What is IATF 16949 and do I need it?

IATF 16949 is the international quality management standard for automotive production suppliers. If you supply directly to OEMs like BMW, Ford, VW or Toyota, you almost certainly need IATF 16949 certification. RESOLVIX can guide you through the entire process from gap analysis to certification.

Does RESOLVIX work with international clients?

Yes. RESOLVIX serves clients globally including in Germany, USA, Morocco, Japan and across Africa. Esmond Naidoo has direct experience with OEM-specific requirements for BMW, Ford, VW, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, GM, Nissan and Bosch supply chains worldwide.

How quickly can RESOLVIX respond to an urgent OEM issue?

RESOLVIX treats all OEM escalations as urgent. We can assign a lead consultant immediately and begin remote support within hours. Contact Esmond Naidoo directly on WhatsApp +27 60 544 6315 for immediate assistance.

RESOLVIX | IATF 16949 Consultant South Africa | Automotive Quality Consulting

Frameworks & Standards We Implement

Visit IATF Global Oversight

IATF

IATF 16949

Automotive Quality Management System. The global standard for automotive production and service part suppliers.

ISO
9001

Quality Management

International standard for quality management systems. Foundation for consistent, high-quality products and services.

ISO
14001

Environmental Mgt

Environmental management system standard. Reduce environmental impact and demonstrate sustainability commitment.

ISO
45001

Health & Safety

Occupational health and safety management. Protect your workforce and demonstrate duty of care.

ESG

ESG Frameworks

Environmental, Social & Governance compliance. Baseline assessments, gap closure and full reporting support.

OEMs We Have Served

BMW

Germany

MERCEDES

Germany

FORD

USA

TOYOTA

Japan

USA

STELLANTIS

Global

NISSAN

Japan

BOSCH

Germany

20+

Years
Experience

Services

OEMs

Who We Are

Making Magic
A Reality

RESOLVIX delivers high-impact quality, engineering and operational support across the automotive supply chain. Led by specialists with over 20 years of combined experience, we work directly on the shopfloor and in the boardroom.

We resolve complex problems, engineer smart solutions, elevate performance and deliver beyond expectation — for manufacturers and suppliers from South Africa to the global stage.

Diagnose

Rapid assessment of gaps, risks and root causes on the shopfloor.

Contain

Immediate stabilisation actions to protect your customer.

Solve

Structured root cause analysis using the right Six Sigma tool.

Sustain

Systems and capability built to prevent recurrence permanently.

Trusted By

BMWMercedesVW AudiFordGM StellantisToyotaNissanBosch

What We Do

12 Services.
One Team.

From IATF 16949 implementation to rapid escalation response, every service is delivered senior-led, shopfloor-ready and results-focused. South Africa-based. Globally deployed.

SERVICE 01

Consulting & Systems

IATF 16949, ISO 9001/14001/45001, QMS, ESG integration and process mapping.

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SERVICE 02

Auditing & Compliance

Internal, supplier, ESG and compliance audits with gap analysis and closure support.

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Poka Yoke quality assured defect detection

SERVICE 03

Customer Issue Management

Rapid containment, 8D, A3 and any Six Sigma tool required. On-site within 24 hours.

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SERVICE 04

Core Tools

APQP, PPAP, FMEA (AIAG-VDA), SPC, MSA and Control Plans in practice.

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SERVICE 05

Training & Coaching

Hands-on workshops, leadership programmes and quality culture development.

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Industrial hygiene hazardous substance survey

SERVICE 06

Hygiene Surveys

Air quality, thermal comfort, noise, vibration and hazardous substance surveys with full reports.

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SERVICE 07

Engineering Support

Industrialisation, SOP development, ECM and process optimisation on the shopfloor.

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SERVICE 08

OEM Support & CSR

All major OEM standards — Ford, Stellantis, VW, BMW and more.

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SERVICE 09

Quality Mgt Reviews

Plan, facilitate and report the full management review cycle. KPI dashboards, IATF 9.3 aligned.

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SERVICE 10

Digitalisation & Systems

Quality system selection, implementation, user training and go-live support. Paper to digital.

Rapid recovery for suppliers under OEM escalation or stop-ship. Contain, remediate, de-escalate.

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SERVICE 12

Project Management

Plant moves, product localisation, supplier onboarding, APQP, MLA and PPAP end-to-end.

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Customer issue management quality control

Problem
Solved.

Service 03 — In Focus

Customer Issue Management & 8D

When your line stops or a customer escalates — every minute counts. RESOLVIX deploys immediately using 8D, A3, QRQC and any Six Sigma tool required to contain, solve and sustain.

D1–D3

Contain

On-site within 24h. 100% sort of suspect product. Customer notified within 2 hours.

D4–D5

Root Cause

Fishbone, 5-Why, Is/Is-Not, A3, DMAIC — whichever fits the problem.

D6–D7

Correct

Permanent corrective actions. FMEA, Control Plan and SOPs updated before D7 closes.

Sustain

Lessons learned shared. Training records updated. 8D formally closed.

Service 01

Consulting & Systems

We help manufacturers and suppliers build management systems that are functionally effective — not just audit-compliant. Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety, and ESG frameworks. Genuinely working.

Our work is hands-on: we implement, train, verify and hand over capability. We don't deliver documents and disappear.

IATF 16949 implementation and gap closure
ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001 system development
Process mapping and procedure writing
Customer-specific requirement (CSR) integration
Management review planning, facilitation & reporting
Customer complaints management — start to close
ESG baseline assessments, gap closure and reporting

Service 04

Core Tools
Implementation

APQP

Advanced Product Quality Planning

Cross-functional planning from concept to launch. APQP teams facilitated and project plans built to customer timelines.

PPAP

Production Part Approval Process

Full PPAP submissions Level 1–5. Documentation packages prepared, submissions managed, customer communication supported.

FMEA

Failure Mode & Effects Analysis

AIAG-VDA aligned FMEA — Design, Process and Monitoring & System Response, facilitated with risk coverage focus.

SPC

Statistical Process Control

Control chart selection, implementation and analysis. Teams equipped to understand variation and make data-driven decisions.

MSA

Measurement System Analysis

Gauge R&R studies, linearity, bias and stability analysis. Measurement systems verified before production begins.

Control Plan Development

Comprehensive control plans aligned to PFMEA, linking characteristics, measurement methods and reaction plans.

06–08

Services 06 · 07 · 08

Hygiene · Engineering · OEM Support

06 — Hygiene Surveys

Air Quality Surveys — dust, gases, vapours, particulates
Thermal Comfort — temperature, humidity, radiant heat
Hazardous Substances — chemical exposure assessments
Illumination Surveys — workplace lighting compliance
Noise & Vibration — occupational exposure levels
Full reports, risk assessments & legal compliance recommendations

07 — Engineering Support

Industrialisation support and launch readiness
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development
Engineering change management (ECM)
Process optimisation and time studies

08 — OEM Support & CSR

Ford Q1 programme navigation
Stellantis MPA, CTF, PIS requirements
VW Formel Q audit preparation
BMW VDA 6.3 / Mercedes-Benz MBN
Toyota / Nissan / GM BIQS standards
CSR gap analysis and integration

09–12

Services 09 · 10 · 11 · 12

Reviews · Digital · Escalation · Projects

09 — Quality Management Reviews

Plan and prepare the full management review cycle
Compile input data: KPIs, audit results, customer feedback
Coach leadership teams on quality culture and governance

10 — Digitalisation & Systems

Assessment of current systems and digitalisation readiness
Selection support for quality and ERP platforms
Implementation, go-live management and user training

11 — Escalation Support & Recovery

Rapid response for businesses under customer escalation
Support for suppliers on stop-ship or hold lists
Containment, sorting and quality recovery planning
Structured de-escalation roadmap to full recovery

12 — Project Management

Plant moves: planning, risk management and execution
Product localisation and supplier development
APQP programme management across full timeline
MLA coordination and PPAP preparation end-to-end

Service 05

Training &
Coaching

Hands-on, practical programmes using your own case studies, data and real quality events. Built to create lasting shopfloor capability.

In-Company

Delivered at your facility using your own data and case studies.

Workshops

Focused practical sessions — shopfloor-applicable from day one.

Coaching

One-on-one or team coaching for sustained capability development.

On-the-Job

Embedded support during live audits, PPAP submissions or launches.

Topics Include

IATF 16949 awareness & implementation · ISO 9001
APQP / PPAP · FMEA (AIAG-VDA) · SPC · MSA / Gauge R&R
8D methodology · 5-Why · A3 · QRQC · RCA facilitation
Ford Q1 · Stellantis CTF & PIS · VW Formel Q awareness
Leadership · Quality culture · Team building programmes

Why Choose Us

Senior-Led.
Results-Driven.

Senior-Led Execution

No juniors on your floor. Every engagement is led directly by experienced automotive quality specialists.

Practical Focus

We solve real problems on real shopfloors — not just document the situation and move on.

Rapid Response

When a complaint hits, we mobilise fast — containment, sorting and 8D support within 24 hours.

All OEM Standards

Deep knowledge of Ford, Stellantis, VW, BMW, Toyota, GM and every major OEM requirement worldwide.

Flexible & Global

Senior principals combined with a scalable partner network. Any scope. Any country. Any supply chain.

Supported OEM Standards

Ford Q1Stellantis MPA / CTF / PIS VW Formel QBMW VDA 6.3 Mercedes-Benz MBNToyota TPS / SQAM Nissan QSAMGM BIQS Hyundai / Kia

Proven Track Record

Results That Speak for Themselves

Over 20 years of delivering measurable impact across global automotive supply chains. Here is a selection of verified results achieved across senior leadership engagements.

R50M+

"Resolved critical historical process failures impacting the business through implementation of Poka-Yoke error-proofing and specialised system monitoring controls."

Loss Elimination

Global Tier 1 Automotive Supplier · Precision Engine Components

R100M+

"Approved and onboarded alternative international raw material suppliers, securing supply continuity and delivering significant cost savings across the supply chain."

Supply Chain Recovery

Global Tier 1 Automotive Manufacturer · Engine Components

R40M

"Led planning and execution of major capital investment including plant relocation and full layout redesign, focused on process optimisation, risk reduction and HSE compliance."

Capital Project Leadership

Automotive Manufacturing Plant · KwaZulu-Natal

50%

"Implemented targeted safety interventions reducing workplace incidents by 50%, while strengthening HSE performance and compliance across all plant operations."

Safety Transformation

Tier 1 Automotive Supplier · High-Volume Production

OEM ✓

"Successfully removed the organisation from OEM escalation status — delivering sustained performance improvement and eliminating long-standing third-party inspection requirements."

Escalation Recovery

Global OEM Supplier · Ford & Stellantis Standards

1st ✓

"Industrialised and achieved first-time PPAP approval for multiple products across different OEMs — adding 1.5 million additional parts per year in production capacity."

New Product Introduction

Precision Automotive Components · Multi-OEM

R7M+

"Diversified product offerings and introduced new revenue streams, securing and expanding key client contracts and strengthening overall market position."

Revenue Growth

Integrated Manufacturing Group · Multi-Sector

100%

"Consistently achieved 100% compliance ratings across supplier, customer and OEM audits spanning Toyota, VW, Nissan, Ford, BMW, Mercedes and Bosch."

Audit Excellence

JSE-Listed Automotive Group · 15 Years

R3M

"Spearheaded implementation of digital operating systems, real-time production and quality data systems, and SPC integration — driving Industry 4.0 transformation."

Digital Transformation

Global-Tier Automotive Supplier · Precision Components

Live Feed

Industry Intelligence

Automotive News & Developments

Stay ahead with the latest OEM news, quality standards updates, supply chain developments and technology trends — curated for automotive quality professionals.

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⚡ BREAKING

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Sources: Automotive News Just Auto Wards Auto Reuters Autos Electrek (EV) Supply Chain Dive

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

We specialise in the automotive supply chain — from Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers through to OEM-adjacent manufacturers. We also work with general manufacturing, engineering and industrial companies seeking ISO certification, quality system improvements or operational support.

We mobilise within 24 hours. For critical escalations — stop-ship situations or OEM hold lists — we aim to be on-site the same day or the next morning. Containment actions and an interim customer response can be issued within 2 hours of engagement.

Both. Our base is in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, but we serve clients globally — including suppliers in Germany, the USA, Morocco, and across the African continent. Supplier audits, remote consulting, training and system implementation can all be delivered internationally.

We cover all major OEM customer-specific requirements including Ford Q1, Stellantis MPA/CTF/PIS, VW Formel Q, BMW VDA 6.3, Mercedes-Benz MBN, Toyota SQAM, Nissan QSAM, GM BIQS, and Hyundai/Kia standards. We also support IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

It depends on your starting point. A business with no existing quality management system typically takes 9–18 months to be audit-ready. Companies with an existing ISO 9001 system can often transition to IATF 16949 in 6–9 months. We conduct a gap analysis at the start to give you a realistic timeline.

Yes — all training is delivered in-company at your facility, using your own data, processes and real quality events as case studies. We cover IATF 16949, Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA), 8D problem solving, OEM requirements, internal auditor training and leadership/quality culture programmes.

APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) is the structured process used to plan and manage new product launches — it runs throughout the development timeline. PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) is the formal submission package submitted to the customer at the end of APQP to prove the production process is capable of meeting requirements. Think of APQP as the journey and PPAP as the destination.

Simply reach out via the enquiry form below, send us a WhatsApp, or email esmond@resolvix.org directly. We'll arrange an initial consultation — no charge, no obligation — to understand your challenges and recommend the right approach. From there we provide a clear scope and proposal.

Free Consultation

Book a Call with Esmond

No obligation. No sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about your quality challenges and how RESOLVIX can help.

Choose your session type:

🎯

Discovery Call

Tell us about your quality challenge. We'll assess your situation and recommend the right approach.

30 MIN · FREE

📋

IATF 16949 Gap Review

Quick assessment of where you stand against IATF 16949 requirements and what you need to achieve certification.

45 MIN · FREE

🚨

OEM Escalation Triage

Urgent OEM issue? Let's get on a call immediately and map out your recovery plan.

30 MIN · FREE · PRIORITY

🏭

Supplier Development Strategy

Planning to develop your supply base? Let's map out an audit and development programme for your Tier 2s.

45 MIN · FREE

Request your session

Fill in your details and Esmond will confirm a time within 24 hours — usually the same day.

Your name *

Email address *

Phone / WhatsApp *

Company

Country

Session type

Briefly describe your challenge

or reach Esmond directly

💬 WhatsApp ✉ Email

✅

Session requested!

Esmond will confirm your session within 24 hours — usually much sooner.

Check your email and WhatsApp. In the meantime, feel free to explore our services.

Standards & Resources

Shop · Standards, Guides & Tools

Access the standards your business needs to compete in the global automotive supply chain. We stock official IATF and ISO standards, AIAG manuals, and our own plain-English RESOLVIX Interpretation Guides.

RESOLVIX Guide

📘

IATF 16949:2016 Plain-English Guide

The complete RESOLVIX interpretation of IATF 16949 — clause by clause, in plain language. Includes implementation tips, audit questions, and common non-conformance traps.

IATF 16949AuditingImplementation

Official Standard

🏭

IATF 16949:2016

The international standard for quality management systems in the automotive industry. Published by IATF. Mandatory for Tier 1 OEM suppliers globally.

Quality SystemOEMMandatory

Official Standard

📋

ISO 9001:2015

The world's most recognised quality management system standard. Foundation for IATF 16949 and required across all industries.

QMSFoundationUniversal

Official Standard

🌿

ISO 14001:2015

Environmental management system standard. Increasingly required by OEMs as part of ESG and sustainability mandates across the supply chain.

EnvironmentalESGOEM Required

Official Standard

🦺

ISO 45001:2018

Occupational health and safety management systems. Replaces OHSAS 18001. Required by major OEMs and increasingly demanded by legislative bodies.

Health & SafetyOHSLegal

AIAG Manual

⚙️

AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook

The joint AIAG-VDA Failure Mode & Effects Analysis handbook. The new harmonised standard required by Ford, GM, Stellantis, BMW and VW supply chains.

FMEARiskDesign & Process

AIAG Manual

📐

AIAG APQP & Control Plan

Advanced Product Quality Planning and Control Plan reference manual. The core launch quality planning framework for all North American OEM supply chains.

APQPLaunchControl Plan

AIAG Manual

✅

AIAG PPAP Manual (4th Ed.)

Production Part Approval Process — the industry standard for automotive part submission and approval. Required by all major OEMs before production launch.

PPAPApprovalSubmission

Bundle — Best Value

🎯

RESOLVIX Core Tools Masterpack

Our complete plain-English guide bundle covering all 5 AIAG Core Tools — APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA. Includes practical templates, worked examples and implementation checklists.

All 5 Core ToolsTemplates IncludedPractitioner Ready

RESOLVIX Guide

🇩🇪

VDA 6.3 Process Audit Guide

Plain-English guide to the German VDA 6.3 process audit standard. Essential for suppliers to BMW, VW, Mercedes-Benz, Bosch and other German OEMs.

VDA 6.3German OEMsProcess Audit

Can't find what you need?

We source standards from BSI, SAI Global, IATF and AIAG. Contact us with your requirement and we'll get it for you.

Contact for Custom Order →

Tier 1 & 2 Manufacturers

Built for Tier Suppliers

OEMs are tightening their supply chain requirements. Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers face more audits, stricter quality gates, and faster escalation timelines than ever. RESOLVIX exists to make sure you never lose a customer because of a quality issue.

WHY TIER SUPPLIERS CHOOSE RESOLVIX

We've been inside the plants, sat across the table from OEM quality directors, and recovered suppliers from the brink of disqualification. We know what it takes because we've done it — hundreds of times.

20+Years shopfloor experience

9OEMs directly served

R100M+Savings delivered

100%IATF audit pass rate

48hrsEscalation response

HOW WE SUPPORT TIER MANUFACTURERS

IATF 16949 Fast-Track

Your OEM has given you a certification deadline. We run a rapid gap analysis, build your implementation roadmap, and work alongside your team right through to audit day — and we don't leave until you pass.

CERTIFICATION SUPPORT

OEM Escalation Recovery

Stop-ship. Customer concern. Red status. Whatever the crisis — we mobilise immediately. Remote support within hours, on-site within 24–48 hours. We've recovered suppliers from far worse than where you are now.

URGENT RESPONSE

Supplier Audit Preparation

Second-party audit from your OEM coming up? We conduct a pre-audit using the exact criteria your customer will use — VDA 6.3, IATF, Ford Q1, VW Formel Q — and close every gap before they arrive.

AUDIT READINESS

Core Tools Implementation

APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA — done properly, not just as paperwork. We build living quality systems that actually prevent failures instead of just documenting them after the fact.

APQP · PPAP · FMEA · SPC · MSA

Monthly Quality Retainer

Your outsourced quality department. We provide ongoing support — monthly site visits, KPI reviews, audit preparation, team coaching, and direct access to Esmond when issues arise. From R15 000/month.

ONGOING PARTNERSHIP

New Product Launch (APQP)

Launching a new part to an OEM? We manage the entire APQP process — from concept through PPAP submission and production approval. Zero surprises at launch. Your customer gets what they expect, on time.

LAUNCH QUALITY

OEM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS WE COVER

BMW

VDA 6.3 · IATF · BMW FMEA · BMW PPAP · SRE

Ford

Ford Q1 · IATF · AIAG Core Tools · FMEA · 8D

Volkswagen

VDA 6.3 · Formel Q · KVS · VW PPAP · FMEA

Toyota

IATF · TPS · AIAG · A3 · Toyota PPAP · SPC

Mercedes

VDA 6.3 · MBN · PPAP · FMEA · MB Portals

Stellantis

IATF · AIAG · MPA · Stellantis PPAP · STA

IATF · AIAG · GM PPAP · SPQA · Covisint

Nissan

IATF · AIAG · Nissan QSTP · SPC · MSA

READY TO SECURE YOUR OEM RELATIONSHIP?

Let's talk about your situation.

Whether you're preparing for an audit, recovering from an escalation, or simply want to raise your quality game — book a free 30-minute call with Esmond. No obligation. Just honest advice.

Book a Free Call → 💬 WhatsApp Esmond

Knowledge Hub

Insights & Articles

Practical knowledge from 20+ years on the shopfloor. No theory — just what actually works in the automotive supply chain.

📋

IATF 16949 · Featured

The 7 Most Common Reasons Suppliers Fail Their IATF 16949 Audit — And How to Avoid Them

After conducting hundreds of IATF 16949 audits across South Africa, Germany and beyond, the same non-conformances appear time and again. Most are preventable with the right preparation. Here's what to watch for and how to close the gaps before an auditor finds them.

By Esmond Naidoo · Director, RESOLVIX Read Full Article →

OEM Escalation

Stop-Ship Received from Ford? Here Are Your First 5 Moves in the Next 2 Hours

A stop-ship notification is every quality manager's nightmare. But the first two hours are critical — the actions you take immediately determine whether you recover in days or weeks.

Esmond Naidoo · 5 min read Read →

Core Tools

FMEA Done Right: Why Most Suppliers Treat It as a Document Exercise — and Pay the Price

The AIAG-VDA FMEA handbook changed everything. But most suppliers still produce FMEAs that look good on paper and fail in the field. Here's what a living FMEA actually looks like.

RESOLVIX Team · 6 min read Read →

VDA 6.3 · German OEMs

Supplying BMW or VW? Understanding VDA 6.3 Process Audits Before the Auditor Arrives

German OEMs operate to a different standard. VDA 6.3 process audits are rigorous, specific and unforgiving of generic answers. Here's what they're really looking for — and how to prepare.

Esmond Naidoo · 7 min read Read →

ESG & Sustainability

ESG is No Longer Optional: What OEM Sustainability Mandates Mean for SA Suppliers in 2026

European OEMs are now requiring environmental and social governance data from their entire supply chain. South African suppliers need to act now or risk losing contracts.

RESOLVIX Team · 4 min read Read →

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Subscribe to The RESOLVIX Daily → Discuss Your Challenge →

Resolve.Engineer.Elevate.

OEM Supplier Portals& Standards

Making MagicA Reality

Diagnose

Contain

Solve

Sustain

12 Services.One Team.

Customer Issue Management & 8D

Contain

Root Cause

Correct

Sustain

Consulting & Systems

Auditing, ESG & Compliance

Core ToolsImplementation

Hygiene · Engineering · OEM Support

Reviews · Digital · Escalation · Projects

Training &Coaching

Senior-Led.Results-Driven.

Senior-Led Execution

Practical Focus

Rapid Response

All OEM Standards

Flexible & Global

Results That Speak for Themselves

Automotive News & Developments

Frequently Asked Questions

Book a Call with Esmond

Let's Talk

Shop · Standards, Guides & Tools

IATF 16949:2016 Plain-English Guide

IATF 16949:2016

ISO 9001:2015

ISO 14001:2015

ISO 45001:2018

AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook

AIAG APQP & Control Plan

AIAG PPAP Manual (4th Ed.)

RESOLVIX Core Tools Masterpack

VDA 6.3 Process Audit Guide

Built for Tier Suppliers

Let's talk about your situation.

Insights & Articles

The 7 Most Common Reasons Suppliers Fail Their IATF 16949 Audit — And How to Avoid Them

Stop-Ship Received from Ford? Here Are Your First 5 Moves in the Next 2 Hours

FMEA Done Right: Why Most Suppliers Treat It as a Document Exercise — and Pay the Price

Supplying BMW or VW? Understanding VDA 6.3 Process Audits Before the Auditor Arrives

ESG is No Longer Optional: What OEM Sustainability Mandates Mean for SA Suppliers in 2026

The RESOLVIX Daily

Join the RESOLVIX Platform

Resolve.
Engineer.
Elevate.

OEM Supplier Portals
& Standards

Making Magic
A Reality

12 Services.
One Team.

Core Tools
Implementation

Training &
Coaching

Senior-Led.
Results-Driven.