Powering Performance

The AIAG Core Tool Software (CTS) Project is making great progress with the help of several dedicated volunteers. The project team is focused on improving the former XLS based Core Tools Software Disc with an “Excel like” front end supported by a robust database backend.

Special process components’ quality, reliability, and durability can be compromised by variation in the process itself – and since the resulting defects aren’t easily detected prior to use, faulty components can get passed on to the end user, resulting in field actions and warranty claims.

If you’re one of those auto manufacturers who’s using ad hoc, spreadsheet-based collaboration, you’re not alone. According to a survey conducted by Ventana Research in November 2015, 7 out of 10 midsize companies use desktop spreadsheets for a range of business planning processes. Yet nearly half (48 percent) of those surveyed admit that spreadsheets make it difficult to manage business processes.

In 2012, AIAG introduced its free online Core Tools Self-Assessment (CTSA) as a way to measure an employee’s competency with the Automotive Core Tools and identify areas that require improvement.   Available in eight languages, the CTSA is a timed (75 minutes) open book self-assessment that covers APQP/PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC. When completed, each individual receives an e-mail detailing his or her scores for each Core Tool. These results are confidential, and shared only with the participant. The CTSA can be taken every 30 days, allowing individuals time to address any knowledge gaps, and monitor their improvement in the Core Tools. 

AIAG proudly announces that the Call to Action for the new 3D Technical Data Package (TDP) Exchange Guideline project will occur on 9 May 2018 at 10:00 AM at AIAG in Southfield, Michigan. This project, which is a subset of the larger Model Based Enterprise (MBE) platform, will develop a guideline for the exchange of technical data that is traditionally shared on a part print (i.e. data that is not included in the math data exchange). The work group will initially focus on technical data exchanges between organizations for co-designed products, but products designed by one organization will be added if there are enough group volunteers.

No department is more aware of customer requirements than the quality department. This is why quite often the quality department is tasked with International Material Data System (IMDS) reporting. For every manufactured part, a Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) must be completed. PPAP can only be completed if there has been an accepted IMDS report. 

Change isn’t just coming – it’s here. With fewer than six months left to complete the transition to IATF 16949:2016, now is the time to ensure your organization has the tools and training necessary to successfully implement the new standard.

The CQI-27 Special Process: Casting System Assessment 2^nd edition provides requirements for foundry suppliers of OEM automotive castings. It is a collective effort by OEM and Tier 1 customers to create common process requirements for foundries, requirements which our shared experiences tell us will benefit the foundry industry for their OEM automotive customers.  The objective is to have robust processes which minimize the risk of casting defects in automotive applications.

Did you know that IATF 16949 clauses 7.2 and 7.2.1 require an organization to demonstrate an employee’s competence in key items of the organization’s Quality Management System? To help meet this requirement, AIAG’s APQP/PPAP Certification Exam verifies an employee’s proficiency in product quality planning and control plan guidelines, and PPAP submittal requirements.

In 2016, VDA 6.3 – Process Audit was revised by the VDA-QMC. Changes included consolidating the questionnaire from 60 to 58 questions (with four new questions) and modifying language, specifically surrounding terms and definitions, for greater clarity.