ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN LOCAL SUPPLIER ENTERPRISES AND THEIR COMPLIANCE WITH IATF 16949 REQUIREMENTS

Abstract

This section presents an in-depth GAP analysis of the current state of Quality Management Systems (QMS) in local Tier-1 automotive suppliers in Uzbekistan and their compliance with the requirements of IATF 16949:2016. The study is based on the results of comprehensive diagnostic audits conducted at 15 strategically important supplier enterprises operating within the “Uzavtosanoat” JSC system across multiple regions of the country. The audited companies represent key technological segments of the automotive industry, including plastics and interior components, metal stamping and welding, electronics and electrical systems, as well as glass and rubber products.

The audit methodology relied on a structured checklist of 120 questions covering all major clauses of IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements (BIQS – UzAuto Motors), with quantitative scoring used to assess system maturity. The findings reveal a pronounced dualism in QMS implementation: while all enterprises are certified to ISO 9001:2015, only 40% hold valid IATF 16949 certification, primarily joint ventures with foreign participation. Maturity assessment based on the CMMI framework shows that the majority of local suppliers remain at low maturity levels (Levels 1–2), indicating reactive, unstable, and person-dependent processes.

A deep-dive analysis of AIAG Core Tools (APQP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, PPAP) exposes significant functional gaps, particularly in risk management, statistical process control, and measurement system reliability. These deficiencies directly translate into poor quality performance indicators, including high defect rates (PPM), elevated scrap and rework levels, slow response to customer complaints, and reduced overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). The economic assessment confirms that Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) reaches 3–5% of annual turnover, representing substantial financial losses.