NEW VERSION ALERT (Aug 2020): The Applicability Matrix is an extremely valuable tool for the Management System Architect as well as the QMS process owners. This tool is used to show the interaction between each identified QMS process and the applicable clause(s) within the ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.

Why is this important? Instead of throwing a book of hundreds of requirements (i.e. ISO standards) at top management and expecting them to determine which requirements apply to each leader respectively, the Applicability Matrix maps out primary (P) and secondary (s) responsibilities so responsibilities for compliance are clear.

For example, as the process owner for Purchase (i.e. Purchasing Manager), the Applicability Matrix provides a “lane” (column) for the purchasing process. Under this lane, a “P” indicates where my primary responsibilities lie regarding my part in the implementation, maintenance and improvement of the QMS. Subsequently, by focusing on my lane, I am also able to filter out the other clauses that I am not primarily responsible for.

“s” indicators can be used to show secondary responsibility. In other words, “s” shows a requirement that my process needs to adhere to, while being the primary responsibility of a another process owner.