QS 9000 is a quality management system specification released by the Big Three automakers in August, 1994. It defines the fundamental quality system expectations of Chrysler , Ford , Motors , Truck manufacturers and other subscribing companies for internal and external suppliers of production and service parts and meterials . These companies are committed to working with suppliers to ensure customer satisfaction beginning with conformance to quality requirements, and continuing with reduction of variation and waste to benefit the final customer, the supply base and themselves.
QS 9000 founded on ISO 9001: 1994 and improved upon it by adding additional requirements. The basic standard (QS-9000) is applicable to production and service part suppliers while the Supplement (QS/TE) modifies this "base document" for use by tooling and equipment sources.

GOAL & PURPOSE

The Goal For Quality System Requirements QS-9000 is the development of fundamental quality systems that provide for continuous improvement, emphasizing defect prevention and the reduction of variation.

All QS-9000 certifications have a limited validity. After December 14, 2006, ALL QS-9000:1998 REGISTRATIONS WILL BECOME INVALID, however some customers may have more limited validity periods. DaimlerChrysler, for example, will stop recognizing QS-9000 registrations beyond July 4, 2004. All its Tier 1 suppliers of production parts are required to transition their registration to meet the requirements of ISO/TS-16949:2002 prior to that date.

ISO/TS-16949:2002 is an alternate available to automotive parts manufacturers who have traditionally been registered to QS-9000/ISO 9001/2:1994. ISO/TS-16949, developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF, which includes Ford, Daimler Chrysler and General Motors) is an international automotive manufacturing standard that could be applied worldwide. ISO/TS-16949:2002 includes the requirements of ISO 9001 : 2000, thereby eliminating the need for triple registration to QS-9000/ISO-9001/2 and ISO 9001:2000. Organizations registered to ISO/ TS-16949 : 2002 will conform, by default, to ISO 9001:2000. This is an efficient and economical option to organizations doing business in multiple industries, where ISO 9001 : 2000 may be required in addition to an automotive quality system registration.

At Vermani Consultants, we encourage you to investigate ISO/TS-16949 : 2002 as an alternative to QS-9000 registration.