Title: An examination of the quality engineering problems experienced in automotive product transfer

Authors: A.J. Heron, B.G. Dale

Addresses: Quality Management Centre, Manchester School of Management, UMIST, PO Box 88, Manchester M60 lQD, UK. ' Quality Management Centre, Manchester School of Management, UMIST, PO Box 88, Manchester M60 lQD, UK

Abstract: This paper reports the main findings of a study into the difficulties of moving a complex automotive-related product from prototype construction to the company|s main assembly line. Good project management ensured that the transfer of the vehicle went smoothly, to the planned timetable and with no loss of build quality. When the plan fell behind schedule, strong and timely decisions were made to bring it back on course. However, the transfer was not without its problems, including lack of communication between the two assembly plants which led to a certain amount of nugatory effort, differences in working practices of the two plants, and supplier quality problems inherited from the pilot assembly plant. The paper also provides guidance in the setting-up and management of transfer projects of this type and complexity.

Keywords: automotive products; main assembly plant; monitoring; pilot assembly plant; product quality; product transfer; project management; training; worker cooperation; quality engineering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1995.061918

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1995 Vol.16 No.6, pp.521 - 530

Published online: 28 May 2014 *

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