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The UK automotive Industry has been faced with increasing competition from Asia and Eastern Europe. In order to be competitive the UK vehicle
manufacturers have had to make significant changes to the way they do business. Cutting costs and improving quality are the main drivers.
The Quality of manufacturing however has shown some major improvement through adopting new quality processes and tools. In particular the introduction
of problem resolution methodologies has had proven success. Such examples are 8D (8 disciplines) and 6 Sigma, which follow a methodical approach to
solving a problem with a common aim of resolving the issues right first time.
8D Methodology
Suppliers are under increasing pressure from the OEM’s to provide robust and rapid problem resolution to avoid re-occurrence, financial penalties and
demerit marks, potentially risking future business.
Q8D follows the 8D methodology used by the vehicle manufacturers to guide the user through the problem resolution process. Not following a defined
problem resolution process can result in problems taking too much resource to resolve, not being resolved or re-occurrences of the same issue.
Reports
An added problem for suppliers is that most of their customers require quality reports in different formats for each customer. This often results in
multiple data bases being produced or submission of reports in an unacceptable format to the customer.
Q8D addresses these problems by providing an innovative solution of value to both manufacturers and the supply chain.
Q8D directs the user through the defined steps for problem resolution each step having clear guidance on what the user is expected to enter to meet
customer expectations.
The data is manipulated to provide reports in a number of formats consistent with each major customer requirements, ie. Ford, Honda, GM, Nissan etc.
Thus allowing all customer problems to be maintained in a single database.
Prioritisation
The system has a feature of prioritising each issue so that a defined priority list can be determined using industry recognised tools. This
prioritisation can be used to direct the correct resources at a problem and for escalation to senior management. It is an innovative unique selling point
of the project.
Qualatis offer public or onsite problem solving training courses in association with iqms following the Q8D model to further improve problem solving
skills.
Steve Buckle
Q8D is the brainchild of Steve Buckle who until recently was the Quality Manager for Land Rover Power Train Division. Steve has 30 years of experience
working for Land Rover, BMW, Honda, Rover Group, Jaguar, Ford and Aston Martin specialising in quality improvement and problem resolution systems.
Q8D is that it is clearly aimed at supporting the needs of SME’s and is not restricted to the automotive sector.
Free Trial
Q8D is in the final stages of development and if you are interested in finding out more or you wish to take part with a free trial please contact
Qualatis.
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