New Product Launch - Safe Launch

[Felony Melony]

I have searched this forum but cannot find an answer, Is Safe Launch a Requirement of IATF 16949 if so, what is the clause.

Or, is it driven by top Auto makers and flowed down to Tier 1 suppliers? We supply a range of parts to all Automotive makers but struggle with this requirement being applied to "ALL" parts we make. In some cases we are a Tier 2 supplier, it doesn't make sense to place the burden of 100% sort unless necessary when we have robust milestone launch program that is followed. Parts are off process, off tool and ready for launch, any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[Ron Rompen]

Safe Launch is a customer requirement - not everyone mandates it, but (IMHO) it is a good idea at the start of ANY new program, so that you get a better understanding of how your processes actually work, instead of just how you THOUGHT they would work.

A point to keep in mind about Safe Launch is that it does not require 100% sort. It is intended to be an ENHANCED inspection of features which you (possibly with customer input) select, based on risk and possible impact to the customer.

 

[bacerrano]

Safe Launch is a customer requirement - not everyone mandates it, but (IMHO) it is a good idea at the start of ANY new program, so that you get a better understanding of how your processes actually work, instead of just how you THOUGHT they would work.

A point to keep in mind about Safe Launch is that it does not require 100% sort. It is intended to be an ENHANCED inspection of features which you (possibly with customer input) select, based on risk and possible impact to the customer.

Hi Ron, I have a customer that is mandating safe launch and we have gone 3 months without a rejection for any cosmetic, label, or other issues. Our customer is stating that we need to stay on safe launch since we are only approved on a deviation for dimensional issues that we cannot correct. We are waiting on our customer to change the print or authorize a tool modification. Any thoughts.

 

[optomist1]

Hi Felony Melony,

It is frequently implemented for "High Risk" Supplier(s) and or "High Risk" Platform/Product Launches...and frequently (this lingo varies from OEM to OEM), I am familiar/experienced with "3CPR - Third Party Containment & Problem Resolution". High Risk as you might guess can mean different things from...a troubled or dicey PDR, a marginal initial or yearly audit, previous problem launches, on-going warranty/field issues...

Hope this helps
Cheers Optomist1

 

[Ron Rompen]

Hi Ron, I have a customer that is mandating safe launch and we have gone 3 months without a rejection for any cosmetic, label, or other issues. Our customer is stating that we need to stay on safe launch since we are only approved on a deviation for dimensional issues that we cannot correct. We are waiting on our customer to change the print or authorize a tool modification. Any thoughts.

The first thing that I would recommend is to follow up with your customer and find out what they require for you to exit Safe Launch.

As i mentioned before, Safe Launch is (usually) focused on key characteristics which affect fit/form/function. If you are running under an open deviation for a dimensional nonconformance, then I would think that it does not affect any of these.
Again, the customer is in the drivers seat for things like this - work with them, and get an agreed-on exit criteria.