The end of 2021 was a special week for us at Promens Zlín. The 19th audit was conducted to verify the functioning of our processes and their compliance with the requirements of the IATF 16949 automotive standard.

And the result? We did very well!

For the global automotive industry, first-class quality is a must.

The successful audit gives us several reasons to rejoice:

  1. A beautiful confirmation that the year-round honest work of our people brings great results.
  2. At the same time, a successful audit is also essential for us to continue to guarantee a high level of quality management to our existing customers.
  3. Opportunity to expand cooperation with new customers and orders.

Promens Zlín successfully passed the IATF 16949 audit

“As a result of this year’s IATF 16949 audit, which was conducted under the strict hygiene conditions stipulated due to the COVID pandemic, we once again defended the operation of our processes in compliance with IATF 16949 and maintained the validity of the certificate.

For this result, a big thank you goes to our entire Promens Zlín team who were able to look for and find unconventional solutions to achieve a common goal”.

Jiří Ševčík, Quality Manager

How was the audit conducted?

This year’s surveillance audit took place during a period of significant rise in the COVID pandemic in the Zlín region, which brought a number of challenges for us to ensure the smooth running of the whole process.

“First of all, we looked for ways to ensure the availability of colleagues who could not attend the audit due to illness or isolation. And because changes are not a threat but an opportunity to us, we were able to cope with the absence of some colleagues as a team.

If the situation allowed it, we used the already proven procedure of connecting participants online using the Teams application and, when this was not possible, we were able to physically substitute for each other during the audit”, said Jiří Ševčík describing the specifics of today’s audit.

Robotic painting line in Promens Zlín in the Zlín2 facility premises.

Quality guarantee since 2003

“The first certification according to the 16949 standard took place in Promens Zlín 18 years ago – 1 October 2003 And I am very pleased that as the Quality Manager, I could be a part of the certification process from the very beginning, and to see the amazing progress we made together over the years”.

Jiří Ševčík, Quality Manager

The current audit was a surveillance audit that is carried out once every three years. Two surveillance audits are followed by a recertification audit at the end of the three-year cycle. Upon completion, a new IATF 16949 certificate is issued, which states, among other things, that it is valid for three years.

Loss of validity of the certificate due to failure to meet the audit requirements or a failure to carry out the audit in the prescribed cycle would mean withdrawal of the certificate and thus suspension of the possibility to obtain new projects.

Innovation is a continuous process. The next stage of construction is performed at our Zlín2 facility, which will significantly improve and accelerate production using the RIM and SMC technologies, improving the quality thereof.

What exactly does IATF 16949 mean?

Premium quality is a must for the global automotive industry. In order to achieve this goal, a lot of vehicle manufacturers require the IATF 16949 automotive quality management system from their suppliers.

It is one of the most widely used international standards developed by the members of the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) and endorsed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

IATF 16949 defines and extends the requirements for the ISO 9001 quality system in the production of automotive parts and also identifies specific customer requirements in the automotive industry. It covers the complete production flow – from product and process design and development through production, assembly and service to disposal.

From development through production to assembly and shipping – Promens Zlín is a comprehensive Tier1 supplier to the automotive industry.

The standard requires certification by an external auditor and primarily focuses on the development of the quality management system. It is process-oriented on:

  • continuous improvement,
  • defect prevention,
  • waste reduction,
  • product safety,
  • risk management,
  • contingency planning,
  • installed software requirements,
  • change and warranty management,
  • management of sub-suppliers.

Benefits of IATF 16949

The IATF is the gateway to the global automotive supplier sector for companies of all sizes. It ensures greater credibility for customers, better competitiveness and also helps the company secure quality and reliable suppliers.

Other significant benefits include:

Satisfied customers

With a concept focused on continuous improvement, the company makes sure to keep pace and not only continuously fine-tunes its products in the context of current innovation trends, but especially with a focus on sustainable development and ecology.

Cost reduction

Better processes, less waste and higher product quality reduce costs and increase profits.

We are continuously working on shortening the production routes, respectively “part tourism”.

We are continuously working on shortening the production routes, respectively “part tourism”. As a result, the production time of individual parts is reduced.

Internationally recognised certificate

IATF 16949 is an internationally recognised standard in the automotive industry. This increases the chances of suppliers to participate in the most interesting global supply contracts.

Elimination of multiple audits

The IATF 16949 certification eliminates the need for multiple audits for organisations that must meet different supplier requirements for different customers.

Easy integration

The IATF 16949 standard is based on ISO 9001, which facilitates integration with existing standards in the company.

Want to know more?

You can find everything you need about IATF 16494 certification on the official website of the certification authority: www.iatfglobaloversight.org/iatf-169492016/about/