The CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement) system is a quality system evaluation guideline series issued by AIAG (Automotive Industry Advancement Group). It is mainly aimed at automotive manufacturers and their supply chain companies, and provides assistance to suppliers to identify process weaknesses and promote process control and continuous improvement.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the CQI system.
I. Overview of the CQI system
• The CQI system is not a single standard, but a series that includes multiple process evaluation guidelines (process evaluations) for various industries and processes.
• CQI is intended to evaluate and improve a company's manufacturing process capability and consistency, and to promote the realization of zero defect quality that the automotive industry aims for.
• CQI requirements are typically provided by OEM customers (e.g. GM, Ford, Stellantis) and are part of PPAP submissions, process audits, and supplier development.
II. List of major CQI guidelines (partial list)
Number Name Main purpose
CQI-9 Heat treatment system evaluation (Heat treatment system evaluation) Evaluation of quality control system and process control of heat treatment process
CQI-11 Plating system evaluation (Plating system evaluation) Confirmation of capability and consistency of electroplating process
CQI-12 Painting system evaluation (Painting system evaluation) Quality control evaluation of painting, powder coating and other processes
CQI-15 Welding system evaluation (Welding system evaluation) Review of welding quality control and process control capability
CQI-17 Soldering system evaluation (Soldering system evaluation) Management capability of soldering (especially electronic assembly) system
CQI-23 Molding system evaluation (Molding system evaluation) Analysis of management capability of plastic injection molding process
CQI-27 Casting system evaluation (Casting system evaluation) Evaluation of management capability of metal casting process
CQI-30 Rubber processing system evaluation (Rubber processing system evaluation) Process quality control capability in rubber mixing and molding molding
CQI-29 Brazing system evaluation (brazing system evaluation) is used to evaluate the quality of brazing operations. These guidelines usually take the form of an evaluation checklist for internal audits by an organization or for supplier audits.
3. Core structure of a CQI system
A standard CQI evaluation usually consists of the following elements:
1. Management system requirements (management responsibility)
o Quality policy, education and training, audits, document management, responsibility and authority, etc.
2. Process requirements (process management)
o Process parameters, fixtures, process monitoring, operation specifications, etc.
3. Equipment and tools
o Equipment maintenance, maintenance records, identification of major equipment, etc.
4. Product inspection (product inspection and testing)
o Product inspection process, sample inspection frequency, performance verification
5. Continuous improvement
o Data analysis, KPI tracking, corrective and preventive actions, experience feedback
IV. Implementation process (take the supplier's perspective as an example)
1. Obtain the latest version of the CQI standard (from the AIAG official website or provided by the customer)
2. Conduct in-house training to understand the evaluation criteria
3. Organize a team to conduct in-house self-assessment
4. Prepare supporting documents and audit records
5. Identify gaps and develop a correction plan
6. Customer audit or third-party audit (if necessary)
7. Stay up to date: regular evaluations (e.g. annually)
V. Characteristics of the CQI system
• ✅ Emphasis on process orientation and focuses on all key control points in the manufacturing process.
• ✅ Applicable to all levels of suppliers, not just tier 1 suppliers.
• ✅ Can be used as a second-party audit tool, possibly as part of PPAP or SQA.
• ✅ Used in conjunction with IATF 16949, but with more emphasis on process capability.
VI. FAQ
What is the relationship between CQI and IATF?
• CQI focuses on process-specific process control, while IATF is a comprehensive quality management system.
• OEMs usually request CQI as a supplement to their IATF 16949 system for special process capability verification.
Does the CQI assessment need to be performed by a third party?
• Not mandatory, self-assessment is sufficient, but some customers request on-site audits or third-party audits.
• The focus is on the reliability, completeness, and correction of the audit process.
Is CQI performed once a year?
• Usually, customers require self-assessment to be completed and recorded every 12 months.
• Some key processes, such as CQI-9, require more frequent inspection and parameter verification.
VII. Overview
Project Content
Objective: Identify and eliminate process variations to achieve stable and consistent manufacturing capabilities
Scope: Including special processes such as heat treatment, electroplating, welding, painting, casting, injection molding, etc.
Benefits: Improve process control level, reduce customer complaints, and improve audit pass rate
Proposal: Establish an in-house CQI team and develop a long-term implementation and improvement plan
