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.

This is where a Quality Management System (QMS) becomes not just helpful, but essential. A well-implemented QMS allows machine shops to scale operations without losing control of quality, compliance, or consistency. Whether you’re pursuing ISO 9001, AS9100, or simply trying to run a tighter operation, a QMS provides the structure needed to grow sustainably.

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.