What does IMDS stand for?

IMDS stands for International Material Data System. It is a repository of data that is used to share information on all the different materials that are commonly used in the automotive industry. This data repository was first introduced in June of 2000 and was developed by several top auto manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Daimler, EDS, Ford, Opel, Porsche, VW, and Volvo. The system allows the manufacturers to more easily meet the demands of various governmental agencies and international standards that apply to them.

As this system has been shown to be effective, additional companies have joined in and began using it. Today dozens of companies, including some that aren’t exclusively auto industry companies. For example, Toyota, Land Rover, Hitachi, AHM, SETRA, UD Trucks, Jaguar, Nissan, Tesla, and Samsung are all signed on to use this system. There are a variety of others as well, and the list continues to grow, which helps it to become even more effective than it was before.

How is IMDS Used?

IMDS is based online so that all the parties that use it can easily access it without any trouble. In the system they will find information about what types of hazards are possible when using the different materials used in this industry. In many ways this system can serve to provide critical information such as a material safety data sheet, which is required in the United States. Since this is an international collaboration, there is a lot more information that will apply to various countries around the world.

In addition to just containing information about the materials in general, this system also allows companies to track information about the parts and materials that are used. Each supplier has to submit information about the different products that they sell to their automotive manufacturer customers. When an item moves through the supply chain additional information will be added about how and where it was used. In most cases, entering information into IMDS is required for companies that contract with the major automotive manufacturers that participate in this program.