Customer Specific Requirements (CSR) Matrix Worksheet
IATF 16949 requires a supplier to include customer specific requirements in its QMS scope and to show how each is met. A matrix is the standard way to prove it. This worksheet lists every requirement with owner, evidence and status in a form you can export.
| Customer | CSR reference | Topic | Requirement summary | Related IATF clause | Owner | Evidence or procedure | Last review | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Use the status column to filter gaps in Excel after export. Add one row per requirement, and keep references identical to the customer's document so auditors can trace them. Review the matrix whenever a customer issues a new CSR revision.
Keep CSRs tied to ERP records
Optional: a chat on linking customer requirements to parts, routings and quality plans in your ERP.
Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.
How to use it
Collect the current CSR document for every automotive customer you supply, including portal rules and supplier manuals. Create one row per requirement, noting the customer's reference, a short summary, the related IATF clause and the owner. Add the procedure or record that proves compliance. Set a status, review the gaps in your management review, and re-check the matrix whenever the customer releases a new revision.
Why auditors ask for it
Certification and customer audits test whether the QMS covers requirements beyond the standard. Customers use CSRs to set PPAP levels, define special characteristic symbols, require specific problem solving formats, control labels and mandate notification of changes. A clear matrix shows the auditor that you know what applies and where the evidence lives, and it prevents last minute searches during a visit.
- One row per requirement, not per document
- Reference numbers match the customer document
- Evidence points to a procedure or record
- A named owner for each line
Keeping it alive
A matrix goes stale quickly. Assign a person to monitor customer portals for revisions, record the revision date of each CSR document and review gaps monthly. When a requirement affects the control plan or PPAP template, update those documents in the same change. Where two customers conflict, document the decision and the more stringent approach you apply.
Common mistakes
Listing documents instead of requirements, leaving the evidence column blank, ignoring portal based rules that are not in the manual, and failing to flow requirements down to sub suppliers. Also watch for requirements buried in purchase order terms or quality agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are customer specific requirements in IATF 16949?
They are additional requirements set by an automotive customer on top of the standard. They cover areas such as PPAP level, labelling, special characteristics, problem solving formats and change notification. The supplier must include them in the QMS and show compliance.
How often should the CSR matrix be reviewed?
Review it whenever a customer issues a revision, and at least as part of management review. Many quality teams check portals monthly. Record the review date so auditors can see the matrix is current.
Do I need a matrix per customer?
You can keep one combined matrix, filtered by customer, or separate sheets. Either way, each requirement needs a reference, an owner and evidence. A single combined matrix helps you spot conflicts between customers.
Where do I find customer specific requirements?
Check the customer's supplier portal, the IATF Customer Specific Requirements page for OEM documents, purchase order terms and quality agreements. Ask your customer quality contact to confirm which documents apply to your site and parts.
Netray can discuss private AI that reads customer supplier manuals and drafts matrix rows for your quality team to approve.
Related Tools
IATF 16949 Internal Audit Checklist
A clause by clause internal audit checklist for IATF 16949 with critical items flagged and a score you can export.
Quality & InspectionPPAP Submission Level Requirements Reference
A searchable table of the 18 PPAP elements and what is normally submitted or retained at each of the five submission levels.
Quality & InspectionAPQP Phase Gate Checklist
A phase by phase APQP readiness checklist with critical deliverables flagged and an exportable score.
Quality & InspectionAPQP Timing Plan Worksheet
An editable APQP timing plan by phase with owners, dates and weighted completion, exportable to Excel.
More Quality & Inspection tools
See all- PPAP Part Submission Warrant Template
- Run at Rate Calculator
- PPAP Dimensional Results Worksheet
- PFMEA Worksheet with RPN for PPAP
- Production Control Plan Worksheet for PPAP
- Initial Process Study Cpk Worksheet
- Special Characteristics Matrix Worksheet
- PPAP Process Flow Diagram Template
- Appearance Approval Report Template