The Core Tools are Quality Assurance tools used maintain and improve the quality of processes and product. There are five core tools which are all listed below.
These five core tools reference manual are available for purchase.
1. Advance Product Quality Planning (APQP) is a manual that explains the phases on how manufacturers should go about controlling their processes during the development of products to comply with their customer requirements. The guidelines in this manual are used during the initial planning stage of a new product development or for a supplier qualification process. The APQP framework consist of five phases which are:
Plan and Define Program
Product Design & Development Verification
Process Design & Development Verification
Product & Process Validation and Production Feedback
Launch, Assessment & Corrective Action
2. Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is a Quality Assurance manual that defines the document information that are required to be compiled for a product quality and on its manufacturing process capability runs. It is used for approval of product and processes before permission is given for mass production of the product.
PPAP is required every time for new products or significant changes made to a product or on its processes. It is basically compiled documents for product and process qualification.
3. Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a reference manual covers the use of Variable and Attribute type control charts and Process Capability Analysis that are used to analyze and control processes. These SPC techniques covered in this manual are commonly used in the manufacturing industries. Control Charts are:
Average & Range Chart
Average & Std Deviation Chart
Median & Range Chart
Individual & Moving Range Chart
p Chart
np Chart
u Chart
c Chart
etc.
4. Measurement System Analysis (MSA) provides guidelines on quantitative methods on how to access the capabilities and the quality of measuring systems. It provides knowledge on what is measuring accuracy, bias, stability, linearity, precision, repeatability and reproducibility. It explains how to evaluate measuring and test equipment to ensure measurement data can be reliably collected.
5. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a reference manual on how to implement FMEA in the design and manufacturing processes. FMEA is used to identify potential failures that could occur and to analysis the extent of these failures damaging the design, product or process. It is used as a design analysis evaluation tool or as a production troubleshooting/decision tool.
FMEA is one of the tools that organizations could use to comply with the new ISO9001:2015 on risk management requirements.
