What are the requirements for conducting a process audit under IATF 16949?

1 Define the audit scope and objectives

The first step for conducting a process audit under IATF 16949 is to define the audit scope and objectives. The audit scope determines which processes, functions, locations, departments or products will be audited, and the audit objectives define the purpose and expected outcomes of the audit. For example, the audit scope may cover the production process of a specific product line, and the audit objectives may include verifying the compliance with customer requirements, identifying potential risks and opportunities, and evaluating the process performance and improvement. The audit scope and objectives should be aligned with the quality policy, quality objectives, customer feedback, and risk assessment of the organization.

3 Plan and prepare the audit

The third step for conducting a process audit under IATF 16949 is to plan and prepare the audit. The audit plan is a document that outlines the audit schedule, activities, resources, roles, and responsibilities. The audit plan should be agreed upon by the audit team and the auditee, and should include the audit scope, objectives, criteria, methods, and tools. The audit preparation involves collecting and reviewing relevant information and documents, such as process maps, work instructions, records, reports, or customer feedback. The audit preparation also involves developing an audit checklist, which is a list of questions or items that will be used to verify the process.

4 Conduct the audit

The fourth step for conducting a process audit under IATF 16949 is to conduct the audit. The audit consists of three main phases: opening meeting, audit execution, and closing meeting. The opening meeting is a formal meeting between the audit team and the auditee, where the audit team confirms the audit plan, introduces the audit team members, explains the audit methods and tools, and clarifies any questions or concerns. The audit execution is the actual verification of the process, where the audit team observes, interviews, and examines the process activities, outputs, inputs, resources, controls, and indicators. The audit team should follow the audit checklist, collect objective evidence, and record any findings or nonconformities. The closing meeting is a formal meeting between the audit team and the auditee, where the audit team presents the audit results, discusses the findings or nonconformities, and agrees on the corrective actions and follow-up actions.

5 Report the audit

The fifth step for conducting a process audit under IATF 16949 is to report the audit. The audit report is a document that summarizes the audit process, results, findings, and conclusions. The audit report should be clear, accurate, objective, and concise, and should include the audit scope, objectives, criteria, team, methods, tools, evidence, findings, nonconformities, corrective actions, and follow-up actions. The audit report should be reviewed and approved by the audit team leader, and should be distributed to the auditee and other relevant parties, such as top management, customers, or external auditors.

6 Follow up the audit

The sixth and final step for conducting a process audit under IATF 16949 is to follow up the audit. The audit follow-up is the process of verifying the implementation and effectiveness of the corrective actions and follow-up actions that were agreed upon during the audit. The audit follow-up may involve reviewing the evidence of the actions taken, conducting a follow-up audit, or requesting a closure of the nonconformities. The audit follow-up should be completed within a reasonable time frame, and should ensure that the process audit objectives are met and that the process performance and improvement are sustained.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?