Driving the future: Shift gears with ISO standards

The rapidly changing automotive industry demands excellence at every supply chain stage to improve quality, safety, and security.

At BSI, we work with supply chain partners worldwide, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), manufacturers, software developers, transport operators, vehicle repairers, and regulators. We offer key standards for the automotive industry, supporting your journey at every step.

1.    Quality management  

ISO 9001 is the world’s most recognized quality management system standard. It provides a framework for organizations to enhance customer satisfaction and consistently deliver products that meet regulatory requirements.

Benefits:

o   Robust quality control processes in place

o   Guidelines for resolving customer complaints efficiently

o   Identifies and eliminates inefficiencies, reduces waste, streamlines operations, and promotes informed decision-making

o   Audits and reviews enable organizations to continually refine quality management systems, stay competitive, and achieve long-term success.

2.    Automotive quality management

IATF 16949 is based on ISO 9001, the global automotive quality management. The goal of IATF 16949 is the development of a quality management system that provides continual improvement, emphasizing defect prevention, and the reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain. There is an informative report, “Value Add of Successful IATF”, free to download.

Benefits:

o   Enhances product and process consistency, reducing defects and waste

o   Increases collaboration and communication within the supply chain

o   Demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement

o   Quality and continual improvement to the heart of the organization

3.    Environmental management

ISO 14001 is the internationally recognized management system for environmental management and helps businesses of all sizes across all sectors make day-to-day operations more sustainable. It’s a requirement of many of the largest automotive OEMs in the world, including Ford, Honda, Toyota, BMW, and General Motors. The goal is to improve the environmental impact within the supply chain.

Benefits:

o   Improves performance, cuts waste, and reduces costs without compromising on service

o   Helps meet legal obligations as well as increase new business opportunities

o   Wins greater stakeholder and customer trust

o   Enhances environmental performance

4.    Occupational health and safety management

ISO 45001 promotes a positive work environment by enhancing employee morale while streamlining hazard identification. Promoting a proactive position in safety management encourages ongoing improvements, resulting in amplified efficiency and decreased expenses related to accidents and injuries. Some OEMs, like BMW, require suppliers to have an implemented occupational health and safety management system.

Benefits:

o   Fewer workplace injuries

o   Standardization of safety processes

o   Improves regulatory compliance

o   Promotes safety culture and worker engagement

5.    Information security management

ISO/IEC 27001 is the internationally recognized management system for handling information security governance risk. Protecting personal records and commercially sensitive information is critical. It helps to implement a robust approach to managing information security and building resilience.

Enter TISAX® (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange), which was derived from ISO 27001. TISAX® enables mutual acceptance of information security assessments in the automotive industry. It provides a common assessment and exchange mechanism that allows the secure sharing of sensitive information to partner companies, to inspire trust throughout the automotive supply chain.

OEMs are progressively acknowledging the importance of a TISAX® label as proof of an organization's adherence to information security requirements. In some cases, it’s even a requirement, contributing to the enhancement of information security throughout the automotive supply chain.

Benefits:

o   Resilience to cyberattacks

o   Data integrity, confidentiality, and availability

o   Better visibility of risk between interested parties

o   Reduces the likelihood of fines or prosecution

In the competitive landscape of the auto industry, adhering to key ISO standards is crucial. By implementing vigorous quality, environmental, and information security management systems, automotive companies can drive excellence while enhancing customer satisfaction. As the industry continues to innovate, ISO standards provide the solid foundation necessary for sustainable success and growth.

We’re supporting the industry to transition from the internal combustion engine to automated, connected, and electric vehicles (ACES), and assuring innovative new technologies and mobility services.

BSI is here to enhance your driving journey, offering support in standards, training, assessments, certifications, supply chain audits, and cutting-edge software solutions.