Return to the handbook index.

SUBJECT: QS-9000 – The Automotive Quality Standard

ALPHANUMERIC IDENTIFIER:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: QS-9000 is based on the ISO 9000 standard and adds interpretations and supplemental quality system requirements in order to develop a comprehensive and standardized approach to production control in the automotive industry.

KEYWORDS: QS 9000, Automotive Quality Control, Quality Standards

OVERVIEW:

QS-9000 is the officially recognized common denominator of business and product quality in the automotive industry. QS-9000 is composed of three modules, the ISO 9000 based requirements, the sector specific requirements, and the customer specific requirements. Each module addresses a different facet of quality as recognized by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG).

The standard was developed by the "big three" as the increasing need for quality control in the 1980s created a large variety of standards, programs, policies, and procedures that were individual to each automotive manufacturer. These individual standards were beginning to choke the supplier base.

Chrysler requires all tier 1 production and service part suppliers to be third party registered to QS-9000 since July 31,1997. Ford expects compliance with the QS standard since June 1995 and new suppliers to GM North America were to have been QS registered by January 1, 1996. Consequently every major supplier of automotive parts has been effected by QS-9000.

QS-9000 incorporates all 20 elements of the most comprehensive ISO 9000 standard and describes the minimum quality system requirements. The QS-9000 requirements emphasize continuous improvement, defect prevention, consistency, and elimination of waste. As the ISO 9000 requirements were identified in detail under the ISO 9000 subject, this section will outline only the additional areas in which QS-9000 places requirements on organizations with typical examples of the particular area.

Sector Specific Requirements

• Production Part Approval Process: All new parts and processes have to be approved by the effected customer.
• Continuous Improvement: The supplier must have a continuous improvement philosophy that is fully deployed throughout the organization.
• Manufacturing Capabilities: Mistake Proofing must be used in all phases of production, whether a problem or only a potential problem exists.

Customer Specific Requirements

• Chrysler Specific Requirements: Chrysler’s requirements include parts to be identified with certain symbols, internal quality audits, and corrective action plans.
• Ford Specific Requirements: These include control plans material analysis, lot traceability, and prototype part quality initiative.

The above-mentioned serve only as examples of the vast number of requirements under the QS-9000 standard. In addition, every major automaker has its own set of customer specific requirements putting tight control on suppliers.

The Benefits of QS-9000

A key aspect of QS 9000 is advanced quality planing. QS-9000 requires the use of cross-functional teams to develop plans, reviews, and failure analysis. Hence, one of the early benefits is improved internal communication. Another benefit is improved business processes. QS-9000 requires steps and procedures to be documented. This often uncovers inefficient procedures and practices. In difference to ISO 9000, QS-9000 focuses on continuous improvement in quality, service, and price. This follows that processes are streamlined, scrap is minimized, and service is enhanced. This leads to the key benefit: cost savings.

Consequently, many of the requirements under QS-9000 enhance the application of "best practices" and lean manufacturing. This has caused the standard to be imposed on more and more second and third tier manufacturer so that a fully certified value chain within the auto industry can be expected.

REFERENCES:

• Stamatis, D.H.1996.Integrating QS-9000 with your Automotive Quality System
• Rabbit & Bergh.1998.The QS-9000 Book
• Seghezzi, H.D.1996.Integriertes Qualitaets Management
• Peach, Robert.1997.The ISO 9000 Handbook

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: This is a March 29, 1999 revision by Gene Goodson of an assignment for OM742 contributed by XXX Thordsn.