Powering Performance

The SPC Short Run Supplement is a guideline developed to address short run production, which is identified by processes that do not have the production volume to readily apply the approaches identified in the SPC Reference Manual, 2nd Edition.

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.

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.

Your current design works, but you may be looking for a way to make it more efficient. AIAG’s Design Review Based on Failure Modes (DRBFM) Reference Guide provides guidance on this in-depth analysis process that focuses on engineering changes once a baseline design has been established. It works by analyzing your current design identifying areas for improvement, and defining the impact of the change.

AIAG and the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association is urging interested attendees to its first-ever Southern Automotive Quality Summit to register by January 15, 2016 to avoid the higher late-registration fee that goes into effect after that date.

AIAG’s Quality 2020 study reveals that OEMs and suppliers rank product development concerns among the top four most critical issues impacting quality. 

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.