Powering Performance

I recently participated in a discussion panel that was part of the AIAG Quality Summit in Novi, Michigan, September 22-23, 2015. The topic focused on software for quality in manufacturing. The panel included vendors offering software for quality improvement and quality management systems.

A wide range of business-critical risks face today’s automotive supplier. Typical risks include material shortages, catastrophic property losses, supply chain interruptions, IT failures, and more. For Tier One suppliers, the lack of transparency and control among sub-suppliers adds to their risk equation. Smart planning is imperative, especially as the globalization of automotive supply processes increases.

AIAG’s Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Work Group has joined forces with the internship program at Purdue-Calumet University to create an easy-to-use reference document for chemical manufacturers, mixture companies/blenders, and distributers who must comply with the update requirements of OSHA HCS 2012.

Companies’ supply chains are increasingly affected by new laws in the U.S. and Europe that address not only materials, but also due diligence policies and practices. Many also require a manufacturer to impose requirements on its suppliers. They impact your relationship with your supplier network, and require both supplier engagement and verification.

AIAG’s Effective Problem Solving Leader Guide (CQI-21) helps companies get on the path leading to problem prevention.

AIAG’s Supply Safe Program, hailed as the “next evolution in border security,” reduces redundancy and strengthens security through an united industry effort.

You and your suppliers understand the challenges related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which requires compliance reporting by every SEC-reporting company with products that contain conflict minerals (tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold). It’s no surprise that — given the complexity of the rule and the extent of the effort required to comply — many companies struggle with reaching a determination as to their DRC conflict minerals status. Common reasons include:

Why do long-time industry professionals volunteer their time?

We’ve all heard it said: Volunteering for your industry is one of the most important and most needed acts a professional will ever do. But in today’s increasingly challenging global climate, finding time is harder than ever. So why do people do it?

AIAG’s Quality 2020 study identifies automotive pain-points related to customer specific requirements (CSRs) and finds that both OEMs and suppliers have CSR concerns — just not the same ones.

AIAG’s Quality 2020 study identifies automotive pain-points related to problem solving and finds that more than half the industry sees significant risk if problem solving skills aren’t improved to where they need to be — and fast.