Powering Performance

AIAG recently announced the creation of a Core Tools Forms Software project. The second Voice of the Customer Survey was sent out, and the results show a strong international interest in a cloud-based application to complete several very technical forms related to product and process development (FMEA, Control Plan), measurement system capability evaluation (MSA), and product release (PPAP) that are part of the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process.

Last month AIAG announced the creation of a Core Tools Forms Software project.

In December 2016, the AIAG Quality Steering Committee approved the launch of a Core Tools Forms Solution Project. The Automotive Quality Core Tools are essential building blocks in the automotive quality body of knowledge. The current Core Tools are Advanced Product Quality Planning and Control Plan (APQP/CP), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). The methodologies defined in the Core Tools manuals are indispensable for quality planning during new product launch and necessary for continual quality improvement during on-going manufacturing. 

Competition is becoming increasingly fierce, and many new product launches are delayed or compromised due to quality performance shortfalls. Issues like these make the need for a work force proficient in the principles and practices of the Quality Core Tools a central concern to many automotive companies. To this end, AIAG’s Supply Chain Institute verifies that you have the knowledge to perform applicable Core Tool processes and provides formal recognition that you have proficiency within, and a comprehension of, APQP/PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and/or SPC.

AIAG has expanded its partnership with VDA, Germany’s automotive quality standards and guidelines organization. New in the AIAG line-up is training designed to develop personnel to conduct VDA’s Automotive SPICE® assessment.

The new chair of AIAG’s Quality Steering Committee, Jim Pastor, has some specific ideas of where he’d like to see the committee focus its efforts in 2017. After eight years with Johnson Controls in positions ranging from global director of quality — GM Business Unit to group vice president — automotive quality, Pastor recently transitioned to the role as vice president — quality for the new Johnson Controls spinoff, Adient. With global responsibility for all of Adient’s manufacturing sites, including complete seat and components, Pastor is in a perfect position to lead AIAG’s quality initiatives on behalf of the industry.

As one of AIAG’s recently appointed board members, Vince Mastrangelo, vice president, quality, North America region for Continental North America, will focus on increasing awareness of AIAG’s training, guidelines, and best-practice processes across the industry.

As one of AIAG’s recently appointed board members, Debra Poppas, vice president, global quality for PACCAR, plans to help AIAG better serve the commercial vehicle industry and work to improve overall supplier processes. More than 20 executives from the automotive and transportation OEM and supplier community currently serve on the AIAG board, representing a cross-section of its member companies.

As one of AIAG’s recently appointed board members, Dr. Jeffrey Richards, global director production control, logistics, and supplier quality for Delphi, says he will work on developing standards to improve the quality and performance of supply chain processes.

You have a great management staff committed to the highest quality standards, but September 2018 isn’t that far away. Is everyone on your team ready for the IATF 16949 transition?

If not, we can help.