The automotive industry has always been a cornerstone of global manufacturing. However, with the market becoming increasingly competitive, automotive manufacturers face greater demands for quality and regulatory compliance. To ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of automotive products, the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) introduced the IATF 16949 standard in 2016, replacing ISO/TS 16949 as the guiding framework for quality management in the automotive industry. In this context, Oracle Agile PLM’s IATF 16949 solution emerged, enabling Anselm to implement product lifecycle digitization based on quality management system requirements. This helps companies enhance product quality, regulatory compliance, reduce development costs, and meet customer audit requirements, ultimately boosting competitiveness.

Here’s a case study illustrating how a client chose to establish IATF 16949-compliant product development workflows on Oracle Agile PLM to improve the current situation where data retrieval across systems was challenging, reducing unnecessary gaps during audits.

Case Study: Client A Improving the Audit Process by Establishing IATF 16949-Compliant Workflows on Oracle Agile PLM

Client A opted to use the Oracle Agile PLM system to establish IATF 16949-compliant product development workflows. The primary goal of this change was to address the current challenge of personnel needing to retrieve data across systems, reducing the risk of unnecessary gaps during audits.

First, the client used Oracle Agile PLM to create APQP project templates, encompassing planning, execution, and control of the entire process from product development to delivery, aligning with the standard and facilitating the transfer of experience and knowledge.

Simultaneously, Oracle Agile PLM effectively managed CC&SC (Critical Characteristics & Special Characteristics). During the design verification phase, Oracle Agile PLM seamlessly integrated with DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), replacing the previous Excel-based data management approach and thus enhancing data accuracy.

Next, the system automatically monitored AP (Action Priority) and RPN (Risk Priority Number) values. When AP (or RPN value) exceeded the standard, it generated Action Items and notified responsible individuals, thus enhancing R&D collaboration efficiency.

Furthermore, the Oracle Agile PLM system established links between Flow Charts, PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), Control Plans, and other components. This ensured that information such as recommended actions during process validation could be updated in related forms, aligning with the revised FMEA standards.

By implementing these improvements and using the Oracle Agile PLM system, Client A successfully integrated IATF 16949 standards into their product development process, raising the level of quality management and significantly reducing potential issues during the audit process, making the company more competitive.

Conclusion

IATF 16949:2016 is a critical quality management standard in the automotive industry. Its implementation plays a pivotal role in enhancing product quality, regulatory compliance, cost reduction, and meeting customer audit requirements. Through the application of the Oracle Agile PLM system, Anselm has successfully helped clients embark on the path to IATF 16949 certification in a highly competitive market environment. This success case underscores the importance of integrating quality management standards into business operations through information technology, with a long-lasting impact on the development and brand reputation of the automotive industry.