Cincinnati Gearing Systems IATF 16949® and ISO 9001

CHALLENGE

Founded in 1907, Cincinnati Gearing Systems (CGS) is a recognized leader in precision power transmission component manufacturing. CGS’ headquarters is certified through EAGLE Certification Group to IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015.

Cincinnati Gearing Systems has a wide range of experience in supporting the automotive industry with extensive experience in the custom design, manufacturing, and aftermarket support requirements of automotive drivetrains for both piston engines and electric drive development, on-highway diesel truck drives, and off-highway construction equipment components.

Since 2015, CGS has utilized simpleQuE’s consulting, auditing and training services. When CSG was ready to make the transition from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015 and from ISO/TS 16949:2009 to IATF 16949:2016, simpleQuE performed a gap analysis and provided detailed action plans to work on the new requirements to bring their QMS (quality management system) up to speed. SimpleQuE continues to conduct internal audits in compliance with IATF 16949®, following CGS’s internal audit procedure, ISO 19011, IATF Rules 5th, and applicable customer-specific requirements.

When facing certification body recertification and surveillance audits, the CGS quality team wasn’t always sure they were 100% prepared. “I had 1 year when I did not use SimpleQuE prior to my yearly Eagle audit and had 3 Majors and 9 Minors. The following year I had SimpleQuE come in for an audit and it resulted in NO MAJORS and only 5 Minors,” stated Lisa Sweeney, Quality Manager IATF 16949®.

SOLUTION

Sweeney explains, “The benefit of using SimpleQuE is like having the actual audit ahead of time so I can prepare accordingly and it also shows me the areas I need to focus on. The challenge was resolved due to having Simple Que on-site prior to my yearly audit and showing me the areas I need to focus on and improve on.” Sweeny added, “I always have SimpleQuE come on-site prior to my recertification, if not, then that would keep me up at night. “

At simpleQuE, we recommend this type of readiness audit, especially when it comes to IATF 16949® as there are so many requirements and factors that come into play. Our certified experts are always auditing and up to speed on the latest requirements. More importantly, unlike Certification Body auditors, our auditors can consult, coach, and provide guidance.

RESULT

Sweeny sums it up - “SimpleQuE takes the stress and worries away from having your audit. I chose them due to the knowledge and areas of expertise the organization has, plus once you are a customer you can reach out and ask for guidance on interpretations of clauses, etc.  The company is professional when working with their clients. I was impressed with the knowledge the auditors have of all new sanctions. When using SimpleQuE for 2nd party audits, the organization is out of this world on counseling the customer on upcoming audits or new sanctions.”

SimpleQuE also supports other CGS sites including Cincinnati Steel Treating. In addition to consulting and internal audits, SimpleQuE has provided customized IATF 16949®, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 Requirements and Internal Auditor training, as well as sessions for AIAG Core Tools, AIAG & VDA FMEA, and Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving. Thus keeping CGS quality management up-to-date on the standards and the requirements, and demonstrating their commitment to being the best in their industry.

With a focus on quality, and as one of the founding members of the American Gear Manufacturer's Association, Cincinnati Gearing Systems continues to build on a foundation that ensures its customers enduring product quality, reliability, and value.