Abstract
The current Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) CQI-9 audit process has limited effectiveness to proactively detect heat treatment quality risks in Tier-1 and Tier-2 supply bases. A cross-functional engineering organization developed an improved supplier audit form using CQI-9, National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP), International Automotive Task Force (IATF), and specific internal company standards to distinguish and quantify production issues that may have been undiscovered with the existing CQI-9 approach. Representatives from engineering, commercial, and manufacturing crafted a more complete approach to supply chain quality. This new audit format (Beyond CQI-9) has demonstrated the ability to quantify heat treatment concerns, reduce future engineering resource costs, and develop new and existing heat treatment suppliers to meet world class quality levels.
