March 5, 2020 News Last Update: 30 July 2021 Visitor and External Premises COVID-19 Policy Overview We have undertaken COVID-19 risk assessments for all our operations. In line with government guidelines, we are in a phased return to work where our team will be working either at home, at our office and at client premises. Please be assured that our email and phonelines continue to be monitored and we are responding to enquires during our usual office hours of 8:30am – 4-30pm. We are continuing to offer customers support virtually where practical. Where this is not practical please see the following guidance in relation to i) visitors attending the SMMT IF offices and ii) our staff working on external premises. Visitor Policy (IF Office, Birmingham) We are operating in line with the latest Government guidance on social distancing. We ask that you be mindful that others may still be adjusting to the changes within social distancing or may need to minimise their exposure risk and who would therefore wish to continue to maintain a 2m distance. Staff and visitors that are attending the office or moving about for work are strongly encouraged to take a government provided Lateral Flow test twice per week and report the results as required. People may choose to wear a face covering if they wish to do so. You are also encouraged to check in on our QR code when entering the building You MUST NOT attend the office if you have recent onset of any symptoms of coronavirus such as; A new continuous cough A high temperature A loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia) If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, OR you have received a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test result, the clear medical advice is to immediately self-isolate at home for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You should arrange to have a test to see if you have COVID-19 symptoms which can be arranged by contacting the NHS, here. You should consider alerting anyone you have had close contact within the last 48 hours to let them know you have symptoms of COVID-19. If close contacts include people you have interacted with on SMMT IF premises or SMMT IF staff members, please inform the SMMT IF Health and Safety Officer Leanne Brend. Please do not attend the office if: You are directed to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace Service. You have travelled from a country which requires you to quarantine in the last 14 days prior to attendance on site. You have travelled from a country where you are required to self-isolate on arrival and this period has not yet expired. Attending the SMMT IF Office and Learning Centre Attendance at the SMMT IF Office and Learning Centre must be pre-agreed with your host or via booking a training course; please do not turn up unannounced. You may be asked to arrive at certain times so we can respect social distancing on entry to the office. Please try to adhere to your time wherever possible. If you are unable to meet your slot or are running late, please contact the office on +44 (0)121 717 6600. On arrival at the SMMT IF Office and Learning Centre, we advise all visitors to check in on our QR code when entering the building. There is also a hygiene station which we encourage you to use throughout the day. Throughout the building there are hygiene stations at strategic points e.g. on entrance to Learning Centre, in break out areas. We advise wearing additional clothing layers in cooler weather as windows and doors may be opened to allow fresh air circulation. We will be limiting the number of people attending training courses on site to ensure we can maintain government guidelines. Delegates will be allocated a table for the duration of the training. Additional training rooms have been opened where possible to allow for social distancing for those still adjusting to the changes during your breaks. Cleaning wipes are placed by communal refreshment points. If you have any concerns, please let your host know and they will contact the appropriate member of staff to discuss your concerns with you. Our staff working on Customer and other external sites In line with Government advice, activities may take place in person or virtually. Site based activities can only take place subject to national and regional restrictions. No international site activity is currently possible but may be conducted virtually. Any agreed onsite activity will require agreed COVID secure processes to be completed, agreed by the client and IF. IF Requirements for Working on Customer Premises: The client must demonstrate they have processes in place to protect against COVID in line with current guidelines and they are adhered to. See below for further information on these. Activity can only take place in enclosed meeting rooms where there is ventilation Please respect our consultant’s wishes if they choose to maintain social distancing and/or wear face coverings Our staff are instructed not to attend company sites if they have COVID-19 symptoms and are instructed to be tested in line with government guidelines. Our staff will not attend customer and other external sites if they are directed to self-isolate as a result of NHS Test and Trace and may also be self-isolating if contacted by the Covid app. We will inform the company if a member of staff who has attended their site subsequently has symptoms of, or is confirmed to have, COVID-19. This will be undertaken in line with PHE guidelines. Prior to agreeing to attend customer and other external sites we will request to see your COVID-19 policies and procedures in place. Our staff are instructed to comply with all the COVID-19 arrangements of the site they are attending including hygiene and social distancing measures. Our staff are supplied with anti-bac products and face coverings, should they choose to wear them. Our staff who are travelling on work related reasons are encouraged to regularly use lateral flow tests to minimise risk. Visitor and External Premises Co-vid 19 Policy Rev 7.0 (23/07/2021)
December 16, 2024 Automotive, News, Uncategorized The AIAG VDA Combined FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) Course and Manual, released in 2019, represents a collaborative effort between OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and Tier 1 suppliers from both the AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group) and VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) communities. After over three years of collaboration, this manual was introduced as a standardised approach for the industry, offering a unified framework for FMEA development. While it differs significantly from the widely used AIAG (Blue Book) method, OEMs are increasingly mandating this new combined methodology for their Tier 1 suppliers. The transition from the well-established AIAG Blue Book format to the new AIAG VDA FMEA approach is not a simple process. One of the key challenges is that DFMEA (Design FMEA) and PFMEA (Process FMEA) often require cross-functional teams consisting of different specialists who may be located in separate areas. Recognising this, the SMMT Industry Forum has developed specialised training programs aimed at equipping professionals with the necessary skills to implement the new AIAG VDA FMEA methodology effectively. AIAG VDA DFMEA & PFMEA Training To facilitate this transition, SMMT Industry Forum offers a range of practitioner courses that provide participants with hands-on experience in both DFMEA and PFMEA processes, tailored to the new AIAG VDA format. 1-Day AIAG VDA FMEA Awareness This course is designed for individuals already familiar with the AIAG (Blue Book) format for DFMEA and PFMEA. It introduces participants to the updated format for both DFMEA and PFMEA, while also covering FMEA-MSR (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis for systems dealing with functional safety in vehicles). The course offers practical exercises that highlight the key differences in the new approach, allowing attendees to consider how to implement these changes within their organisations. 2-Day AIAG VDA FMEA Practitioner Aimed at those who will be responsible for creating either DFMEAs or PFMEAs using the new AIAG VDA methodology, this course provides a more in-depth exploration. It includes hands-on exercises where delegates can create their own FMEA models. Both DFMEA, PFMEA, and FMEA-MSR are covered, providing participants with comprehensive knowledge of the new framework. 1-Day AIAG VDA DFMEA Practitioner Tailored for individuals focused on DFMEA creation, this course covers the new AIAG VDA DFMEA format in detail. Participants will be guided through the creation of their own DFMEA and introduced to FMEA-MSR. 1-Day AIAG VDA PFMEA Practitioner This course is designed for professionals who need to develop PFMEAs using the new AIAG VDA format. Similar to the DFMEA practitioner course, delegates will create their own PFMEA during the session. Training Delivery These courses can be delivered in various formats, virtual, at our Training Hub in Birmingham or tailored in-house at your offices. AIAG VDA DFMEA Practitioner https://industryforum.co.uk/courses/64-aiag-vda-dfmea-practitioner/ AIAG VDA PFMEA Practitioner https://industryforum.co.uk/courses/65-aiag-vda-pfmea-practitioner/ For more information please contact [email protected]
October 31, 2024 Aerospace, News NEWS – AESQ and RM13145 Updates (APQP & PPAP): The Aerospace Engine Supplier Quality (AESQ) strategy group created RM13145 supplemental material to offer guidance and good practise on the application of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) & Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) in-line with the requirements of AS9145 and AS13100. RM13145 aligns the general APQP and PPAP methodologies to the specific needs of aero-engine manufacturers, focusing on early risk mitigation and robustness of the introduction of change in the product development process, striving for Zero Defects. RM13145 has recently been updated in August 2024. In addition to this supplemental material on the AESQ website, they have also added in October 2024, the PPAP Approval Form template, which supports RM13145 and is essential for confirming that suppliers meet the requirements of PPAP (AS13100). It serves to confirm that they have submitted the sufficient evidence based on the planned scope of the PPAP (submission level). The form also provides detail supporting the reason for the PPAP submission (supplied by the PPAP Co-ordinator) and also the disposition decision (supplied by the Customer Authorised Representative (CARe)). This template has been standardised to promote consistency across the aero-engine supply chain, facilitating reduced complexity in the PPAP submission process. The template includes the following sections: Supplier Information: Details of the company submitting the PPAP, including supplier code and contact information. Part Information: The specific part number, description, and revision level being approved. Submission Level: Defines the level of PPAP submission required (ranging from Level 1 to Level 5) and the reason for submission PPAP Submission Checklist and associated element acceptance (from customer). Corrective Actions: Section for planned, dated and owned actions. Signatures: From both the PPAP Co-ordinator and CARe, confirming that the PPAP has been reviewed and disposition. At SMMT Industry Forum, our AESQ-endorsed 3-day PPAP Co-ordinator & CARe course fully covers the syllabus and qualification requirements for PPAP Co-ordinators or CARe’s as defined by AESQ Reference Manual RM13145. The training reflects the latest revision of RM13145 (August 2024) and contains the latest templates, including the PPAP Approval Form (October 2024). The course draws from AS13100 sections B and C and follows the APQP/PPAP model as defined within AS9145 and AESQ RM13145. This course is available virtually in different timezones and also may be flexibly delivered over 4-slightly shorter days to accommodate these timezone differences. In this course, we cover in detail: Essentials of PPAP Process Management Explain the fundamentals of APQP Evaluating the PPAP File Preparing and evaluating the PPAP Submission Disposition of the PPAP Submission and Approval Form If you are interested in finding out more on this course, then please follow this link: https://industryforum.co.uk/courses/14-as13100-aligned-rm13145-ppap-co-ordinator-and-care-training-course/
August 8, 2024 Aerospace, Industry Forum Blog By Joseph Dodd – Aerospace Quality Management Consultant SMMT Industry Forum Introduction Measurement is determining the extent, quality or value of something. So what is a measurement system? A Measurement System is the overall combination of input factors that influence the output of that measurement, such as: people, equipment, measurand, methods and the environment. Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) is a statistical tool used to ensure we understand the sources of variation inherent in our measurement systems used to determine product quality and conformance. Purpose of MSA in Aerospace The primary purpose of MSA in the aerospace sector is to assess the capability and consistency of measurement systems. This analysis identifies the sources of variation such as that caused by appraiser’s, equipment and part variation, allowing Engineers to assess the systems overall gauge repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R) amongst other factors (e.g. NDC) against industry standard criteria. By doing so, aerospace companies can take action to ensure that their measurements are accurate, leading to better quality control, reduced waste, and increased safety in their products. Key objectives of MSA include: Evaluating Measurement Accuracy: Ensuring that measurement tools and systems provide true values without significant deviation. (E.g., Bias, Linearity, Stability). Assessing Precision: Determining the repeatability and reproducibility of measurement systems (GR&R). Identifying Sources of Variation: Pinpointing where variations occur in the measurement process to mitigate them effectively (ANOVA method). Benefits of Applying MSA A robust Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) process can ensure that production data being collected is accurate and precise, and that the methods used for data collection are suitable for the process. Accurate, reliable data can save time, labour, and materials in manufacturing. Increased reliability in measurement data Allows organisations to make better, data-driven decisions in production Helps reduce rework and scrap Gives confidence to customers in measurement capabilities and therefore product control Enables organisations to understand sources of variation Challenges in the Aerospace Industry Despite its importance, the implementation of MSA in the aerospace industry faces several challenges: Resource: The aerospace industry is highly regulated, with stringent standards such as AS13100 and supplemental material such as RM13003 that dictate quality management and MSA requirements. Compliance with these standards requires rigorous MSA processes, which can be resource-intensive. Supply Chain: Ensuring that all suppliers adhere to the same measurement standards and practices can be difficult. Variations in measurement practices across the supply chain can lead to discrepancies and quality issues. AS13100 aims to harmonise requirements for Aero Engine Suppliers & Customer Specific Requirements should be considered when conducting APQP/PPAP. Skills: There are global skill gaps within the Aerospace Industry in certain areas such as supplier development and APQP/PPAP. Alignment of quality management systems to Industry Standards (AS9145 & AS13100) requires cross-functional, competent teams. This gap is particularly evident in emerging markets and smaller suppliers. Conclusion Measurement Systems Analysis is an essential practice in the aerospace industry, critical for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of measurement systems that underpin product quality and safety. Despite the challenges, the benefits of MSA in terms of improved quality, safety, and cost savings are undeniable. Addressing the skill gaps and ensuring robust MSA processes can significantly enhance the overall performance and reliability of aerospace products, fostering a Zero Defect culture.
July 23, 2024 News The SMMT Industry Forum and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help create a training infrastructure to support the UK’s emerging battery sector. The collaboration between the SMMT Industry Forum – the commercial arm of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) – and UKBIC, the UK’s national battery manufacturing development facility, is designed to better support the growing battery industry in the UK. The partnership aims to foster a thriving ecosystem of innovation and growth within the UK’s electrified technology sector. The MoU is expected to lead to an SMMT training programme designed to support suppliers at every stage, ensuring they are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of electrified technology development and production. Ashley Fernihough, chief executive officer of SMMT Industry Forum, said: “This MoU represents a significant step forward in the drive towards sustainable and competitive manufacturing in the UK. “The establishment of a comprehensive training infrastructure to cater for existing suppliers and new market entrants, guiding them through the entire journey from technology development to the establishment of robust supply chains and ultimately, OEM supply.” Sean Gilgunn, the managing director of UKBIC, added: “By combining the expertise of the SMMT Industry Forum and UKBIC, we’re poised to help deliver a more effective training programme to support the growing UK battery sector in the UK.”
July 18, 2024 Automotive, News SMMT were honoured to be invited to attend the 1st Meeting of the Chartered Quality Institute Council in July. Convened in central London we were privileged to input an automotive quality perspective to a fruitful and searching discussion featuring representatives from a variety of disciplines, across public and private sectors. Focused topics included how to develop culture and capability for quality, improvement and excellence in our economies and organisations; and how to make quality management a strategic tool. The output themes for the day centred on actions to promote the profession map, and to move towards it’s use as a tool to assess team competence and inform capability development. The CQI is the professional body for experts in improving product, project and service quality. They do so by championing professional standards for quality management in the UK and globally. The CQI was granted Royal Charter in 2006, having demonstrated pre-eminence, public interest, stability and permanence.
June 28, 2024 Industry Forum Blog, News NEW COURSE INTRODUCTORY OFFER – ISO 45001:2018 Internal Auditor Training This course will help auditors develop relevant skills in judgement, decision-making, audit planning, audit non-conformity writing and subsequent close-out related to the ISO 45001:2018 standard. The ISO 45001:2018 Internal Auditor Training is an interactive course supported by group exercises and open discussion. The practical emphasis of this course and high tutor-to-delegate ratio provides a great opportunity for individual guidance, support and learning. Don’t miss this offer, book your place here…
June 13, 2024 Automotive, News We are thrilled to partner with HORIBA MIRA, a leader in automotive training. Their unparalleled expertise delivers exceptional scheduled and custom courses in Functional Safety, Electric Vehicles, and Cybersecurity. Led by industry specialists, these courses connect the next generation of engineers with professionals setting the highest standards in vehicle R&D. With new options added regularly, explore their current offerings or contact them for personalised guidance. View current courses: https://lnkd.in/gQ3BVMQ6 Together with Horiba Mira, we offer tailored training to tackle your unique challenges. Collaboratively, we design courses and materials focused on your team’s needs and growth areas, ensuring a learning experience that maximizes long-term success. Contact us to discuss your training needs.
June 11, 2024 Industry Forum Blog, Insights, Uncategorized With an increase in public awareness on sustainability there has become an increasing need for organisations to demonstrate corporate responsibility on social, economic and environmental issues and how organisations manage these expectations for the benefit on society and the communities in which they operate. ISO 14001 is a means of implementing the required elements that form an effective Environmental Management system. It provides evidence that an organisation has considered any effects on the environment from its activities and how it can manage these and look to reduce its overall impacts. This provides benefits for identifying how waste can be reduced or eliminated, providing a cost-benefit as well as providing confidence that the company have adopted corporate social responsibility. The standard is based on four key elements: Environmental Policy It is important that there is a commitment to apply the requirements of the standard and as an organisation the top management should identify Commitment to Continuous Improvement, Prevention of Pollution and compliance with legislation and regulations this shall be documented, implemented and maintained so it can be communicated to the relevant interested parties. Planning For the implementation of 14001, the organisation needs to consider its risk and opportunities and assess the aspects of its activities on the environment. From this analysis the scope of what it is targeting to achieve can be determined and objectives set that are realistic to bring about improvement in the performance. A further part of planning is to understand what obligations an organisation has relevant to the environment, this could be statutory or regulatory as well as other commitments including those that it has identified as part of the planning processes and those within its own policy commitments. Implementation and Operation Once an organisation has determined what it is looking to achieve, it needs to provide the resources, this includes defining roles and responsibilities in the management system as well as adopting operational controls including any in emergency and abnormal conditions and providing resources so intended outcomes can be achieved. Checking and Corrective Action As with all management systems that adopt a Plan, Do, Check, Act approach, assessment needs to be carried out to understand the level to which its objectives have been achieved. Part of this is auditing the system to see how requirements are effective and identify improvements. Monitoring and measures of the system allow evidence-based decisions to be made on focus and resourcing improvements in the environmental management system. During the 1980s, SMMT, our parent company became increasingly involved in quality matters and in improving supply chain management in the Automotive industry. This culminated in the creation of IF with considerable support from the then Department for Trade and Industry. Its work has spread to other industries and its success is being replicated in other sectors of the economy. SMMT Industry Forum uses its extensive expertise in improving the automotive manufacturing industry to help major, global cross-sector organisations understand, optimise and improve both manufacturing capability and business performance. The course has been developed by experienced 3rd party auditors to provide the tools and techniques to plan, conduct, report and close out effective environmental audits. Industry Forum has over 25 years experience in training auditors at all levels of the certification cycle including 3rd, 2nd and 1st party auditors, it utilises its understanding in the complexities of management systems to develop engaging courses to inform as well as build auditor competence and understanding in the requirements of management systems for effective audits.
May 30, 2024 Aerospace, News He joins us from his previous role working at an aerospace systems provider as a Principal Manufacturing Quality Engineer where he delivered training in APQP and PAPP, and the associated core tools, followed by in-house consultancy to assist in the implementation of such techniques, including the development of internal standards and procedures. Before that role, Joseph was a metrologist at an automotive OEM, conducting measurements to support the manufacturing process. He then moved to support the NPI phase of the business, before working as the metrology laboratory supervisor, including supporting warranty investigations and one-off specialist measurements. Joseph participates in the National Metrology Skills Alliance, where he performs a voluntary role in the special interest group to offer manufacturing metrology expertise. Welcome to the team Joseph.
April 10, 2024 Industry Forum Blog, News As part of the SMMT Group, we are really proud that The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has been recognised as one of Britain’s best places to work after gaining Gold accreditation from Investors in People (IIP), the international benchmark for workplace standards and people management. The Gold accolade, which is achieved by just 17% of organisations seeking IIP accreditation, was awarded to SMMT Group – including SMMT, Industry Forum and The Motor Ombudsman – for its ‘advanced’ levels of organisational leadership, with an emphasis on transparency, recognition, wellbeing and empowerment to encourage innovation and collaborative working. SMMT was recognised for its progressive people-focused policies, including all-staff engagement in decision-making, investment in career development, creating a culture that recognises high performance, developing flexible working practices, establishing an extensive network of employee support groups, and striving to ensure the workplace is diverse and inclusive of all needs. In addition, as part of SMMT’s remit to represent the UK automotive sector, the organisation was recognised for its committed to promoting workplace best practice across the wider industry. In 2022, under the auspices of the Automotive Council, it established the sector’s first ever Diversity Charter, and it continues to support businesses in the sector with their own development, with a DE&I Toolkit, specialist workshops and events. Katie Milbourn, Director of SMMT Group HR, said, “Every one of us at SMMT is essential to the Group’s success, so we support and develop everyone’s talents to help each other – and the wider sector – continue to thrive. As the voice of the automotive industry in the UK, it’s our duty and mission to set the highest standards, and we strive to ensure our people, with their expertise, experience and dedication, realise their full potential and support our members.” Tim Little, Practitioner, Investors in People, said, “Following the Investors in People programme is a journey SMMT started quite a few years ago, and the organisation’s drive, foresight and determination have kept it on the path to success and achieving Gold. SMMT has embraced IIP as a force for growth and put it at the heart of what it does. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with SMMT and watching its successes over the years.” IIP Gold status builds on SMMT Group’s previous Bronze and Silver awards in 2015 and 2022, and reflects the organisation’s long-standing commitment to the highest standards of people management. Such an approach is essential not just to attract and retain the best talent but to enhance mental health and wellbeing in the workplace – particularly important given that stress, anxiety and depression accounted for more than half of all workplace-related illness in the UK last year. Investors in People was founded by the UK government in 1991 and has since become a globally recognised certification of best practice for modern, high performing workplaces. The scheme requires an organisation to work closely with a practitioner to review its ‘people strategy’ – or its policies to attract, develop, retain, inspire and engage employees – as well as its long-term progress plan. The review also requires anonymous employee feedback on the organisation’s people strategy through surveys and interviews.
