How ISO Certification Helps the Automotive Industry and the Standards You Need to Have

Being part of the automotive industry means you already have strict guidelines and regulations to follow. Following the process to ISO certification means you are able to maintain compliance with the industry regulations while upkeeping your ISO certification.

What Standards Are Relevant to the Automotive Industry?

Knowing which standards are most applicable to your industry gives you a head-start when it comes to getting the certifications you need. ISO certifications such as ISO 9001 can offer a solid foundation for the company’s products, processes and services quality. A simple ISO search will tell you which standards are most relevant to the automotive industry.

To make things even easier, this article outlines which standards can be beneficial to companies operating within the automotive industry and highlights the advantages of obtaining ISO certification.

ISO 9001 – Quality Management Standard

The most recent update to this standard, ISO 9001:2015, requires businesses to show that they provide products and services that meet legal and customer requirements. ISO 9001 contains numerous processes, policies and procedures which, when implemented, enable companies to improve in-house efficiency, increase product quality and enhance customer satisfaction.  

While it’s important for all companies to adhere to the legal requirements governing their industry, this is particularly important in the automotive sector. After all, any failure to meet laws governing the supply chain could have catastrophic results. For this reason, ISO 9001 is particularly popular amongst companies operating in this industry and a valuable standard for automotive companies to acquire.

ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems

Today’s companies need to be conscious of their environmental impact and take steps to minimize any negative impact they have on the environment, on a local, national and global scale. As industries introduce new environmental regulations and consumers actively seek out more sustainable products, achieving the ISO 14001 standard can help companies to reduce their carbon footprints and operate in a more environmentally friendly way. 

Although the ISO 14001 standard is applicable to a wide variety of industries, automotive companies can gain significant benefits by obtaining this certification. While electric vehicles may be reducing pollution on the roads, vehicle production can still cause unnecessary environmental harm. With ISO 14001, however, companies can enhance their environmental performance and demonstrate their commitment to a sustainable future. 

ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems

To achieve the ISO 45001 certificate, you’ll need to implement appropriate measures to identify and control workplace hazards and risks. By doing so, you’ll increase occupational health and safety (OH&S) and reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.

ISO 45001 may be a voluntary standard but obtaining this certification signals to customers, suppliers and employees that you take workplace safety seriously. Furthermore, acquiring the ISO 45001 certificate can enable you to make financial savings by increasing workplace safety and reducing employee absences. 

As companies are required to meet specific health and safety criteria anyway, obtaining ISO 45001 takes your OH&S management to the next level and ensures that your company is implementing effective control measures and risk management. 

ISO 50001 – Energy Management Systems

Many people assume that the ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification focuses solely on environmental savings, such as reducing carbon emissions. While this is certainly one of the benefits associated with ISO 50001 certification, it isn’t the only way that companies can reap the rewards associated with ISO standards. 

As you prepare for, achieve and maintain the ISO 50001 certificate, you’ll discover new ways to reduce your company’s energy consumption, reduce your carbon footprint and increase sustainability. In doing so, you’ll have the opportunity to make significant financial savings, as well as reducing any negative environmental impact your company may have. 

ISO 27001 – Information Safety Management Systems

How companies manage, handle, process and store sensitive information and data is more relevant than ever before, which is why it’s important for businesses to streamline their approach with the ISO 27001 certification. Recently updated, ISO 27001 provides processes and controls that empower businesses to implement an effective information security management system (ISMS). 

Like most companies, automotive brands handle vast amounts of sensitive information and data. From confidential design and development information to customer information and employee data, it’s vital to have effective security measures in place to process, store and handle this information. 

As well as helping you implement plans and processes to manage information and data securely, ISO 27001 also requires the enhancement of personnel competence and ensures companies put effective communication strategies in place. With a significant number of data breaches caused by a lack of employee awareness, this can be a critical component in improving your cybersecurity practices and safeguarding your company.  

IATF 16949 – Technical Specification 

Although IATF 16949 is governed by the International Automotive Task Force, it was developed in conjunction with the International Standards Organization and applies to automotive companies throughout the supply chain.

Focusing on defect prevention in the automotive assembly and production industry, as well as waste reduction, IATF 16949 requires a continual and consistent approach to quality management. As it’s based on the ISO 9001 certification, obtaining and maintaining ISO 9001 is a requirement if you decide to apply for IATF 16949. 

Why Should Automotive Companies Apply for ISO Certification?

ISO certifications can be beneficial for companies across a variety of industries. In the automotive sector, however, it’s vital to exemplify that your company meets Best Practices, adheres to relevant legal and regulatory requirements and implements outstanding safety measures and protocols. 

By applying for and obtaining ISO certifications, you can ensure your business is eligible to compete for high-profile contracts, optimize your performance and inspire confidence amongst suppliers, customers and investors. 

Automotive certification nearly always requires accredited certification and has many complexities where a professional organisation can audit and assess the requirements. QAS International is an expert in ISO certification and therefore can assist in the certification ISOs that an automotive business may need. To learn more now, contact QAS International today on 020 3198 9788.