CQI-, Continuous Quality Improvement.

1. Automotive CQI Standards & Initiatives

• CQI-9 (Special Process: Heat Treat System Assessment) – AIAG standard for heat treatment process control.

• CQI-11 (Special Process: Plating System Assessment) – Focuses on plating processes.

• CQI-12 (Special Process: Coating System Assessment) – Covers painting and coating systems.

• CQI-14 (Automotive Warranty Management) – Guidelines for warranty claim reduction.

• CQI-15 (Welding System Assessment) – For welding process quality control.

• CQI-17 (Soldering Technology & Assessment) – Pertains to soldering processes in electronics.

• CQI-19 (Subordinate FMEA) – Supports Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for sub-suppliers.

• CQI-20 (Problem-Solving Guidelines) – Root cause analysis and corrective action methods.

• CQI-21 (Lean Manufacturing Assessment) – Evaluates lean production systems.

• CQI-23 (Molding System Assessment) – For plastic injection molding quality.

• CQI-24 (Robotic & Automation System Assessment) – Covers robotic process controls.

• CQI-25 (Additive Manufacturing System Assessment) – For 3D printing/AM quality.

2. Automotive Quality Management Systems (QMS)

• IATF 16949 – The global QMS standard for automotive suppliers (replaces ISO/TS 16949).

• ISO 9001 – Foundational QMS standard referenced by IATF 16949.

• VDA 6.3 (German Automotive Process Audit) – Process audit standard used by German OEMs (e.g., VW, BMW).

• MMOG/LE (Materials Management Operations Guideline/Logistics Evaluation) – For supply chain quality.

3. CQI Tools & Methodologies

• PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) – Continuous improvement cycle.

• Six Sigma (DMAIC) – Data-driven quality improvement.

• 5 Whys Analysis – Root cause investigation.

• 8D Problem-Solving – Structured corrective action process.

• Kaizen – Continuous incremental improvements.

• FMEA (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis) – Risk mitigation tool.

• SPC (Statistical Process Control) – Monitoring process stability.

4. Automotive OEM-Specific CQI Requirements

• Ford (Q1 Certification) – Supplier quality recognition program.

• GM (BIQS – Built-In Quality Supply Base) – Supplier quality system.

• Stellantis (SQAM – Supplier Quality Assurance Manual) – Quality requirements.

• Toyota (TPS – Toyota Production System) – Lean & quality principles.

• Honda (HQS – Honda Quality Standard) – Supplier expectations.

5. Industry Associations Supporting CQI

• AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group) – Publishes CQI standards.

• VDA (German Association of the Automotive Industry) – German OEM standards.

• SAE International – Technical standards for automotive engineering.

• ASQ (American Society for Quality) – Quality training & certifications.