How do you use SPC to support risk management and contingency planning in APQP?

2 How to apply SPC in APQP?

SPC can be used in various phases of APQP, depending on the purpose and the type of data available. For instance, during the planning and definition phase, SPC can be used to analyze historical data of similar products or processes, identify key process variables and characteristics, and set preliminary process capability and control limits. During the product and process design phase, it can be used to validate design assumptions, test prototypes, and verify design outputs and specifications. In the product and process validation phase, SPC can be employed to monitor production trial run, evaluate process capability and stability, and confirm readiness for mass production. Lastly, in the launch, feedback, and corrective action phase, SPC can be used to track process performance, customer feedback, and quality indicators; as well as to implement corrective and preventive actions if needed.

3 How to use SPC for risk management in APQP?

Risk management is an integral part of APQP, as it helps to recognize, evaluate, and reduce the potential defects and failures that could influence the product quality and customer satisfaction. SPC can contribute to risk management in APQP by providing a range of advantages. It can help identify the potential sources of variation and failure in the process, such as equipment, materials, methods, environment, or human factors. SPC can also evaluate the severity, occurrence, and detection of each failure mode and calculate the risk priority number (RPN) using tools like failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). Furthermore, it can help to mitigate risks by implementing appropriate control measures like process adjustments, preventive maintenance, error-proofing, or inspection. Control charts and capability indices can be used to verify the effectiveness of these measures.

5 How to improve your SPC skills in APQP?

SPC is a powerful and versatile tool that can help you to achieve your APQP goals and improve product quality and customer satisfaction. To use SPC effectively in APQP, you should have some basic skills and knowledge, such as selecting appropriate data collection methods and sampling plans, analyzing data with statistical techniques, interpreting the results, and communicating the results and recommendations. You can improve your SPC skills in APQP by taking online courses or reading books or articles, joining forums or communities, consulting experts or mentors, applying them to real or simulated projects, reviewing case studies or examples, or participating in audits or reviews.