The new automotive quality management system (QMS), IATF 16949:2016, was released in October 2016, and it officially went into effect on Jan. 1, 2017, along with revisions to IATF Rules for Achieving and Maintaining IATF Recognition, Fifth Edition. Starting Oct. 1, 2017, all automotive QMS audits are required to be performed in accordance with the new standard.

According to the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), IATF 16949:2016 affects more than 68,000 suppliers worldwide. The clock is ticking. Noncompliance could limit an organization’s access to new business opportunities or put its existing operations in jeopardy. Unfortunately, with roughly six months left to meet the transition deadline of Sept. 14, 2018, there is no time to waste. Currently only 39 percent of the IATF 16949:2016 transition audits have been conducted.

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