Recently, Jingtang Company obtained the new editions of two certificates (ISO9001: 2015; IATF16949: 2016) for their quality management system. The IATF16949: 2016 certificate is the first revamped certificate for quality management systems in automobiles issued across the steel industry nationwide. This achievement marks a new step by Jingtang Company towards a high benchmark for their quality management system, and lays a solid foundation for the further expansion in the automobile sheet market.

The IATF16949 standard covers quality system requirements for suppliers in the automotive industry, and was established by the International Automotive Task Force (hereinafter referred to as IATF). As a quality management system standard higher than ISO9001, it completely covers ISO9001 requirements. Additionally, it attaches great importance to preventing defects and reducing quality deterioration and wastage, which are issues that often arise in the supply chain of auto parts. The new standard takes into consideration the customers’ specific demands, as well. A total of 108 clause changes can be found in the new edition of the IATF16949:2016 system standard, compared to the previous ISO/TS16949:2009 system standard.

2017 was the year that Jingtang Company made new progress in their production and operation level, by focusing on Shougang Group’s objective: “Prepare for a tough fight in perfecting the management & control system, and in improving management skills.” It takes greater stability, an optimized structure and stronger operation as the main focus, helping the company strive to enhance its manufacturing and service capacity. In the first half of the year, the output of high-strength sheets, galvanized steel sheets and shell plating for automobiles saw a year-over-year increase of 191,000 tons.

Jingtang Company put great emphasis on allowing the edition change to happen smoothly. The company set up a task group composed of its leaders, professional department leaders, and standard implementation staff. They formulated the 2017 Quality Management System Work Plan, and convened regular meetings every month. During these meetings, they discussed and resolved difficult key problems that were encountered during the edition change. All in all, they ensured that the process took place successfully. Jingtang Company worked out a new system structure, and amended the manual for management, as well as procedural documents and other institutional documents. The company identified the required process, reviewed current situations, analyzed the differences between the old and new standards, formulated solutions, and fully considered actual conditions of the company. All of this was done in an effort to assist with carrying out the system’s edition change. Meanwhile, it also organized reviews of management, systems, products and processes pursuant to new system structure. Additionally, the company inspected its operating effects, and made improvements accordingly. In line with the PDCA management mode, Jingtang Company created and/or improved 34 Level I processes, 131 Level II processes, as well as 1 management manual, 57 procedural documents and 155 institutional documents on the topic of its quality management system. Brand new content can be found in product safety, knowledge management and internal auditor management. During the certification audit, the certification authority gave high credit to Jingtang Company’s overall quality management system. At the end of this August, the audit group completed its on-site audit for the edition and certificate change. Upon its strict review, the IATF and the Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) authorized certification, and issued new versions of two quality management system certificates to Jingtang Company. This will effectively improve its operation & management level and overall competitiveness, avoid quality risk and control production cost. Additionally, it will offer as a sound guarantee for the company to expand its supply channels in the automobile market.