The quality manager’s response – part 4: defining terminology, what’s that mean?

We are recruiters, so, people expect us to know it all. Our clients, alias employers, depend on us to figure every assignment out. Since we often fill “quality” positions, Mr. Ryšavý and I have prepared a small terminology cheat sheet of words that we commonly use. Do you know what Formel Q – D/TLD or ISO 9001 mean? You don’t? So, let’s take a look at it!

FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) 

FMEA Analysis is one of the basic risk management methods, primarily intended for the automotive suppliers. It also simultaneously applies to meeting ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or IATF 16949 requirements.

Measurement System Analysis – MSA 

Measurement System Analysis, MSA verifies the reliability and suitability of the measurement system selected.

Formel Q – D/TLD Audit 

Formel Q D/TLD Quality Audit is a specific process audit intended for safety parts, based on special requirements from the VW Group. Formel Q is a set of specific requirements of the VW Group, which ensure the quality of parts and processes in the supply chain.

IATF 16949 – Standard 

This standard defines and extends the requirements for a quality system based on ISO9001 in the production of parts for the automotive industry. It represents an innovative document in terms of it strong customer-driven focus, incorporating a number of specific customer requirements.

ISO 9001 – Standard

The basic standard specifying requirements on quality management systems. Provides a quality management framework, which companies can use to guarantee consistent quality of its products and services. This should be used when there is a need to prove the organization’s ability to provide products that meet the customers’ requirements and the applicable regulation requirements.

Ishikawa Diagram

Ishikawa (Fish Bone Diagram) is a simple method, which systematically searches for the causes of a given problem. It is a graphic aid, in the shape of a fishbone, which when combined with targeted brainstorming, helps gather the thoughts of individuals or a whole team. These individuals or team then focus on finding the root cause of the problem. The causes of the problem are most often hidden below the surface and at first glance, seem unrelated to the investigated issue.

PDCA Method (Plan-Do-Check-Act)

This is what we call the method of a constant cycle of activities for the purpose of effectively resolving a problem and improving daily work life.

PPAP (Production Part Approval Process)

The process of approving parts for series production, primarily used in the automotive industry, The fundamental rules of PPAP help to correctly and effectively process the first sample report (how to sample and how to present the samples to customers).

Statistical Process Control – SPC

A set of statistical tools, which help manage process parameters, so that the outcome of the process is predictable and so that the process generates minimum error or non-compliant outputs. This is ideal for everyone, who manages processes in operations or in the testing room.

VDA 6.3 

A Standard that deals with process auditing in the automotive industry.

VDA 6.5 

The Standard describes the procedures and methods of a product audit in the automotive industry. It involves planning, preparation, implementation and evaluation of product internal audits, including sufficient record-keeping of non-compliances, their evaluation and writing final reports.

ISO 14001 – Standard

The ISO 14001 Standard specifies the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS). This Standard primarily deals with protecting the environment and preventing pollution.

5S – Methodology and Audit

The 5S Method was created to eliminate waste in the workplace. It is based on 5 Japanese words that describe 5 basic principles: Seiri – clean, Seiton – arrange, Seiso – wash and check, Seiketsu – standardization and rules, Shitsuke – follow rules. This technique teaches us how to organize the worksite according to the 5S Methodology and how to eliminate waste, increase productivity and safety in the workplace in 5 steps, thereby taking further steps to lean production.

8D Report

An 8-step problem solving methodology, which continuously improves the quality of products and processes in production plants.

SMED - Single Minute Exchange of Dies 

A method of reducing the time it takes to re-type production equipment. It is a systematic process for minimizing times, downtimes, therefore, waiting times of capacity units between the processing of two consecutive different types of products. The main target of this method is to reduce the time it takes to set up and adjust the machines from several hours to several minutes, less than ten minutes. 

That’s it for our dictionary. Not easy, right? But don’t worry, with us, you won’t even get lost when it comes to quality! 

Is there anything we did not mention in this article? Do you have any questions? Contact us!