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Certification according to VDA 6.1, 6.2, 6.4

Symbolic image of VDA certification for quality assurance and digital processes in the automotive industry

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

Many processes are necessary for the production of a vehicle. These include development, the provision of operating resources in line with requirements, the manufacture of components and assemblies, vehicle assembly, design and logistical processes.

The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has developed the VDA 6.X regulations in order to ensure the highest possible quality for all these different requirements. They are intended to ensure both high-quality products and holistic service management in the automotive supply chain .

The automotive industry expects the fulfilment of its requirements to prove the effectiveness of the quality management system. By focussing on these requirements , you as a supplier will achieve a higher level of acceptance and improved internal efficiency of your business and production processes.

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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 regulations. These suppliers benefit from fulfilling the quality requirements in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of their quality management system and achieve greater acceptance in the automotive supply chain.

VDA volumes: Target groups and benefits

VDA Volume 6.1 is aimed at suppliers of vehicle parts. Under certain conditions, the standard represents a possible certification alternative to IATF 16949. For many companies, certification in accordance with VDA 6.1 is a prerequisite for being authorised as a supplier in the automotive sector. The Volkswagen Group, for example, recognises the QM system standard as an alternative to IATF 16949.

  • Greater acceptance by vehicle manufacturers through alignment with VDA requirements
  • Internally improved efficiency of business and production processes
  • higher customer satisfaction, as specific customer requirements from the automotive sector are taken into account

In contrast to VDA 6.1 and IATF 16949, VDA 6.2 defines special quality management requirements specifically for companies that influence the product life cycle through services . Accordingly, certification in accordance with VDA 6.2 is suitable for the following service companies in the automotive industry:

  • Companies that market vehicles and services in the automotive sector
  • internal and external service providers who have to compete with automotive customers and end consumers with high-quality services
  • Trading companies, development and project planning companies, logistics companies, repair workshops and rework companies

  • Ensuring the company's compliance with the special requirements of the automotive industry
  • thereby increasing competitiveness
  • Inputs for improving the corporate strategy and customer orientation
  • Sustainable evaluation of the continuous improvement process

This standard is used to assess quality management systems in the area of production equipment for the automotive industry. Certification in accordance with VDA 6.4 is recommended for all manufacturers of systems, devices, tools and test equipment used in the production of vehicles - whether as customised products (special machines, etc.) or series-produced production equipment and its components.

  • Specific requirements for production equipment manufacturers for the automotive industry are taken into account.
  • Application of process analyses for processes of a production equipment manufacturer during the audits (Turtle model).
  • Special focus on the evaluation of process efficiency.

VDA as independent certification

Following the definition of ISO 9001:2015, the VDA 6.x regulations were also revised. The new VDA Volume 6 describes the basic certification procedure that has been in force since January 2017.

It is important to note that VDA 6.x certificates are no longer certificate supplements linked to ISO 9001 certification, as was previously the case, but are issued as independent certificates.

The main changes in the current VDA 6.x volumes relate, among other things, to a simplification of the assessment system and optimised uniformity through the use of the same terms. Risk management was also emphasised more strongly within the revision and the requirements and technologies to be used were strengthened.

The audit process for VDA certification

1

Step 01

Enquiry, offer preparation & explanation

2

Step 02

Commissioning & individual scheduling

3

Step 03

Audit stage 1: Understanding the organisation & determining readiness for certification

4

Step 04

Audit stage 2: Certification audit

5

Step 05

Issue of certificate & entry in VDA database

6

Step 06

Continuous further development of the management system & competitiveness

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