IATF 16949 - 3 Year Calendar Period for Audits

[JDSOXOFRED]

Due to a lack of resources, I am thinking of changing from an annual audit plan to a 3-year plan based on the new IATF 16949 verbiage. Specifically, 9.2.2.2 & 9.2.2.3 for QMS and Process Audits. Despite how I bet the outside auditors would look at this, has anyone else changed from an annual plan to a 3-year audit program plan? Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[tongxiaozhi]

I also discussed about change internally. I won't lead to audit findings as it complies with the standard. But, be careful that if you have a lot of quality issues in the three years, even though the quality issue is not related to the frequency change, management or customer may challenge your decision.

 

[morteza]

I think the reason for change of the audit program to three years cycle, is to consistent the IATF 16949 with IATF Rules.
As mentioned in the Rules, some processes such as manufacturing or design shall be audited in each audit (at least annually), So I suggest you to include important processes (manufacturing, design, crm, etc) in each annual audit program.

 

[Marioalberto83]

As per my understanding, you don´t need to issue a three year program; you are only required to evaluate every 3 year cycle conformity against IATF and customer requirements. Being that said, you only need to issue your annual programs as usual and not only evaluate the results each year but evaluate the results when a 3 year cycle has been met. Remember that you have to adjust the focus and frequency of your audit program every year based on results, process complexity, scope, changes, etc., so it would not make sense to issue a 3 year program which will probably change every year.