Introduction

As American automotive operations work to build more competitive products worldwide, it is important to put additional emphasis on reliability and maintainability (R & M), which support reduction of inventories and "build to schedule" targets.

For example, the Quality System Requirements, Tooling & Equipment (TE) Supplement to QS-9000 was developed by Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, and Riviera Die & Tool (1996) to enhance quality systems while eliminating redundant requirements, facilitating consistent terminology, and reducing costs. It is important that everyone involved in the purchase of machinery be aware of this supplement and their responsibilities as outlined in the QS-9000 process. It is also important to understand that the TE Supplement defines machinery as tooling and equipment combined. Machinery is a generic term for all hardware, including necessary operational software, which performs a manufacturing process.

The TE goal is to improve the quality, reliability, maintainability, and durability of products through appropriate and applicable planning, development, and implementation of a fundamental quality management system. The supplement communicates additional common system requirements unique to the manufacturers of tooling and equipment, as applied to the QS-9000 requirements.

Why Do Reliability and Maintainability (R & M)?

Due to a lack of confidence in the performance of equipment, many organizations have traditionally purchased excessive facilities and tooling in order to meet production objectives. Additionally, capital spent on "insurance-type" spare-tooling hidden for unplanned breakdowns, shows a lack of confidence in production equipment. Operational effects of production shortfalls and the inability to predict...