I would like to discuss the definition of OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer. Marc, you have stated that as far as QS 9000 that you feel that it pertains only to Ford,GM and DC. I disagree, read the (note) in section 4.11.2.b.1. " Where a qualified laboratory does not exist for a given piece of equipment, calibration services may be performed by the original equipment manufacturer" Now are you saying that the big three wants us to send our special piece of equipment to them for calibration. I don't think so. I think that they are talking about the company that designed, built, and produced this piece of equipment. If my company produces hubcaps, and we have a patent, we are the OEM. If the big three buys them from us, and puts them on their cars, then we are the 1st tier supplier but also the OEM, which gives us the freedom to audit our own subcontracters and qualify them. If however we are contracted by the big three to paint hubcaps,that they have already bought from some other OEM, then the supplier of the paint, to us must be 3rd party registered. What do you think???

I need more convincing before I would give up the thought that under QS-9000 the big 3 are the OEM's.

ASD...

In QS-9000 Appendix E: Acronyms and Their Meanings, OEM is defined as:

Original Equipment Manufacturer (e.g. Chrysler, Ford, General Motors).

Jim

[This message has been edited by Jim Evans (edited 01 August 2001).]

Out of all the acronyms given on that page (e.g.)is only used once, websters dictionary says it stands for (for the sake of example) to me this means others could exist. Since the big three wrote the book it only stands to reason that they would use their
own company names as the example.I feel they are giving an example, not saying we are the only OEM's out there.

Try this one: QS-9000 Section II -- Title page under Section Organization:
Chrysler-Specific Requirements
Ford-Specific Requirements
General Motors-Specific Requirements
Other OEM-Specific Requirements

There is a short list of other companies (mostly truck manufacturers) in that section such as Mack Truck, Volvo Truck etc.

The implication seems to be that the authors of QS-9000 (namely the Big 3) consider themselves and a few select other vehicle manufacturers as the only OEMs.

Jim

Jim,

Good references. Any "Big 3" SQA's lurking out there to shed some light, although I think the correct anwsers have been posted already.

Thanks Al. The big 3 could have saved us all some grief by including a definition of OEM in the QS glossary. Their failure to include it in the glossary would seem to imply that they felt the definition of OEM was sufficiently clear in the text of the QS document itself. Just my opinion.

Jim

-> The big 3 could have saved us all some grief by including
-> a definition of OEM in the QS glossary.

Next thing you know, you'll be wanting 'sanctioned' interpretations or something! http://16949.com/ubb/wink.gif

That's the ticket Marc. However, there is a drawback to interpretations that are clear and precise: What would become of all the interesting conversations on the forums?

Jim