In the global automotive industry, reliance on suppliers is critical for manufacturers and for all other organizations in the supply chain. Suppliers need to understand their customers’ specific requirements, have well established internal processes and have continuous improvement principles built into their operations. IATF 16949:2016 is the global technical specification and quality management standard for the automotive industry based on ISO 9001:2015.
IATF 16949 emphasizes the development of a process oriented quality management system that provides for continual improvement, defect prevention, and reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain. The goal is to meet customer requirements efficiently and effectively. It is recognized worldwide and applies to any organization active in the automotive supply chain.
According to Felix JE Comeau, Alcohol Countermeasure Systems (ACS) President & CEO, “Our achievement in becoming the only alcohol interlock manufacturer to obtain the IATF 16949 certification demonstrates our ability to consistently provide products that meet customer and applicable statutory, regulatory and product safety requirements as well as enhancing customer satisfaction through effective application throughout our processes. It also creates a culture of continuous improvement. Most leading automotive manufacturers are likely to work only with companies that are IATF 16949 certified to ensure customer satisfaction and ACS is proud to have demonstrated our ability to adhere to the strict technical specifications in the standard.”
In achieving this certification, ACS has demonstrated flexibility to respond to regulatory and technical advances unique to the automotive industry based on eight quality management principles:
- Customer Focus
- Leadership
- Process Approach
- System Approach to Management
- Continual Improvement
- Fact-based Decision-Making
- Mutually Beneficial Supplier Relationships
- Fulfilment of Customer Specific Requirements
IATF 16949:2016 brings together standards from across Europe and the U.S., outlining everything need to know about achieving best practice when designing, developing, manufacturing, installing, or servicing automotive products.
About ACS
Alcohol Countermeasure Systems, is an international group of companies with over 40 years of experience developing innovative technology to prevent impaired driving. A technology leader and manufacturer of alcohol ignition interlocks and breath alcohol testers, ACS provides products and services to law enforcement, automotive, industrial, public and personal safety markets. We improve global road safety through innovative design, manufacturing and customer support services.
