Preservation — supplemental (IATF only)
Plain-language summary
Preservation gets automotive specifics: contamination control, detailed storage rules, cleaning, ESD where relevant — plus inventory management (FIFO expected), obsolescence control, and periodic stock condition assessment.
What the clause is really asking
Preservation includes identification, contamination control, packaging per requirements, shelf-life control and stock rotation (FIFO), plus an inventory management system to optimise stock turns and control obsolete product — with stock condition assessed at appropriate planned intervals.
What auditors look for
Auditors ask for the stock condition assessment schedule and records (not just counts — condition), FIFO evidence in racking practice, obsolete stock control after engineering changes, and cleanliness/ESD rules where the product needs them.
Typical evidence
Stock condition assessment records; FIFO racking systems; obsolescence quarantine records after ECNs; cleanliness/ESD controls.
How to comply — recommendations
Add 'condition' columns to your cycle counts — count AND inspect. On every engineering change, sweep stock for the old level and quarantine it the same day; obsolete stock shipping to customers is one of the most expensive findings there is.
Common nonconformities
Stock counted but never condition-checked; old-level parts shipping after a change; no defined shelf-life control on sealants/adhesives.
Related clauses
Builds on ISO 9001 8.5.4
Qlause provides interpretive guidance only and is not a substitute for the standard. Refer to your licensed copy of ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 for the authoritative text.