In the automobile manufacturing industry, ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System Standard, EMS) and ISO/TS 16949 (Automotive Supply Chain Quality Standard, QMS) have gradually become the two main standards that suppliers need to meet. Many automobile manufacturers and Major tier one suppliers, such as Ford, DaimlerChrysler and Visteon, have incorporated environmental management system requirements into their customer-specific requirements.

   Is there any overlap between the two sets of standards? If so, is it possible to combine their common parts into one system instead of implementing two separate systems to deal with environmental management and quality management?

   In fact, as long as strategic planning and coordination, coupled with appropriate organizational structure, organizations can combine the quality management system and environmental management system to improve the efficiency of resource utilization. This article will analyze the main commonalities between ISO 14001:2004 and ISO/TS 16949:2002, and identify opportunities for implementing an integrated management system.

  Common

   Where exactly can I find opportunities for an integrated management system? In fact, almost all the important provisions can find common ground between the two system standards. The main combinable areas are exemplified here by comparing the relevant provisions of ISO 14001:2004 and TS 16949:2002.

  Document Management Clause 4.2.3 of TS 16949 and Clause 4.4.4.c of ISO 14001

Both sets of standards require a system to manage all documents used to clarify policies, procedures and methods, and the requirements of TS have fully included the requirements of ISO 14001, that is, to implement ISO 14001 document management within the TS system, and also Will meet the requirements of ISO 14001.

   The only caveat is that the person responsible for approving the two sets of documents may not be the same, but both sets of standards allow the agency to decide who approves it. The same person is not required to approve the quality management system and environmental management system documents.

   Records Management Clause 4.2.4.1 of TS 16949 and Clause 4.5.4 of ISO 14001

   Both sets of standards require records to be identified and maintained. Although the records of the two systems will obviously be different, a set of methods and procedures can be shared to illustrate how records management is implemented.

  Information transfer

   5.1 and 5.5.3 of TS 16949 and 4.4.3 of ISO 14001

   Both also emphasize the effective communication of customer requirements, regulatory requirements, quality policy and environmental policy both internally and externally. In fact, as long as the coordination is carried out, the information of the environmental and quality management system can be transmitted through the same channels or media. The reality is that for the average company, there are only a limited number of communication channels available. Many companies try to implement the standard's messaging requirements through management reviews, the creation of company publications, and group meetings. But there is often a state of disorder. If it is clear that one publication is enough to convey information, there will be a second publication.

  Objectives, Objectives, Programs, Monitoring and Measurement

   5.1.1, 5.4.1 of TS 16949 and 4.4.3 and 4.5.1 of ISO 14001

  Although the indicators for monitoring and measuring the operational performance of the quality management system and the environmental management system are different, a set of systems and processes can also be shared to report performance information to the top management and other relevant persons or organizations.

   Planning Clause 5.4.2 of TS 16949 and Clause 4.3 of ISO 14001

The purpose of    the quality management system and the environmental management system is to identify the challenges that will affect the organization; at the same time, properly handle any changes in the system so that the other system will not be affected. If an integrated management system is established, the potential impact on both the quality management system and the environmental management system can be considered when evaluating and implementing changes.

   Management Review TS 16949 Clause 5.6.1 and ISO 14001 Clause 4.6

   Both sets of standards identify the need for information to define the inputs and outputs of the management review process. Although the input and output data will be different, the method is basically the same. In addition, if two independent management reviews are combined into one, and the review report also includes the evaluation of the effectiveness of the quality management system and the environmental management system, it can help the enterprise to meet both the operational purpose and the customer's requirements.

   Competency, Training and Awareness

   6.2.2 of TS 16949 and 4.4.2 of ISO 14001

   Both sets of standards put forward the requirements for the ability of employees, and both hope to have trained personnel to be competent for their respective job requirements. Although the wording of the clauses in the two sets of standards differs, the methods used to define qualifications and competency requirements, ensure competencies, assess effectiveness and ongoing training are essentially the same.

   Internal Audit TS 16949 Clause 8.2.2 and ISO 14001 Clause 4.5.5

   Auditing both systems with the same internal audit system is one of the most time-efficient and effective areas of a combined system.

Although the requirements and qualifications of internal auditors are different, the purpose of internal audits is the same, so as long as the common requirements of TS and ISO 14001 are found in the process, an internal audit system can be shared, and only one internal audit needs to be performed. To be able to meet the requirements of both sets of standards at the same time, we can mainly start from the following major issues:

   What is the purpose, goal, object of this process? What should be done to achieve these goals?

  Who are the customers, interested parties and government agencies? What are their requirements?

   Are there environmental elements, impacts and procedures associated with this process?

  What are your roles and responsibilities in this process?

  How to measure, monitor and track this process?

   What training have you received? Do you clearly understand these requirements? How do you deal with environmental emergencies?

   Are there relevant documentation and recording requirements for this process?

   What is the process for suggesting improvements? Are you involved in this process?

What is the    policy? What did you do to achieve the policy?

   How are product and environmental nonconformities reported or recorded?

  TS 16949 related to environmental safety

  Require

  In addition to the combination of the above clauses that can be found in the two systems, some clauses of ISO/TS 16949:2002 also cover the requirements of the environmental management system:

  6.4.1

   Organizations must consider ways to minimise potential risks to product safety and employees, especially in the activities of the design and development process and manufacturing process.

  7.2.1(C)

  Notes 2 and 3 describe the acquisition, storage, handling, elimination and disposal of materials applicable to recycling, consideration of environmental impact, government, safety and the environment.

  7.3.2.1

   Considering environmental issues such as vehicle obsolescence, the organization must identify, document and review product design input requirements. The customer-specific requirements in the relevant clauses of the environmental management system are consistent with the "other" requirements of ISO 14001, clause 4.3.2, and the use of "other" requirements to assess compliance is consistent with ISO 14001, clause 4.5.2.

  7.3.2.2

   This clause covers aspects of environmental management that need to be considered in manufacturing process design activities.

  7.4.1.1

   This clause requires that all purchased products or materials must meet the regulatory requirements for use, as mentioned in ISO 14001 Clause 4.4.6(C). When there is a merger, merger or affiliation with the supplier, the organization shall verify the continuity and effectiveness of the supplier's quality management system.

  Efficiency and cost savings

   It can be seen that there are many opportunities to combine the quality management system and the environmental management system; as for the successful implementation, the key lies in the organization's management structure and reporting system. Many organizations believe that the function of the environmental management system promotes the organization's commitment to comply with laws and regulations; while the quality management system is aimed at the operation of customer products and institutions, so the quality management system and the environmental management system are deliberately operated independently.

But taking a step back, the quality management system and the environmental management system are related to each other and affect each other. If they are combined, a macro method can be used to make decisions, and the decisions made can also meet the requirements of different levels at the same time. Including environmental management, quality management, organizational goals and customer requirements, etc.