Quality Control/Quality AssuranceWhat is Quality Control/Quality Assurance?

What is quality control in the automotive industry?

Quality in the manufacture of automobiles plays a very important role directly related to consumer peace of mind. Quality control analyzes and manages quality in the process of developing and producing automobiles from various angles. Quality control is mainly divided into quality control of the production process and quality control of the product itself.

In recent years, the movement to improve operational efficiency through DX has been emphasized, and digital technology is increasingly being used in various quality control situations in manufacturing. In addition to statistical quality control (SQL), which has been the mainstay of quality control in the past, management methods that use machine learning to analyze data from manufacturing processes and improve efficiency are also being used in a variety of situations.

What is the difference between quality control and quality assurance?

Briefly summarized, quality control aims to detect quality defects, while quality assurance aims to prevent the occurrence of defects.

Quality Management

Quality control is the verification and assurance of the quality of products during their production and service construction. In manufacturing, it is responsible for managing not only the quality of the product, but also the production system and processes. When a defect is found, we investigate and identify its cause and review where it has occurred in the production process.

Quality Assurance

Activities to confirm that the quality of the company’s products meets the specified values and to guarantee the buyer’s safety and satisfaction even after delivery. We confirm that the safety of raw materials and safety standards in the manufacturing process are met, and that product safety standards are met. In recent years, compliance with the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which sets standards for products around the world, guarantees that the product conforms to internationally set standards and provides peace of mind to consumers.

What skills and qualifications are required?

Risk analysis and management skills

In preparation for shortage situations, skills to analyze data and prevent possible problems in advance are required. The skills to analyze the correlation and identification of causes using the seven QC tools tend to be sought after in quality control.

Communication Skills

The manufacturing process in automotive products involves communication with various departments. Skills to communicate smoothly not only with internal engineers but also with external suppliers, logistics, etc. are necessary.

Knowledge of quality management system (ISO9001)

It is a standard for quality management systems that aims to continuously improve the quality of products and services provided to customers, and is knowledge that should be kept in mind in quality management regardless of the automotive industry.

Qualifications that are advantageous to quality control
→ Quality Control Certification (QC Certification)
Abbreviation for Quality Control, the QC certification examines knowledge of quality control and is divided into four levels of QC. It is useful to prove the level of knowledge of quality control.

Quality Control｜An example of automotive quality terminology you should know

What is TS16949 and what is ISO16949?

Refers to an international quality management system standard for the automotive industry. This standard was developed by the IATF (International Automotive Industry Special Committee) with the support of the ISO/TC176 Technical Committee of the International Organization for Standardization.

TS=Techinical Specification

What is the ISO 16949 certification system?

The nine European and U.S. automakers that are members of the IATF (International Automotive Task Force) require their parts/materials manufacturers (suppliers) to obtain ISO/TS16949 certification as a condition of business. In order to obtain certification, audits are periodically conducted by a third-party certification body.

Nine automobile companies: GM, Ford, Chrysler, Daimler, Volkswagen, BMW, Fiat, Renault, Peugeot Citroen

Reference : Plexus Japan Plexus Japan

What is PPAP?

Production Part Approval Process is an industry standard that outlines the process for proving that engineering design and product specifications have been met in the supplier’s manufacturing process. through PPAP, suppliers and customers agree on the requirements necessary to obtain approval.

Major complete vehicle manufacturers for which PPAP is listed in customer-specific requirements

• Stellantis
• Ford Motor Company
• General Motors

Reference : (PPAP) (PPAP) Production Part Approval Process by AIAG

What is FMEA?

Abbreviation for Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis refers to the prediction and prevention of potential failure and accident risks in manufacturing processes. It is a step-by-step approach to identifying all possible failures in design, manufacturing and assembly processes, and products and services to predict and prevent risks. This leads to continuous improvement.

Reference: FMEA by American Society for Quality

What is PFMEA?

PFMEA adds Process, which is used to identify the risks associated with process changes, identifying process functions, failure modes, and their impact on the process.

What is FTA?

Abbreviation of Fault Tree Analysis, this method analyzes the causes of product failures and accidents that occur as a result of product failures. Factors that occur during the operation of vehicle systems and equipment are developed into primary and secondary factors, and the causes of failure are examined and analyzed.

Reference: Japan Society for the Promotion of Machine Industry

How do I get a job in quality control?

As the automotive industry evolves, including the acceleration of automated driving technology, the role of quality control in ensuring vehicle safety and production processes will continue to grow in importance, and Turnpoint Consulting offers a wide range of career options in quality control and quality assurance to meet your needs. Contact Turnpoint Consulting for more information.

Turnpoint Consulting specializes in the mobility industry, dealing with companies that provide a wide range of other mobility-related services as well as automobiles.

Please feel free to apply for a free career consultation. We will support your job search by offering career options, guiding you to private jobs that even major agencies do not offer, assisting you with interviews, negotiating annual income, and assisting you with resignation procedures.