This checklist is based on the information provided in the Oct1, 2016 1st edition of the IATF 16949:2016 International Automotive Standard. The checklist is best used by trained and practicing auditors to evaluate or assess Quality Management Systems requirements based on the standard as you transition from ISO 9001:2015. You will see questions on the checklist that refer to the standard and for each clause provisions are made for additional questions.

Both the versions of the IATF and ISO standards deal with Quality Management Systems and line up when comparing the contents,the new requirements and / or new terminology. The additions for ISO 9001 into IATF 16949 are highlighted in yellow. The auditors are expected to keep in mind that the standard does not require mandatory procedures for the various QMS processes; however, the auditors will expect documented information to be available because in the clauses of the standard, the phrase such as ‘documented procedures’ is used to specify that a process, a method, a system, a work instruction, or an arrangement be documented.

The auditors must use a great deal of discretion and therefore must be careful and thoughtful prior to establishing a deficiency against a requirement. Evidence for visible top management leadership, commitment and quality management action must be looked for.