EN
    Search

    APQP: An imperative for operational excellence in the aeronautics industry

    Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) is much more than just a quality tool: it's a complete project management process that aims to prevent defects and risks right from the design phase, thus ensuring compliance with the stringent requirements of the aerospace industry...

    Airbus, in its document "APQP awareness for Airbus Suppliers", emphasizes the importance of APQP for its suppliers.

    The document serves as a guide to APQP implementation, and emphasizes its major role in customer satisfaction and the achievement of quality objectives.


    APQP and its benefits for key players in the aerospace industry

    APQP, which is structured in 5 phases and complies with IAQG 9145, is built around three fundamental pillars:

    - Multi-Functional Team (MFT): APQP encourages collaboration between different departments (engineering, quality, production, purchasing, etc.) by forming a multi-functional team (MFT). This collaborative approach enables knowledge to be shared and informed decisions to be made right from the start of the project.

    - Project plan: A detailed project plan is drawn up, including milestones, deliverables and preventive activities for each phase of product development. This plan is essential for tracking project progress and ensuring that deadlines are met.

    - Early warning system: APQP implements a continuous monitoring system to identify risks and potential deviations. This enables managers to take corrective action quickly and avoid major problems.


    The benefits of APQP for managers are manifold


    - Quality Manager: Reduced non-quality costs, improved product conformity, better process control and a stronger quality culture.

    - Method Manager: Optimized production processes, reduced cycle times, improved productivity and better management of industrial risks.

    - QHSE Manager: Improved product safety, reduced work-related accidents, better compliance with regulations and reinforced QHSE approach.

    - APQP Manager: Efficient coordination of the MFT team, optimal steering of the APQP process, informed decision-making and continuous improvement of the APQP system.

    Skill Software: a partner of choice for APQP success

    Airbus recommends the use of Skill FMEA Pro, a software package developed by Skill Software, to carry out FMEAs. This tool makes it possible to effectively manage design and process risks, and to implement corrective and preventive actions.

    Skill FMEA Pro integrates perfectly into the APQP approach, and facilitates collaboration between MFT team members. Its ability to centralize data and generate reports facilitates decision-making and action follow-up.

    APQP is a major asset for aerospace companies seeking to achieve operational excellence. By adopting this method and relying on high-performance tools such as Skill FMEA Pro, quality, methods, QHSE and APQP managers can guarantee product conformity, customer satisfaction and the long-term future of their company.