Automotive suppliers need to maintain quality specifications for sending in supplies to automotive manufacturers. The International Organization for Standardization has issued an internal audit called an ISO/TS 16949. This audit covers the internal controls for a quality management system that reviews company improvements, defect prevention and supply chain waste. The TS 16949 also evaluates employee competence in specific departments, training, knowledge of functions, design and product provisions.
Management System
Auditors conducting a TS 16949 internal audit evaluate management procedures for recording financial accounts for the fiscal year. The auditor analyses whether company regulations have met quality standards, if appropriate supervision was given toward the product's planning and process, whether documentation of project stages were maintained and if bookkeeping ledgers are accurate for accounts payable.
Product Analysis
Internal audits investigate the processes for providing the services and products to customers. Auditors are tasked with ensuring all internal operating procedures had been accomplished from receiving product requests, maintaining inventory, fulfilling orders and shipping. Internal auditors following TS 16949 checklists investigate that effective procedures were taken along the entire production line from design of the project to the meeting of deadlines.
Employee and Customer Evaluation
Auditors check from employee awareness of procedures for the product supply chain. Internal audit checklists for TS 16949 evaluate the proper use of equipment and -- if necessary -- training provided. Since the automotive internal audit is customer-oriented, the auditor reviews whether customer needs were satisfied, how employees handled complaints and the overall customer relationship with the supply chain vendor.
Tags: supply chain, internal audit