IATF 16949 management system for contract electronics manufacturer.
Fabrinet are a leading global contract electronics manufacturing solutions provider dedicated to delivering innovation and service excellence to the global electronics industry by adding value in the design, build and test of printed circuit board assemblies for use in aerospace and defence, automotive and transportation, communications, semi-conductor testing, green energy, LED lighting and medical technology.
Following on from our successful ISO 13485 project with Fabrinet, we were asked to take on another, equally challenging, project this time involving more members of our team. The company were aiming to strengthen their position in the automotive market by obtaining IATF 16949 certification. Our year-long engagement included project management, system development, technical support and internal auditing.
3
consultants.
14
month engagement.
QFactorial Service offering
Implementation
We started with our well-proven methodology for gap & synergy assessment with action plan (GSAAP) and developed a full project programme for the client’s approval. The plan included all aspects of IATF implementation including documentation, detailed process maps, supplier management, training, internal audits, and a project dashboard.
The three consultants involved each took on a distinct role within the project. The project manager was able to collate and communicate the needs of the client to the rest of the team, suggested ways of achieving those needs, made sure previous work was built on and integrated into the new work, acted as liaison between stakeholders and held monthly progress meetings.
The technical lead applied many years of automotive and IATF experience to develop and review policies, procedures, tools, and templates that would be meet the higher standards required by IATF 16949. By separating the technical and auditor roles, we were able to ensure that the internal auditor was fully informed about the changes and developments being made, whilst also maintaining their impartiality. The audit programme operated on three levels (Business Process, Manufacturing Process & Products). Detailed check lists and turtle diagrams were created as part of the deliverable set.
Often, when consultants put a team together, it consists of both senior and junior members. But in this case, all three consultants were highly experienced and qualified, each bringing a particular set of skills to the project (and unfortunately, none of us could be considered ‘junior’ anymore…) Our Q!Network of consultants meant we came with a ready-made team, so our client didn’t have to cast around for multiple consultants with no synergy, background information or coordination.
We completed the delivery of documentation and other gap-closing activities to the client’s satisfaction. We also implemented the internal audit programme and created an audit system for the client to adopt in the future. The client had appointed their external audits with Stage 1 scheduled when it was announced by the overseas owners that the UK factory would be closing within a few months. This was a disappointing end to a very productive and enjoyable project, meters from the finish line.
We used QFactorial to support us in preparing for certification to IATF 16949. QFactorial dealt with all of our project’s challenges in a competent and professional manner. With the support of their knowledgeable team, we were able to complete a comprehensive gap analysis, develop and implement processes and documentation, set up and carry out internal audits. All to plan and on budget. The overall project management was invaluable.