Chapter 16: Advanced Quality Planning: Supplier Quality Management
Abstract : "Advanced Quality Planning" (APQP) in the context of Supplier Quality Management refers to a structured process used to proactively plan and manage the quality of products and services delivered by suppliers, ensuring they meet all necessary standards and customer requirements throughout the design and development stages, before mass production begins ; it involves close collaboration between a company and its suppliers to identify potential quality issues early on and implement preventative measures. Key points about APQP and Supplier Quality Management: Focus on proactive quality control: APQP emphasizes planning and preventative actions rather than just inspecting finished products, aiming to identify and address potential quality problems early in the development process. Collaboration with suppliers: A key aspect of APQP is actively engaging with suppliers to ensure they understand quality expectations, design specifications, and manu...