Process Capability

I. What is it? II. Key Characteristic and Process Capability Expectations a. Process Control Plan i. When do I have to provide a process control plan? ii. Control Plan Template III. Why do I have to do it? IV. How do I do it?

I. What is it?

Process Capability is a set of calculations used to assess whether a system is statistically able to meet a set of specifications or requirement. The analysis is done in 2 steps.

1. Measure the variability of a process. 2. Compare that variability with a proposed specification or product tolerance.

We require that this method of analysis be conducted by our developing and developed suppliers. In addition, this process is also a large part of the company’s material certification program to ensure that suppliers can consistently meet or exceed our requirements and expectations.

II. Key Characteristic and Process Capability Expectations

When requested by ABG, suppliers are expected to complete the following:

 Identify and monitor key characteristics and process parameters that affect the quality and integrity of the product

 Provide process capability data on key characteristics. AGB may request Short Term Ppk and/or Long Term Cpk capability data

o Capability data may be requested when:

. ABG procures a new material or product . An engineering change or tooling maintenance/repair occurs that affects the key characteristics . The data is helpful for problem solving

 Develop corrective actions to improve the long term or short term process capability results.

Updated: October 2013 1  Provide process capability data for a specific shipment, a specific lot, or a specific date range I.  Contract the primary ABG Quality Scientist for process capability specific requirements

 Provide a process control plan for each product supplied to ABG

 Update the control plan when improvements are made to the process and/or product or when specifications are changed

A. Process Control Plan

The process control plan is a written summary of the control systems used to detect potential instability in the process and possible presence of non-conforming products produced from the process. It is a proven way to identify and organize key characteristics and parameters.

The supplier’s control plan should identify any process or product characteristics that are deemed critical by the supplier and/or ABG and should outline the following:

 Describe actions that are required at each phase of the process (these should correspond to the Process Flow Diagram and correspond line for line)  Method of control  Frequency of control  Reaction plan if product or process is our of control  Key characteristics and parameters and engineering requirements

Updates to the control plan should be made when improvements are made to the process/product or when the specification (process or production) have changed.

1. When do I have to provide a process control plan?

When requested, the supplier is responsible for providing a process control plan for each product supplied to ABG.

In addition, a submission of the control plan may be an expectation as part of the product/material approval process.

Updated: October 2013 2 2. Control Plan Template

Please refer to Supplier Requirements, Quality, Supplier Qualification, PPAP Submission Checklists and Forms (on the Supplier Portal) for a printable version of the Control Plan template.

III. Why do I have to do it?

By conducting process capability analysis, suppliers can monitor the key characteristics and parameters of a product to help them fully understand the product and its variations. In depth knowledge of the product will allow suppliers to proactively prevent nonconformance.

Furthermore, it is an excellent tool to demonstrate the extent of an improvement made to a process.

IV. How do I do it?

Contact your Supplier Development (SQD) Representative for further discussions about capability.

Updated: October 2013 3