Powering Performance

In acknowledgment of the need to consistently maintain standardized processes across global supply chains, the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) has updated an essential quality resource to be more internationally inclusive.

The automotive industry is expanding the use of 3D CAD systems and related technology from engineering and product design to tooling, process development, manufacturing operations, and many other downstream business areas.

With the release of the new IATF 16949 global quality standard, the scope now includes products with embedded software. Training is needed to support the new requirements for assessing the organization’s and suppliers’ software development processes.

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.