August 2, 2018 Articles The VDA 6.x regulations are designed for organisations in the automotive supply chain to provide a holistic quality management approach and possibility for 3rd party certification. To the carmakers (OEMs), it delivers a consistent and comparable assessment of their suppliers, associated services and service establishments, in terms of their quality management systems, processes, products and services. These are developed and described by VDA QMC Quality Standards for the German automotive industry in the VDA 6.x Volumes. The full set contains the following publications: VDA 6.1 : 2016 – QM System Audit – Serial Production VDA 6.2 : 2017 – QM System Audit – Service VDA 6.3 : 2016 – Process Audit VDA 6.4 : 2017 – QM System Audit – Production Equipment VDA 6.5 : 2008 – Product Audit VDA 6.7 : 2012 – Process Audit – Production Equipment – Product Creation Process / Unit Production Overview of the VDA 6.x Volumes VDA 6.1 (volume 6 part 1) VDA 6.1 – QM System Audit – Serial Production The VDA 6.1 Quality Management System is an extension of ISO 9001 for the automotive industry, originated within the German automotive sector. Organisations can obtain 3rd party certification against this standard. This will be recognised by most German based customers as an alternative to IATF 16949. VDA 6.1 dates back to the time of QS 9000 and altogether with French and Italian standards, was used to create ISO/TS 16949 in 1999. Although QS 9000 and other national equivalents are now obsolete, VDA 6.1 remained an alternative to ISO/TS 16949 certification, mainly in Germany. The current standard is the 5th edition from 2016, with essential requirements of ISO 9001:2015. From the 1st January 2017, this 5th edition replaces the 4th edition from 2010. VDA 6.2 (volume 6 part 2) VDA 6.2 – QM System Audit – Service The VDA 6.2 is a Quality Management System designed for service providers in the automotive industry. Organisations can obtain 3rd party certification against this standard. It focuses on services that are not recognised by IATF as eligible for standalone IATF 16949 certification, such as engineering offices, traders, dealers, warehousing or logistics providers. VDA 6.2 incorporates Annex SL (10 chapter structure of ISO 9001:2015). The current standard is the 3rd edition from 2017. The requirements for ISO 9001:2015, as well as the revised requirements for the industry in 2016 are valid for VDA Volume 6, Part 2 “QM-System Audit Service”, also referred to as VDA 6.2. VDA 6.3 (volume 6 part 3) VDA 6.3 – Process Audit The Audit Standard VDA 6.3 is a standardised procedure for the conduct of process audits to assess organisational performance and capability for their product realisation processes. The standard is intended to complement and reinforce widely adopted standards, such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949 and other sector specific quality derivatives of ISO 9001, such as those for aerospace and medical equipment. Such audits are a vital element in determining whether an organisation/supplier has the capability to meet the needs of a purchaser. Getting this judgement right can make all the difference to the success of a project. Applying the VDA 6.3 audit will support organisations in meeting the IATF requirements regarding manufacturing process audit. Some customers mandate the use of VDA 6.3 The current standard is the 3rd edition from 2016. VDA 6.3 has been completely revised, making it more precise, adapting to changing requirements in the automotive industry. We run the following as open courses, or alternatively, you can email us to enquire about running these courses in-house: VDA 6.3 Awareness Seminar VDA 6.3 – Workshop for Certified Process Auditors (1 day) VDA 6.3 Process Auditor Qualification Training (4 days) VDA 6.3 Process Auditor Qualification Training & Exam (5 days) VDA 6.4 (volume 6 part 4) VDA 6.4 – QM System Audit – Production Equipment VDA 6.4 is a Quality Management System designed for production equipment makers in the automotive industry. Organisations can obtain 3rd party certification against this standard. VDA 6.4 focuses on specialised, often non serial production like tools, machinery, appliances and testing and measuring equipment. The main goals for this volume are to assess the quality of the means of production and tools, as well as the appropriate cooperation with the customer. The current standard is the 3rd edition from 2017. The renewal of VDA 6.4 regulations was initiated by the publication of ISO 9001:2015, as this specific set of rules is based on ISO 9001. VDA 6.5 (volume 6 part 5) VDA 6.5 – Product Audit VDA 6.5 defines a code of practice for the management of product audit programmes. The product audit is one of the oldest methods which give a statement on the quality of products prior to their delivery to the customer. It assesses the effectiveness of quality assurance through the examination of a small number of products and/or parts and confirms the quality capability of the production process based on the quality of a product. Some customers mandate the use of VDA 6.5. Applying the VDA 6.5 approach will support organisations in meeting the IATF requirements regarding product audit. VDA 6.5 is currently the only available standard that describes how to prepare, plan and execute product audits. This standard can be used in any organisation regardless of production profile or industry. The current standard is the 2nd edition from 2008. We run the following as open courses, or alternatively, you can email us to enquire about running this course in-house: VDA 6.5 Product Audit Training (1 day) VDA 6.7 (volume 6 part 7) VDA 6.7 Process Audit – Production Equipment – Product Creation Process / Unit Production The Process Audit Standard VDA 6.7 supports VDA 6.4 and is designed to audit a development and product realisation process for so-called unit or single production (very low volumes, one offs). Typical application is within an organisation that is producing tools, machinery, appliances and testing and measuring equipment. The current standard is the 2nd edition from 2012. If you need support regarding any of the above mentioned VDA volumes, please email enquiries@if.wearecoal.work
July 27, 2018 Articles Common issues are holding back some automotive supply chain companies looking to gain the new IATF 16949 quality management before the deadline of September 2018. The new IATF 16949 standard is an internationally-recognised method of defining how an organisation can meet the requirements of its customers and other stakeholders. It promotes continual improvement, places an emphasis on defect prevention and aims to reduce variation and waste in the supply chain. By providing guidance and tools to ensure that products consistently meet customer requirements, the IATF 16949 certification process can help businesses identify potential efficiency gains and cost savings. Many holders of the ISO/TS 16949 quality management certificate looking to transition to the new IATF 16949 standard are struggling to achieve compliance. Global IATF 16949 audit result data reveals several hundred companies have faced major non-compliances in the areas of non-conformity and corrective action alone, with problem-solving, control planning and contingency planning also catching manufacturers out. There is a concern that many will fail to meet the transition deadline of September this year and face commercially damaging consequences where achieving the certificate is a customer requirement. Some are still yet to apply for the new standard. Industry Forum is the UK’s only IATF (International Automotive Task Force) accredited organisation. The deadline is fast approaching for the automotive supply chain to transition from the ISO/TS 16949 quality management certificate to the new IATF 16949 standard. Although transitions must be completed by September 2018, many holders of the old standard have yet to apply for the new one and many businesses currently applying for IATF 16949 certification are encountering difficulties. We at Industry Forum are seeing common issues among the companies we are brought in to support around the world. IATF 16949 audits are uncovering less rigorous risk management processes in departments supporting manufacturing, such as purchasing and HR. IATF 16949 also requires new ways of working in internal auditing and the documentation of corrective actions where non-compliance is uncovered. Interpreting the regulations is proving something of a challenge and that’s certainly something on which we at Industry Forum can provide clear guidance. To help businesses and organisations proactively anticipate these issues and more besides, Industry Forum runs a one-day Masterclass on the most common non-conformities, provides IATF Certified training to help with transition to IATF 16949, and offers expert consultancy, mentoring and advice for transition. Industry Forum is also able to offer standard training packages around Internal Auditor, Lead Auditor and Automotive Core Tools. The company develops bespoke solutions to help and support companies in their transition process and also in the closure of non-compliances identified during their transition audit. Find out more
July 10, 2018 Articles MMOG/LE is the global standard for supply chain management processes, providing industry best practices. A supplier self-assessment and continuous improvement tool, MMOG/LE facilitates improvements in materials management efficiency and accuracy, while reducing costs from errors and waste. The tool can be used by both suppliers and customers throughout the entire product life cycle, including early product development and pre-production phases, and the post-production aftermarket/service phases as an essential aid to continuous process improvement. Referenced in Annex B of the Automotive Quality Standard IATF16949, MMOG/LE is identified as a best practice approach to Supply Chain Management. In many cases, the use of the tool is mandated by major automotive OEMs to their global supply base for self-assessment and reporting of their logistics capability. The current version of Global MMOG/LE (Version 4) was first released in 2014 and now needs to be reviewed in order to ensure that it takes account of the constant evolutions in supply chain processes and technology. A team of supply chain experts from Odette and AIAG member companies has therefore been assembled to define the new requirements for Version 5 of the tool. The preliminary vectors of change for Version 5 include: Risk management Cybersecurity Digitalisation Industry 4.0 Alignment with IATF 16949 The new Version 5, which is planned for release in Q1 2019, will quickly become the required standard for self-assessment by automotive suppliers and we expect customers to be announcing their V4 to V5 migration plans over the coming months to ensure that their suppliers have sufficient time to bring their logistics operations up to speed. MMOG/LE intends to improve the assessment process through use of increased technology The use of an Excel based assessment process has been in place for years and has supported MMOG/LE very well. However, with the ever increasing pace of change and improvement in communication technology Odette is working now on improving the current Excel methodology. A modern browser based application called MMOG.np, which is a new platform, has been developed with MMOG/LE users from both sides of the Atlantic involved in the development and testing to ensure that the platform meets not only the current needs but prepares for the future needs of customers and suppliers in the automotive supply chain. Based on a powerful underlying database MMOG.np will include the following key features: Comprehensive maintenance of data Dedicated functionalities for customers and suppliers Unlimited number of users with controlled access Multiple assessment sites, MMOG versions and Customer profiles Multi-language Use of previous assessments as templates Import/export of assessments from and to the current Excel based tool Functionalities expected from a state of the art IT tool audit trail user access management data security MMOG.np will be available from Odette from Q2 2018 to use with Version 4 of the MMOG/LE catalogue while MMOG/LE Version 5 to be published in Q1 2019 will only be available on the MMOG.np platform. Industry Forum is the UK official Odette Training Provider and are a leader in expertise and involvement in the MMOG/LE community. Not only that, but Industry Forum’s Mike Dickinson is chair for the European user group and is a member of the global group representing Odette. If you require help and support from the training group which is closest to the future development of MMOG/LE Get in touch
April 5, 2018 Articles Why is IATF 16949 a good idea for your organisation? The benefits of IATF 16949 cannot be over-stressed, companies large and small have gained great benefits from using the standard by discovering cost and efficiency savings. Some of the other benefits are listed below. Credibility and image IATF 16949 is an internationally recognised standard; it has become the basis for creating a Quality Management System (QMS) around the world and has replaced many previously published requirements. When a customer is looking for a supplier the requirement to have a QMS based on IATF 16949 is often a major consideration if you are competing for work in the automotive industry. Credibility to supply the automotive industry This can be one of the main drives for companies to become registered to IATF 16949. In order to get large customers from the automotive industry, organisations need to demonstrate their ability to provide quality products with no defects. Improvement One of the 7 quality management principles subscribed to by IATF 16949 is to improve customer satisfaction by planning for and striving to meet customer expectations. This can be achieved by improving customer satisfaction which will result in customer retention and repeat business. Happy and satisfied customers are the key to keeping customer loyal. Process approach Through looking at the process sequence and interactions using the process approach of IATF 16949 organisations will be able to identify improvements in efficiency and drive cost savings. Again, the elimination of waste throughout the supply chain that occurs is one of the fundamental goals of IATF 16949. Decision making Another quality management principle of IATF 16949 is the use of evidence-based decision making. By driving your decisions based on factual data, organisations will focus on placing resources in the areas that will give maximum improvement in efficiency and effectiveness. In addition monitoring the process organisations will be able to measure improvement based on actual data. Continual improvement Continual improvement is another quality management principle of IATF 16949. By improving your processes, organisational output efficiencies and cost savings, can be then a measurable benefit. By making continual improvements, year on year, companies can see continuing benefits. Employee motivation and empowerment If employees are involved in the improvements of the processes they become more engaged. Who is better placed than the people working within the processes to identify the areas of improvement. Engaged employees are more productive and will help the company improve and save, especially if they understand how the quality of the process depends on them and the impact it can have on the customer. Back to IATF 16949 homepage
March 28, 2018 Articles Who are the IATF? The International Automotive Task Force (IATF) is a group of automotive manufacturers and their respective trade associations, formed to provide improved quality products to automotive customers worldwide. Find out more about the IATF… What is IATF 16949? On the 3rd October 2016, The IATF published the Automotive specific Quality Management System – IATF 16949:2016, which superseded the previous, ISO/TS 16949, version. The document was developed by a collaboration of IATF members and includes additional requirements specific to the unique demands of the automotive sector under one level of certification. The latest version represents an innovative document with strong customer orientation, based on feedback solicited from certification bodies, auditors, suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The document is a common automotive quality system requirement based on ISO 9001 and customer specific requirements from within the automotive sector. IATF 16949 emphasises the development of a process-oriented quality management system that provides for: continual improvement, defect prevention and reduction of variation and waste throughout the supply chain by incorporating common automotive and customer-specific requirements. Benefits of IATF 16949 Why an Automotive Sector Standard? Allows IATF to control the automotive content Allows IATF to track implementation related issues Allows IATF to provide regular implementation support and guidance through sanctioned interpretations and frequently asked questions Allows IATF the ability to release a revised standard to address weakness and new approaches at more regular intervals Summary of Changes In addition, the following areas are examples which have been added, enhanced or retained, but is not an exhaustive list: Conformance of products and processes Product Safety Human Factors Risk Contingency plans Competence and training Preventive Action Planning Product Realization Design, including requirements for Embedded Software Supplier development Quality Manual How can Industry Forum help you with your IATF 16949 Certification? As an approved training provider for SMMT IATF Oversight, Industry Forum offer a range of services to help your organisation gain their IATF 16949 certification. Our expert practitioners all have hands-on industrial experience with a wealth of expertise in providing on-site training, coaching and implementation support. Industry Forum offer a range of IATF 16949 services, these include: Training Course name Days More information IATF 16949 Essentials 1 day Find out more IATF 16949 Management Awareness 1 day Find out more IATF 16949 Internal Auditor Training 2 days Find out more IATF 16949 Upgrade Training for 1st and 2nd Party Auditors 2 days Find out more IATF 16949 Lead Auditor Training 5 days Find out more TPM for IATF 16949 1 day Find out more Gap Analysis Industry Forum can help your organisation with our detailed gap analysis tool. Enquire to find out more about this. Consultancy Industry Forum can provide a range of consultancy, coaching and implementation to, not only help you gain your IATF 16949 Certification, but also to help you bring about the intended improvements to your organisation’s manufacturing that the standard sets out to achieve. We can help you with: Developing your Auditor capabilities Increasing the awareness and capability of your workforce Developing the capabilities of the workforce to implement and use quality management tools and practices Get the latest updates regarding IATF 16949 Sign-up for up for the latest email updates and get all the latest news including customer specific requirements and by visiting the IATF Global Oversight website: www.iatfglobaloversight.org What next? For further information around any of our products and services or an initial and confidential discussion of your needs, please call +44 (0)121 717 6600 or email us today. Call us Email us Contact via webform
March 28, 2018 Articles, Resources Who are the IATF? The IATF is a group of automotive manufacturers and their respective trade associations, formed to provide improved quality products to automotive customers worldwide. IATF members include the following vehicle manufacturers: BMW Group FCA US LLC (formerly Chrysler Group) Daimler AG FCA Italy Spa (formerly Fiat Group Automobile) Ford Motor Company General Motors Company PSA Peugeot Citroen Renault SA Volkswagen AG and the vehicle manufacturers’ respective trade associations: AIAG (U.S.) ANFIA (Italy) FIEV (France) SMMT (U.K.) VDA (Germany) The IATF was established to: Develop a consensus regarding international fundamental quality system requirements, primarily for the participating companies’ direct suppliers of production materials, product or service parts or finishing services (e.g. heat treating, painting and plating). These requirements will also be available for other interested parties in the automotive industry Develop policies and procedures for the common IATF third party registration scheme to ensure consistency worldwide Provide appropriate training to support IATF 16949 requirements and the IATF registration scheme Establish formal liaisons with appropriate bodies to support IATF objectives IATF Structure Get the latest updates regarding IATF 16949 Get all the latest news including customer specific requirements, sign-up for up for the latest email updates and………… by visiting the IATG Global Oversight website: www.iatfglobaloversight.org
March 21, 2018 Events, General manufacturing, News Toyota and SMMT Industry Forum to co-host one-day workshop, free-of-charge for senior executives, to examine ways of improving UK manufacturing productivity Manufacturing businesses in sectors such as aerospace, nuclear and medical devices are invited to attend a workshop that will give a rare insight into methods proven by the automotive industry to improve productivity. The one-day event, at the Toyota Engine Plant, Deeside (see maps) on 11th May 2018, is to be co-hosted by the Toyota Lean Management Centre, widely acknowledged as a world leader in manufacturing productivity, and the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders) Industry Forum, which provides consultancy and training to help transform manufacturing competitiveness in many diverse industries. Experts from both organisations will share lessons learned in automotive manufacturing that are transferable to diverse industries. The Industry Forum’s chief executive, Dr. Chris Owen, said: “At a time when we keep hearing how British productivity is lagging behind international competitors, the automotive sector is reaching out to other UK manufacturing sectors to show that productivity doesn’t have to be a puzzle. We are inviting chief executives and managing directors from other manufacturing businesses to gain a deeper understanding of how to deliver productivity improvements by examining their own beliefs and looking at methods underpinning Toyota’s world-class operational performance.” The workshop will encourage senior executives to examine and challenge their own beliefs about productivity; consider conditions necessary for success; gain a deeper understanding of the concepts of Challenge, Kaizen, Genchi-Butsu, team-work, and respect; and examine the application of knowledge to different productivity scenarios. Workshop attendance is free but Toyota and Industry Forum suggest that participating companies make a donation to the Toyota Charitable Trust upon receipt of an invitation.
February 12, 2018 Articles, News For almost any manufacturer, accelerating the time‐to‐market of New Product Introduction (NPI) is a key strategic imperative within the constantly changing nature of today’s market environments. Aspirational growth targets are fundamental to future business strategy and a large part of achieving this growth will involve the introduction of new opportunities and new products into the business. Seamless New Product Launch Accomplishing a seamless new product launch is therefore critical in an organisation’s ability to meet both the constantly evolving market demands and internal growth targets identified within the business strategy. Executing a seamless new product launch however, is always going to be a challenging endeavour when taking into consideration the complexity of collaborating with multiple business functions such as engineering, planning, manufacturing, quality assurance and supply chain. Managing risk Every New Product Introduction opportunity brings an inherent level of risk with it. Managing these risks, within such a complex environment, is a key factor in the success of any NPI project or programme. In order to manage these risks effectively, an organisation has to be aware of the potential risks that will impact upon the programme, from the very outset of an NPI opportunity. Introducing the right opportunities It can prove hugely beneficial when selecting potential opportunities for future NPI projects, if the business has a clearly defined strategy on its product market groups and can provide feedback from the performance of its existing products. This will help the sales and marketing team to bring the right product groups into consideration for future NPI projects. This, in turn, will mitigate the risk of selecting the wrong opportunities; something which can be a major cause of conflict within a New Product Introduction environment. Applying NPI best practice The use of a defined, structured approach alongside the application of NPI best practices and proven tools will support an organisation on its NPI journey. In order to make a real impact on business growth however, NPI teams must ensure that they align closely with other parts of business. Managing the lifecycle of the opportunity The ultimate aim of a New Product Introduction programme must be to provide efficient methods and standards to aid manufacturing operations in taking the baton forwards and managing the lifecycle of the opportunity. New Product Introduction must therefore, act as the bridge between your future growth strategy and the efficiency of your current manufacturing operations. For this to happen there have to be clear linkages and hand-offs with both parts of the organisation. Only then will an organisation gain the rewards of revenue growth as part of a successful NPI implementation. If you have any further thoughts or would like to share your NPI experiences – we’d love to hear from you? [contact-form-7 id=”22076″ title=”Comments”]
January 19, 2018 News, Resources Launch of new AS standards A series of new AS standards have been launched over recent months focused around New Product Introduction and the associated core tools. There is increasing mandate expected in 2018 for suppliers to align to these standards, alongside existing customer specific requirements. Aerospace companies now have several options Do nothing, wait and see what happens Do enough to try and tick the boxes in future audits by ‘bolting on’ to existing quality management systems Take the initiative, understand what the standards are seeking to achieve and use them to drive competitive advantage As a leading aerospace management systems training organisation, Industry Forum has developed a range of courses to up-skill your team in the overall APQP approach and the elements of PPAP. These courses will enable delegates to apply the tools and maximise the benefit to your business. Open course places are available in our Birmingham Learning Centre and will become available in other global locations. Closed courses and implementation support can also be provided at your organisation in a format that best suits your specific needs. AS9145 APQP and PPAP Practitioner (5 day course) Our first course in 2018 is the 5 day AS9145 APQP and PPAP Practitioner (12th – 16th March). This course will provide delegates with an in-depth understanding of the standard which aims to embed APQP and PPAP best practice within aerospace and defence organisations New Product Introduction processes. View course information Aerospace Management Systems Training As a leading Aerospace management systems training organisation, Industry Forum has developed a full range of courses to up-skill your team in the overall APQP approach and the elements of PPAP aligned to the new AS standards. Course name Days Pricing More information AS9145 – APQP and PPAP Essentials for Aerospace 2 days £625 (ex. VAT) Find out more AS9145 – APQP and PPAP Practitioner for Aerospace 5 days £980 (ex. VAT) Find out more AS13004 – Design and Process FMEA Essentials for Aerospace 1 day £350 (ex. VAT) Find out more AS13004 – PFMEA and Control Plan Essentials for Aerospace 1 day £350 (ex. VAT) Find out more AS13003 – MSA Essentials for Aerospace 1 day £350 (ex. VAT) Find out more AS9103 – SPC Essentials for Aerospace 1 day £350 (ex. VAT) Find out more AS13000 – 8D Problem Solving 2 days £415 (ex. VAT) Find out more Contact us for more information If you would like to talk to us about one of the above courses please contact us at +44 (0)121 717 6600 or email enquiries@if.wearecoal.work and we will arrange for one of our expert team to discuss your needs in more detail.
December 7, 2017 News Industry Forum were proud to participate in the SMMT’s inaugural Regional Forum, which took place at the Bolton Whites Hotel, The Macron Stadium (Bolton Wanderers Football Club) on Thursday 23rd November 2017. The Forum was organised as part of SMMT’s commitment to support all of its member’s right across the UK and was opened by SMMT’s Chief Executive, Mike Hawes, who spoke of both the opportunities and challenges facing the UK’s Automotive industry. The featured topic on the agenda for the morning session focussed on the opportunities for the automotive supply chain within the north of the UK. This saw Phillip Cox, Chief Executive of Chester and Warrington LEP, talk about opportunities that exist within the second largest cluster group in the UK, the skills challenges facing colleges and universities as well as improvement programmes such as NPLX and NMCL aimed at increasing the operational competitiveness of UK manufacturing. David Hall, Purchasing Manager at Bentley Motors then spoke of the activities taking place at Bentley’s plant in Crewe that will continue to provide further growth opportunities to the automotive supply chain in and around the region. Ian Henry gave a fascinating outlook on the UK’s vehicle production numbers before the secondary theme of the day, that of Brexit, became the featured subject matter. Nathan McArdle, Manager of Advanced Development Programs at BorgWarner and Helen Foord, Head of Government Relations & Public Policy at Vauxhall shared their insights into some of the work that they have been doing in order to prepare for Brexit. As well as exhibiting, Industry Forum then spoke about the transition from ISO/TS 16949 to IATF 16949:2016 alongside the SMMT IATF Oversight Office in afternoon. Industry Forum’s Automotive General Manager, Mike Dickinson, showcased the support that Industry Forum has to offer manufacturers in relation to the transition to the IATF16949:2016 standard. SMMT Oversight’s Niall Kealey was able to provide an update on the transition to the new IATF 16949:2016 Quality Standard, which needs to be completed by 4th September 2018 with all new audits now being made to the new standard. Niall was also able to provide some insight into the findings from the initial and transition audits that have been conducted to date by providing further information around the most common non-conformities identified during audits. The Regional Forum was the first of its kind to take place in the north of the UK and the first to take place under the stewardship of SMMT’s new regional engagement Manager for the north, John McLennan-Grant. The event was well supported by SMMT members at what proved to be an excellent venue. The day included some fantastic speakers providing valuable insights into subjects at the very heart of the UK’s automotive industry. If you’re interested in finding out more about any of the topics contained in the above article or in SMMT membership please get in touch with either Industry Forum or SMMT.