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Your VDA 6.x certification in the automotive industry

Symbolbild der VDA-Zertifizierung für Qualitätssicherung und digitale Prozesse in der Automobilindustrie

Quality management systems for production and services

For high-quality products and comprehensive service management in the automotive industry

Process quality is essential for ensuring high-quality products and comprehensive service management within the automotive supply chain.

The requirements for quality management are defined by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) in the VDA 6.x standards. The focus here is on both the design and development of products and services in the areas of equipment, the manufacture of assemblies and components, vehicle assembly and logistics processes.

Certification demonstrates that, as a supplier in the automotive industry, your business and production processes are more efficient, ensuring greater acceptance among your customers and partners.

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Target group

This service is aimed at suppliers to the automotive industry who need to optimise their production and business processes in accordance with the VDA 6.X standards. These suppliers benefit from meeting the quality requirements, as this enables them to demonstrate the effectiveness of their quality management system and achieve greater acceptance within the automotive supply chain.

Overview of the VDA 6.x volumes

Some vehicle manufacturers require VDA 6.1 certification for business relationships in the supply chain. The Volkswagen Group, for example, recognises the VDA 6.1 quality management system standard as an alternative to IATF 16949, meaning that, under certain conditions, VDA 6.1 certification offers suppliers a viable alternative to IATF certification.

  • Improved efficiency of business and production processes
  • Greater acceptance among car manufacturers
  • Higher customer satisfaction

VDA 6.2 sets out quality management requirements specifically for services that influence the product lifecycle:

  • Companies that market vehicles and services in the automotive sector
  • External and internal service providers to automotive customers
  • Retailers, logistics companies and firms specialising in development and project planning, repair workshops and rework companies

  • Enhanced competitiveness through ensuring compliance
  • Opportunity to improve corporate strategy and customer focus
  • Sustainable evaluation of a continuous improvement process

VDA 6.4 certification is aimed at manufacturers of fixtures and fittings, tools or test equipment used in vehicle production, regardless of whether these are produced as one-off items (special-purpose machinery, etc.) or in series. Within the automotive industry, the standard is used to assess quality management systems relating to production equipment.

  • Greater process efficiency
  • Taking into account specific requirements for manufacturers of production equipment for the automotive industry
  • Process analyses for a production equipment manufacturer’s processes during audits (Turtle model)

Influences of other standards – especially ISO 9001

The VDA 6.x standard is based on ISO 9001. Following the revision of ISO 9001 in 2015, VDA 6.x certificates have been issued as standalone certificates since 2016 and 2017 respectively. They incorporate elements from international standards and the European EFQM model.

The audit process for ISO 9001 certification

1

Step 01

Enquiry, offer preparation & explanation

2

Step 02

Commissioning & individual scheduling

3

Step 03

Audit: Understanding the organisation & determining readiness for certification

4

Step 05

Fast four-eye check & certificate creation

5

Step 06

External TÜV certificate

6

Step 07

Continuous further development of the management system & competitiveness

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Climate change – additions to management system standards

In a joint statement issued in February 2024, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) outlined the amendments to various management system standards. The statement emphasises the importance of addressing climate change within these management systems.

The amendments affect clauses 4.1 and 4.2 of the respective standard. The aim of the amendments is to ensure that organisations take climate change issues into account in relation to the effectiveness of management systems, in addition to all other aspects.

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Expert, international, TÜV NORD CERT

TÜV NORD CERT GmbH

TÜV NORD CERT is an internationally recognised and reliable partner for testing and certification services. Our experts and auditors possess in-depth knowledge and are all permanently employed by TÜV NORD. This ensures independence, impartiality and continuity in the support we provide to our clients. The benefit for you is clear: our auditors accompany and support the development of your business and provide you with objective feedback.

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