Powering Performance

Join AIAG on May 10, 2016 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm for the first of its two scheduled Supply Chain Packaging Technical Networking sessions in 2016. This half-day session at AIAG’s headquarters in Southfield will focus on the latest trends and challenges facing automotive inbound supply chains from a packaging perspective.

The new dates for the 2nd annual Automotive Industry Global Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Executive Seminar are October 31- November 4. Space is limited so register early to ensure your spot!

We’ve all heard of the basic statistical terms: mean, median, and mode, but when it comes to Statistical Process Control things get a bit more complicated. This “Key Term Tuesday” we’re focusing on SPC.

The CQI-27 Special Process: Casting System Assessment provides requirements for foundry suppliers of OEM automotive castings. It is not a detailed description of the entire foundry process. Rather, the focus is on common failure modes that cause OEM customers to receive non-conforming castings from foundries. It is written from an OEM and Tier One perspective. It is the voice of the customer and includes specific activities that the foundry industry needs to improve upon. 

AIAG is offering a one-day workshop overview course that will help you understand and learn how to use the Special Process Casting System Assessment as a foundation to assure control of these special processes and deliver quality parts and materials.

The World Economic Forum now ranks water issues as #1 on their list of worldwide risks. The nonprofit CDP recently highlighted how large-scale investors are moving money away from “traditional” investments and into equities that are meeting the global water scarcity challenge. Water-related risks abound for business. But what’s specifically at issue in the automotive supply chain? What are the main challenges? And are there opportunities in addition to risks?

At AIAG’s Customs Town Hall event in Livonia, Michigan, on November 17, 2015, Paul Allen, manager — trusted traders for Canada Border Services Agency, reminded AIAG members that they are responsible for the goods they bring into and out of the country.

In preparation for the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), Joseph Blaskiewicz is advising AIAG members to seek out their data now. “There’s lots of moving pieces with ACE and ACE readiness,” he said in a video interview. “Suppliers need to identify what data sources they have and where they need to go for information so that they aren’t scrambling for the new items the CBP is presenting to us. For example, your company may have a different enterprise system that you have to know how to access.”

All new product development projects involve risk. A properly implemented FMEA will help ensure that potential failures have been considered and addressed during the product and process development cycle.

Much like a tooth cleaning at the dentist or a routine oil change on a car, internal audits are a vital part of keeping quality management systems running smoothly. And similar to the dental and car maintenance situations, the skills and certifications of the person conducting the audit can significantly change your perception of the diagnosis. AIAG offers a wide range of training options to enhance the capabilities of your internal auditors, all of which can be held at your facility. Whether internal or lead, AIAG has an auditor certification course for your needs.