Ford Motor Company has been using QOS and Q1 quality systems for a long time. Both these fundamental systems have given great advantage to FORD in supply base management. Lately in 2002 FORD launched its back-to-basics quality process -- called Q1 2002. The revised Second Edition Q1 requires a collaborative partnership with its suppliers uses clear metrics, rigorous site assessment and stresses continual improvement. The new approach, which builds on the existing Q1 program, focuses on Ford Global Purchasing and suppliers using results-based criteria and emphasizes working together at the manufacturing site. Ford worked carefully and closely with its suppliers to develop the program. Feedback from major suppliers was paramount in re-engineering the existing Q1 process. "Our Q1 suppliers are expected to perform at a certain level, but more importantly; this time FORD is putting the tools in place to maintain excellence and to improve their quality with each passing year. The program is being revised because it has lost some of the human touch that made it a benchmark "Ford's Q1” in the past has been viewed as a global industry standard. Gaining Q1 status was a one-time event that didn't need to be renewed. Once achieved, suppliers had limited interaction with Ford. But those days are over." The Q1 manufacturing site assessment -- a tool of the new process -- looks at the important areas expected in any robust quality system. It evaluates how well the site has planned for and demonstrated overall manufacturing process capability. With the former process, in the past Ford didn't always work closely or consistently with suppliers on the plant floor. With the new Q1-2002, Ford is working directly with suppliers on a regular basis on all quality-related matters. Supplier Improvement Metrics are now closely tied to Q1 status, so suppliers know exactly where they stand. Q1 suppliers are responsible for the total quality of the goods and services they provide to Ford. Manufacturing Site Assessment, for example, evaluates whether the supplier is performing up to customer expectations. Ford suppliers must satisfy Q1 2002 requirements beginning Feb. 1, 2002. Q1 is a recognized quality brand name trust-mark. Q1 2002 is new and replaces previous expectations and requirements. "With Q1 2002, suppliers are expected to hit a certain mark, but they're also expected to put the tools in place to maintain excellence -- and to improve with each passing year,”
BDSi has over two decades of experience working with FORD’s Q1 and QOS. We have helped several global major players to get and maintain their Q1 status. Our consultant can assess your existing business/systems and develop processes and procedures needed to get, retain or reinstate your Q1-2002. We align the TS/QOS/Q1 requirements and provide you with an integrated Business Management System that is audit friendly and easy to manage and maintain. Give us a call or click to discuss the possibilities.
