IATF 16949 Certification and Letter of Conformance expiry (Help!!!)

[David_F]

Hello All,

I am working as an SQA (Supplier Quality Assurance) member in a Korean company (in Europe) where we produce/assemble electric car batteries for our customer.

We at the moment have the Letter of Conformance which will expire on the 5th of January (2022).

Long story short, the person in charge for this certification was "let go" around 3 month ago and I got the task to organize the certification for the company.

Our first Stage 1 (Readiness Review) Audit in November was unsuccessful, there were 3 potential major and 1 minor area of concerns.
The next planned Stage 1 audit is on the 4th of January.

The current situation looks like this :

The CB itself says that we should delay the audit for at least 1 month in order for us to get to Stage 2 but Korean management says No.
When I told them that we should really get an external help (counseling) who will help us prepare, they rejected it saying it's too expensive.

Lack of top management support is unbelievable, when I try to explain them how severe our situation is (due to LoC expiring soon) they say I worry too much.

So here comes my question ( sorry for the long story ) :

Is there any way, any kind of contract, letter, any shape of form, which might give us time after our LoC expires, until we prepare for IATF?

Let's say we get a new date for the certification around February 17 and then the official audit in March, this time gap between that and the LoC expiry that could cover our production / delivery?

From our Customer maybe?

Thank you in advance for all the comments.

I know it sounds crazy but this is actually on going at the moment.

Kind regards,

David

 

[Howard Atkins]

You could explain to the customer the situation.
He is the one that wants the certificate. You can show a letter from the CB as to timing

More of a problem is

Lack of top management support is unbelievable, when I try to explain them how severe our situation is (due to LoC expiring soon) they say I worry too much.

The cost of a number of audits will be greater than the help

 

[John C. Abnet]

What @Howard Atkins says @David F

Ultimately, regardless of how you are "tasked" the responsibility for effectiveness of the management systems lies with top management (clause 5.0 ). Between the verbiage in ISO 9001 and IATF 16949, there are 36 "top management...'shalls' ". It may be wise for your organization's top management to understand this.

Be of luck.

 

[Johnnymo62]

Your company didn't do anything since the first audit? Can't you get the 4 corrective actions in place before January 4th?

 

[Howard Atkins]

Your company didn't do anything since the first audit? Can't you get the 4 corrective actions in place before January 4th?

I cannot see that this is constructive, as he states

Long story short, the person in charge for this certification was "let go" around 3 month ago and I got the task to organize the certification for the company.

without management support he cannot do anything
as @ John C. Abnet said and the

5.1.1 General
Top management shall demonstrate leadership and commitment with respect to the quality
management system by:
a) taking accountability for the effectiveness of the quality management system;
b) ensuring that the quality policy and quality objectives are established for the quality
management system and are compatible with the context and strategic direction of the
organization;
c) ensuring the integration of the quality management system requirements into the organization’s
business processes;
d) promoting the use of the process approach and risk-based thinking;
e) ensuring that the resources needed for the quality management system are available;
f) communicating the importance of effective quality management and of conforming to the
quality management system requirements;
g) ensuring that the quality management system achieves its intended results;
h) engaging, directing and supporting persons to contribute to the effectiveness of the quality
management system;
i) promoting improvement;
j) supporting other relevant management roles to demonstrate their leadership as it applies to their
areas of responsibility. .,

The evidence shows that they fail with this requirement

 

[Johnnymo62]

I cannot see that this is constructive, as he states


without management support he cannot do anything
as @ John C. Abnet said and the


The evidence shows that they fail with this requirement

You are right, I apologize.

 

[Sebastian]

David mentioned who does he work for.
It seems, it was important factor for him and we have to consider it.

David, try to solve at least 1 potential nonconformity, when possible and repeat Stage 1 on planned timing.
Consider contacting auditor and asking honestly for help, e.g. during Stage 1 closing meeting (s)he could mention, that external support would be helpful, as you have not enough experience to move on and previous person in charge already resigned.
Risky, but it might work.

 

[David_F]

Thank you for all the comments, I really appreciate it.

After 20+ phone calls there were 1 one person (consultant) who agreed to come and review our current situation (due to holidays are very close).

After a few hours he came to a conclusion that our system is far from ready for a Stage 1 / Stage 2 audit.

I've called a meeting after that with all Korean top management members and explained them that it is impossible for us to succeed on the 5th of January.

I showed them the IATF Project Plan what the consultant gave us and (surprisingly) they agreed to it and we officially postponed the Stage 1.

Can I call it a christmas miracle ? I think so.

Overall I am now relieved that they finally understood that things work differently in Europe.

Once again thank you all for all the suggestions, I am really grateful.

Wish you all a best and merry christmas.

I will keep you updated if anyone cares. (and if I need more help )

David,

 

[Scanton]

I will keep you updated if anyone cares.

Make no mistake, we do care, that's why we read these things and reply.

Many of us have found our selves out of our depth from time to time and thanks to this fantastic collection of people, have found a way out, so please do let us know how you get on.