Design process enhancement

Abstract: The need and demands within the automotive industry on quality systems and processes are high. The most widely spread document for quality control is the standard ISO/TS 16949. The aim with the APQP-process is to build the quality of the product and process for new designs or re-designs. The aim of this project is to find a customized, when it comes to the design process, APQP-process for Fuji Autotech with focus on the two first phases where most of the design activities are performed. This is done by studying the existing APQP-process at Fuji Autotech and comparing it with mainly the standard ISO/TS 16949, interviewing personnel at the company, and empirical studies of the process. The focus areas are therefore to find a process that suites the company and contribute to the academia by sharing experience to the University. Three issues where considered being of importance for the outcome of the project. Question 1: Which factors are necessary to follow-up when assuring the quality of a project? Question 2: How does the process for quality assuring a project look like today? Question 3: How may the process for quality assurance of a project be optimized? The result from this research project is two new process maps and a new APQP process flow for Fuji Autotech has been created. The studies performed, within this research project have identified the following key factors for obtaining a good quality. Existence of a management systems for quality Management responsibility Management of resources Product design Measure, Analyze and Improvement Fulfilment of customer needs Fulfilment of requirements