Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) is a structured approach used to ensure products and processes are developed, launched, and delivered with quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction at the forefront. This APQP Toolkit course provides participants with a practical understanding of the APQP framework and the essential quality tools that support successful product and process development. Through a combination of theory, real-world examples, case studies, and discussion of cultural best practices, delegates will learn how key tools – including DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, Process Capability, PPAP, and 8D Problem Solving – work together to identify and reduce risk, improve process performance, and support robust quality management systems. The course also explores the organisational behaviours, leadership practices, and cultural factors that enable successful deployment of APQP and its core quality tools across the business.

This engaging course provides an introduction to the concepts of Zero Defects. Delegates have an opportunity to understand the deployment framework for their business and the link to the relevant Industry Standards.

FMEA is an analytical method to ensure potential problems have been considered, assessed for risk and actioned as part of product and process design. This workshop steps though a practical case study based workshop to cover the Process FMEA and Control Plan requirements for AS13004 as well as highlighting the importance of integrating Design and Process FMEA.

Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) is an experimental technique used in the workplace to support improvement by evaluating and determining how much error there is within a measurement system. The AS13100 standard stipulates the requirements to establish an acceptable measurement system for use on aerospace parts and assemblies. MSA is critical to ensuring process control and quality, and is an essential foundation for process improvement. This practical workshop demonstrates how to assess the performance of new and existing measurement systems and highlights how to introduce improvements when necessary.

The AS13100 standard requires that aerospace suppliers use the 8D process to respond to a customer request for corrective and preventive action. By implementing a robust and structured problem solving approach it is possible to correctly identify the root causes to prevent future occurrence. Applying the 8D toolkit also requires many skills in analytical thinking and decision making, and develops best practice behavioural and leadership skills which can then transfer to any business or team challenge.

The concept of ‘Human Factors’ represents the way that People, Programmes & Processes, the Work Environment, Organisation and Equipment - all work together as a system. With the individual at the centre of that system: any flaws in the system impact the performance of the individual, and any flaws in the individual impact the system. Evidencing that Human Factors have been considered is now a mandatory requirement embedded into the SAE AS13100 standard and as such a reference manual RM13010 has been written to provide supplemental information and guidance on this key topic. This half-day workshop provides a concise introduction to the range of human factors that can affect performance and which should considered in relation to any improvement or problem solving campaign.

Suppliers with multiple customers have had to previously conform to a variety of quality requirements. This has resulted in different standards of practice. Recently, key aerospace engine manufacturers, through the organisation AESQ, have collaborated to produce the standard AS13100 which is now becoming the basis for many company quality standards. This industry harmonisation has resulted in a focused set of requirements. This course covers the new requirements of AS13100 to enable companies to plan their transition and compliance.