. I work for a startup company that is currently only producing prototypes to the OEMs. We do not have TS but I am putting together the plan to get there. Can anyone tell me if a years worth of prototype manufacturing "count" for the metrics, etc. for TS? Do we have to be in production to go through an audit or can we still be manufacturing prototypes?

Any help would be appreciated. I checked out the IATF website and based on my reading of the FAQ and sanction interpretations I didn't get a definitive answer with the exception of perhaps my 2nd question. It would seem to me we need to be in production during an audit based on my intrepretation of the interpretations! But I'd love knowledgeable feedback on that.

Thanks!


Toucan,

Do you currently have sufficient data to "pass" a Stage One audit?

You make production parts/materials, even though they are in a prototype stage. My view is that you would be OK.

However, just to make sure, I sent your question to the President of a well-known Registrar/CB. See what he says.... I'll do more "research."

Stijloor.

Here is the reponse from my friend, the CB....

It's a easy answer....production and service parts only. I hope this
helps...this language comes directly from the Application section of
TS....they should apply for and get ISO first.

Stijloor.

I agree, you are not allowed to be TS certified until after a year of production. You may be audited and given a letter of conformance (after production has begun) with the following requirements:
2.4 A letter of conformance may be issued by the certification body for a maximum of twelve months only in the following situations :
a) a new site exists.
After 12 months production, the certification process will proceed by the same certification body with a Readiness Review and initial audit with a maximum 50% possible reduction in audit days.
b) an organization that can demonstrate it is on an active bid list for a customer requiring ISO/TS 16949:2002 certification or compliance. If a contract has not been issued within 12 months, the organization may re-apply for another letter of conformance.

The letter of conformance may be issued by the certification body, after:
- the organization is able to supply the information required for the Readiness Review including internal and external performance data and one full cycle of internal audits and management review, but not twelve months of internal audits and performance data, and
- the relevant site has been audited to ISO/TS 16949:2002 and found compliant.

Great information. Thank you!!! :tg: