DEVELOPMENT OF AN APQP IMPLEMENTATION MODEL: AN APPLIED PROPOSAL FOR MACHINING COMPANIES

Abstract

This work presents the development and validation of an Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) implementation model adapted for machining companies, aiming to improve the quality of processes and final products. The motivation for this research derives from the need for specific quality management approaches that meet the peculiarities of machining companies, such as small batch production and the high precision required. The methodology adopted included an extensive literature review, analysis of machining processes, adaptation of APQP tools and techniques to the reality of these companies, and a validation phase in which the model was applied to selected companies to evaluate its effectiveness. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the quality of processes and products, reduced defects, improved internal communication, increased customer satisfaction and reduced costs, validating the effectiveness of the adapted model. The research highlighted the importance of adapting quality management practices to the specific needs of machining companies, providing a practical guide for their implementation. The limitations of the research point to the need for future studies with a broader scope. This study contributes significantly to the field of quality management, offering valuable insights for machining companies in the pursuit of operational excellence and customer satisfaction.