Steps for the advanced product quality planning approach to improve product quality: a case of fastener manufacturing

Abstract

Advanced product quality planning (APQP) is a robust production strategy and a real-time improvement method with a comprehensive quality processing procedure that uses statistical tools and technologies to improve product quality. APQP product development processes thus allow accurate and efficient production. The present paper proposes a procedure for APQP for the fastener industry. Realistic processes are used to explain the procedures used, including the activities involved in the five stages of the APQP approach: the planning and definition stage, the product design stage, process design stage, the manufacturing certification stage, and the improvement and feedback stage. The empirical study results show that the proposed APQP procedure can ensure product quality and capability of manufacturing equipment with improved Ppk, Cpk, and Cpm values.