Quality, costs and lead times are the focus areas for continuous progress that drive each business line and functional area at Faurecia, the leading automotive supplier, through the Faurecia Excellence System (FES). To achieve production objectives, these focus areas have been translated into the Breakthrough Quality Plan and Quick Response Quality Control (QRQC).
Truly quality-minded
The quality of the car components and modules that the group produces is critical to the perceived quality and safety of the models sold by automakers. In response to this major requirement, Faurecia has launched the Breakthrough Quality Plan (BQP), a specific approach designed to reinforce the quality-centric culture throughout the company. During development and prior to mass production, the BQP covers procedures used to approve products and processes, and includes guidelines for inspection plans. Application of the BQP is constantly monitored through audits at all levels of the Program Management System (PMS) in Faurecia's plants and at suppliers' sites.
This plan has left no doubt as to its effectiveness: between 2006 and 2008, the number of defective parts per million fell from 103 to 15! More than 70% of the group's manufacturing sites have reached or surpassed this target.
Extreme responsiveness
In production, the QRQC (Quick Response Quality Control) methodology is used.
This process is aimed at identifying defects within 24 hours. The QRQC process concerns line operators, shop supervisors and site managers alike. It also affects the project development teams and the development centers.
Faurecia also achieves excellence in terms of quality, costs and lead times through a global database of suppliers and by streamlining cost structures.