We are a very small job shop of three people that provides metal cleaning services to manufacturers and automotive industries. As we grow, our customers are now asking for us to be TS16949 certified. In the past, we were once 40+ people strong! Since the economic downturn and several of our customers filing bankruptcy (Dana, Delphi, GM, etc.) we have survived to live another day. We hope to rise to what we were before. Our QS9000 certification has expired. Now we need direction to best tackle getting TS16949 in the most efficient and cost-effective manner!
What I wonder is: Is there software for small businesses like me? Do I hire a company to do this? Where to start (again)?
Thank you for reading this.
Hi Smoky,
I think QS9000 died just over 5 years ago and was replaced by TS16949. If you are going to pursue TS certification the first thing you should do is get a copy of the standard. You will also want to get ahold of a copy of the IATF Rules. Here is a link to get you started.
AIAG TS16949
After familiarizing yourself with the rules and standard, you will want to perform a gap analysis of your organization. Find out what you have that will work and where you are weak so that you can fill the gap.
Here is a link to a couple of QS vs TS documents on the cove. I briefly looked at one and it resembled something I had way back when we moved from QS to TS when it came out and should serve to help you see where TS differs from QS9000.
Hiring a consultant is also a way to help get you moving in the right direction but check around. Not all consultants are created equal. Request their credentials, ask around, get recommendations from friends in the business, even ask on the Cove.
As you move through the process, post if you need more guidance.
Randy
