The automotive industry operates under some of the most demanding quality and safety expectations in manufacturing. Tight tolerances, complex supply chains, regulatory oversight, and zero-defect goals leave little room for error. That’s where IATF 16949 comes in. IATF 16949 is the globally recognized quality management system (QMS) standard for automotive manufacturing, replacing ISO/TS 16949 in 2016.

We Summarize the Top Shops 2025 Conference experience which brought together machinists, manufacturing leaders, engineers, software innovators, and data specialists from across the country for an immersive look into the future of machining.

Whether you’re a graduate student learning about the foundations of AS9100 or ISO 9001, or a business leader looking to strengthen your organization’s quality practices, understanding the seven principles of quality management is essential. At AQC, we help companies turn these principles into action, ensuring compliance, consistency, and confidence across every level of their operations.

In today’s competitive manufacturing and engineering landscape, maintaining compliance isn’t just about meeting requirements it’s about building a culture of quality and continuous improvement. For companies following AS9100 or ISO 9001 standards, internal audits play a crucial role in strengthening the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensuring long-term success.