Product Audit Checklist for IATF 16949 (Plus Supplier Audit Checklist)
IATF 16949 asks for three internal audit layers: QMS audits, manufacturing process audits and product audits, and it expects you to audit suppliers where your customer or risk calls for it. This worksheet scores both a product audit and a second-party supplier audit in one editable table.
| Audit type | IATF clause | What to check | Evidence seen | Score (0 fail, 1 partial, 2 conform) | Weight (1 to 3) | Points | Max points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 | 6 | |||||||
6 | 6 | |||||||
2 | 4 | |||||||
4 | 4 | |||||||
0 | 6 | |||||||
2 | 4 | |||||||
4 | 4 | |||||||
6 | 6 |
Replace the sample rows with your customer-specific checks. Customers define their own pass thresholds; many treat scores below 80 to 85 percent, or any zero on a high-weight line, as requiring corrective action. Filter by audit type in Excel to score product audits and supplier audits separately.
Link audit results to ERP supplier data
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How to use the checklist
Edit or delete the starting rows and add the checks that match your customer-specific requirements and your control plan. Score each line 0, 1 or 2, set a weight from 1 to 3 for risk, and the sheet computes points and the overall percent. Use the audit type column to split product audits from supplier audits when you export to Excel. Record the evidence you saw, not just a tick, because the evidence is what a certification body or customer will later sample.
What a product audit covers
The product audit clause requires you to check products at appropriate stages against specified requirements, such as dimensions, function, packaging and labelling, at a defined frequency. Take the sample from finished goods or the final stage, use the customer drawing and control plan, and use the same gauges and methods as production. The aim is to confirm what the customer receives, independent of final inspection. Findings feed the corrective action process and may trigger containment.
- Define the audit frequency and sample size in a procedure
- Use the drawing, specification and packaging standard as the reference
- Check the reaction plan was applied to any out-of-limit data
- Record auditor independence from the process audited
What a second-party supplier audit covers
A supplier audit goes beyond a questionnaire. Review how the supplier monitors its own sub-tier suppliers, manages calibration and gauging, controls nonconforming product, runs corrective action and keeps traceability. Look at special characteristics handling, change control and contingency planning. Choose audit depth by supplier performance and risk, and keep a record of findings and closure dates in your supplier file.
Common mistakes
Auditors often score on the existence of a procedure rather than evidence of use, or sample only conforming parts. Another frequent error is treating all lines equally. Weighting lets a single critical failure show up even when the overall percent looks healthy.
- Auditing only documents and not the product or the line
- Using a different gauge than production for the audit sample
- Closing findings without verifying the effectiveness of the action
Frequently Asked Questions
Which IATF 16949 clause covers product audits?
Clause 9.2.2.4 covers product audit. It requires audits of products at appropriate stages against specified requirements, with defined frequency, using customer-specified methods. Manufacturing process audits are in 9.2.2.3 and QMS audits in 9.2.2.2.
What score passes a supplier audit?
IATF 16949 does not set one number. Your own procedure or the customer's supplier requirements set the threshold. Many companies require a minimum percent plus no zero on critical items.
Can the same person do the product audit and run the line?
Auditors should be competent and independent of the activity audited. Use a qualified person who does not own the process being checked.
How often should supplier audits be done?
Frequency should follow risk and performance, such as quality history, delivery, product criticality and certification status. Set the rule in your supplier management procedure and keep the schedule.
Netray can connect audit findings with ERP lot, supplier and inspection data on your own servers so auditors can ask questions in plain language without sending records to the cloud. Contact us if that is useful.
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