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AIAG Core Tools

Plexus works closely with the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) to design, develop, and deploy Core Tools training curriculum around the world. The application of the “Core Tools” is one of the most important mechanisms for an organization who wants to develop and implement an effective product development process to:

  • Meet and exceed industry and customer requirements
  • Reduce the complexity of product quality planning
  • Ensure engineering design and product specification requirements are met
  • Predict and prevent failures in both the product development and part production processes
  • Ensure process improvements are more effective
  • Assess the quality of your measurement systems, providing a basis for recognizing where improvements can be made

FMEA Boot Camp 1.0 | Seminar Series

Register for the full suite of FMEA seminars and knock out all five sessions across five days. You can also register for individual sessions, just 2.5 hours including Q&A.

  • Day 1: AIAG & VDA Process FMEA: Fundamentals Overview
  • Day 2: AIAG & VDA Design FMEA: Fundamentals Overview
  • Day 3: Process FMEA & Control Plan Linkages
  • Day 4: Process FMEA & Design FMEA Linkages
  • Day 5: FMEA & Cost of Quality (COQ) Analysis

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) & Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) is a structured method with 5 phases used to define and establish the necessary steps required to meet all Customer Specific Requirements (CSRs) in any new launch or product planning process. Approval of your APQP process will come through the submission of the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). The PPAP is a standardized process created to provide evidence to the customer that there is a reliable and repeatable process in place. Plexus offers understanding and implementation training as well as consulting services for APQP & PPAP.

AS9145 – APQP & PPAP for Aerospace

APQP and PPAP is becoming widely adopted by the Aerospace industry as detailed in the AS9145 standard. Plexus International works with Aerospace suppliers, OEMs and Primes, and other key industry stakeholders to provide training and consulting solutions for AS9145 requirements.

APQP & PPAP Training Opportunities

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a team-oriented, systematic, qualitative, and analytical method intended to identify, analyze, and mitigate technical risks related to product and manufacturing process design. It supports the five APQP phases to improve customer satisfaction by emphasizing defect prevention. A major benefit of the FMEA is being able to mitigate risk while balancing costs leading to organizational stability and growth. The utilization of FMEA is not only limited to the automotive industry, and is widely used throughout the aerospace, software, food services, medical device, healthcare, consumer appliance, and many other industries.

FMEA Training Opportunities

Plexus offers training in both the AIAG & VDA FMEA methogology as well as the SAE J1739 FMEA methodology.

New AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook

In June 2019, the AIAG and the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) jointly published the first international guide on Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). The AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook incorporates best practices from both AIAG and VDA methodologies into a harmonized, structured approach. The updated handbook promotes the utility of a process-oriented methodology to help suppliers meet the product performance requirements of global automakers.

Purchase the AIAG & VDA FMEA: Essentials for Transitioning eLearning exclusively from AIAG.org and get an electronic version of the new Handbook at a discounted rate.

Measurement System Analysis (MSA) & Statistical Process Control (SPC)

MSA measurement data monitors nearly every process. As data quality improves, decision quality improves. SPC describes several basic and advanced statistical methods to ensure your process improvements are more effective. In partnership with AIAG, Plexus offers understanding and implementation training solutions for MSA and SPC.

Training Workshops

  • Understanding & Implementing Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
  • Understanding & Implementing Statistical Process Control (SPC) 
  • Understanding & Implementing MSA & SPC Basics
  • Applied MSA & SPC for Practitioners

AIAG Core Tools Consulting Services

Our mission is to develop a deep understanding of your organization’s internal processes and business needs, and adapt the scope of our consulting services to meet your desired business outcomes. The first step is connecting with a Plexus representative and we’ll carefully assess your unique needs.
Process Management
APQP Implementation
Design & Process FMEA Development
Cost of Quality (COQ) Analysis
Outsourced PPAP Review and Disposition
MSA & SPC Implementation
Process Management
APQP Implementation
Design & Process FMEA Development
Cost of Quality (COQ) Analysis
Outsourced PPAP Review and Disposition
MSA & SPC Implementation

Related Resources and Tools

Risk mitigation meets ROI with the FMEA & Cost of Quality (COQ) Analysis Tool. Connect your PFMEA to the COQ and assess the effectiveness of your prevention and appraisal activities from a cost perspective.
The AIAG & VDA FMEA handbook whitepaper details how the new, harmonized global standard can positively impact your organization.
Join AIAG program director Scott Gray, and Plexus International technical expert Jeremy Hazel for a 60 minute webinar on the improvements and impact of the new AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook, as well as an update on training opportunities.
Core Tools expert, Jeremy Hazel, and AIAG CEO, Scot Sharland, discuss how to look holistically at your processess, weaponize your quality team, and leverage the AIAG Quality Core Tools to support a sustainable operating cost reduction initiative.
Explore steps you can implement now to make your multi-disciplinary team more effective, setup stronger communication channels with your customers and suppliers, and make better use of resources during APQP development.
Join AIAG program director Scott Gray, and Plexus International technical expert Jeremy Hazel for a 60 minute webinar on the improvements and impact of the new AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook, as well as an update on training opportunities.