Software solution to manage APQP and PPAP

[Quality-Guru]

Guys:

I am new to this site. What an excellent site!

I need some help. I am doing some research on quality systems available in the automotive market, particularly software that handles management of APQP and PPAP processes. Powerway, Apexon, and Pilgrim are 3 systems that I have found so far. Can you please help me with any information that you may have.

First, some general opinions:

1. What are some of the challenges of managing APQP and PPAP with a manual process, or xcel spreadsheets?
2. If there is no mandate from DCX, would you be happy with just the way things are?
3. In your opinion, what are some of the benefits of a web-based software solution to manage your APQP and PPAP processes?

Next, some specifics on any or all of these systems:

What you like or dislike about these systems?
How do they hold up to their promises of delivery (functionality, service, etc.)
How much do they cost?
I have heard a lot of good things about Powerway. But I have also heard that it is kind of forced on to a lot of suppliers. Your thoughts.

If anybody is interested in having a private conversation with me, please feel free to email me. I would love to talk to you.

Thanks a lot,

Quality-Guru

[Bill Ryan]

Welcome to the Cove

We have a customer that uses Plexus. It, and SupplyPower, are the only "systems" I have used for submissions so I can't compare it to any others. Basically (for Plexus), I just upload my "business software" documents to the correct module. It's rather "bulky" and sort of a pain to review what is already uploaded and what still needs to be. It has "Planned" and "Actual" date columns for submissions (parts of submissions), but I would like to see a "bells & whistles" feature which might email me as I close in on a due date. I don't have the rights to set up anything in SuuplyPower, so it is basically only a tool for me to go into and see if a submission is approved or not.

We have been "Web-trained" for Powerway. At this time we are Tier 1 to GM for only one part. We've signed on as a user (forced) but I see it as a "short-term" waste of money. We don't have any new projects lined up with GM and, at this time, it is only going to be used for APQP activities on selected program launches (from our SQE). My job duties include PPAP submissions for replacement tooling (cavities) and we are to continue using the GQTS module in SupplyPower.

Regarding the use of spreadsheets, my biggest issue is with the "cross-referencing" between the Process Flow Diagram( PFD), Design/Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (D/PFMEA), and Control Plans (CP). I have been spoiled with software which, when an entry is made in the PFMEA, forces you to address it in the CP. If you "forget" to address it, you have a Product or Process Characteristic on the CP which doesn't have any controls. With a spread sheet format, you could add to the PFMEA all day and not update the CP. (Does that make sense?).

Enough for now,

Bill

[Quality-Guru]

Bill, thanks.

Do you have any specifics on Powerway.com? How much does it cost to sign up, and then what is the monthly cost? is it on a per user basis?

Your use of PPAP - is it internal only or do you actually communicate with customer or supplier over the web?

[Howard Atkins]

We have had a lot of discussions on this subject.
I have used dedicated software and spreadsheets.
As Bill said speadsheets demand a lot of updating work in the connections between the documents.
I am not sure of the prices today but I am sure that the software returns its cost in a reasonable time if you are reqularly producing new parts.
In my experience the difference in time is enourmouse as well as ensure the consistency that you need.
One problem is that some of the software is not E-Mail friendly so check that. It might be possible to convert to PDF.

Search the forums, I found 33 threads when searching for Powerway.