Hi professionals,
I am a new Masters who has passed out of QE. My questions is "What is the role of Quality Engineer in the APQP ?. Your answers are very much appreceated.

Thanks
Student
Wayne State Uni:thanx:

Hello Student :ca:
I have seen your thread and think its your interview question :biglaugh:
Look you have to first understand your processes in the APQP.
If you keenly look at the processes you will understand that in the each stage its the responsibility of one and the others are advisors. Look in the case of the first stage "plan and design" its the responsibility of the management to look after the planning of the new product.
In the next stage " The product design and verification " the Designeers/ Engineers take over the project starting with the Design of the product. Here the DFMEA..........etc takes place.
In the third stage " The process design and validation " takes place. Here the process for the production is put down, involving the QE.
In the stage called the "Product and process design and validation" the PPAP come into the picture where QE works.
Lastly its the launch stage where TGWs and TGRs come into picture, where you dont have a key role.
This is all I know of, it would be great if anyone else comments on it.

As I see it the role of the Quality function in the APQP process is to monitor the progress and advise and moderate in the use of tools etc.

In the stage called the "Product and process design and validation" the PPAP come into the picture where QE works.
I would disagree with this. The PPAP is the documentation of the actions taken throughout the process and thus all that is needed is to collate the various reports which the QE is not responsible for.
IMO you are trying here to continue the fallacy that Quality Functions produce Quality.

As I see it the role of the Quality function in the APQP process is to monitor the progress and advise and moderate in the use of tools etc.


I would disagree with this. The PPAP is the documentation of the actions taken throughout the process and thus all that is needed is to collate the various reports which the QE is not responsible for.
IMO you are trying here to continue the fallacy that Quality Functions produce Quality.

Thanks for correcting me there. I beleive in the conccept of learning new things everyday.:D

I work as a Business Manager for a large Tier 1 exhaust supplier. In my position I lead a large team of professionals towards a common goal of launching a program on time and under budget. One of these members is my QE at the plant that the program will be run. He is responsible for compiling the documentation needed for the PPAP. Along with that, he acts as a laison between the plant, and corporate quality, to ensure that company standards and quality requirements are adhered to. I rely on him/her and my launch manager to ensure tasks are completed in sequence as we move between program phases. This probably does not fully answer your question but If you have any specific questions regarding duties I can try and answer them. Feel free to PM me.

hi Murph,
That really makes many things clear. When you are talking about the documentation side are we talking about the entire process or the Process launch /prelaunch. Thanks very much for your response. I am looking for a break in this field.
Your time is really appreceated.

I think that Murph and I am really agreeing
The quality function is responsible for collating the documents, he is not really responsible for the content.
He helps to prepare the content as part of the team.

What value addition the QE does in APQP

1.Review the Drawing for correctness and copletness

2.Verify the Tolerences are achievable with the required Capability

3.Provide the feedback on simmilar process/product failure modes

4.The control plan/Inspection plan reflects these failures

5. Coordinate various activities with in the plant

6.Desgin/Revoiew/Evaluate Gages and Instruments

7. Conduct MSA

8.Layout Inspection

9.Coordinate with Customer

10. Control and Improve the process

Prabhu

Hey prabhu
Thankyou very much, your job description was very informative.

Please visit Workopolis or Monster for detailed job descriptions

Prabhu

hi prabhu
I am not looking for the duties of a QE, but the responsibilities he is given under the APQP process.
I know one of the major tasks is the documentation, but also the PPAP and caliberation of gauges, carrying out capability studies, monitering progress of discussion, MSA, discussion with the Design engineers, suppliers on the tolerences.
I was looking for something specific to the APQP process.
Thanks prabhu

Hi

These may look like general duties of Quality Enginner
please look at them specific to a product
from start of the programme to full approval of PPAP

The various responsibilities may change between various designations
based on size and type of the organisation

One may prepare his own checklist based on the APQP manual

If you are looking for Control plan info
It is based on Type of dominance of that process
Out put from FMEA
Feed back from Control charts( from simmillar Product/Process)

Prabhu