Leasing Software automates APQP and PPAP functions.
Press Release Summary:
IQS Smart Forms(TM) application is designed for e-APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) solutions. IBM Places enables users to lease business applications over Internet. This Web-based solution automates APQP and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) functions, and features real-time collaboration.
Original Press Release:
IQS Releases e-APQP Service at IBM Places
IQS, Inc. (www.iqs.com), a leading provider of advanced QS-9000 collaborative e-business software solutions announced the releases of IQS Smart FormsTM.
This IBM Places (ibmplaces.ihost.com) application is an e-APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) solution. IBM Places is an e-sourcing option for automakers and their suppliers that enables them to lease leading-edge business applications over the Internet.
IQS and IBM are offering a Web-based solution to automate the complex and rapidly evolving APQP and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) functions. The automation of these processes, coupled with real-time collaboration, will transform the industry by dramatically improving existing processes for both suppliers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) through shortened time-to-market, increased focus on core competencies, global synchronization, elimination of non-value added tasks, and risk reduction.
The real opportunity is for an entire supply chain to implement the same quality process via the Web through an e-sourcing software application for a low monthly fee. Using a common infrastructure allows the OEM, or large supplier, rapid deployment of new modifications or additions to the quality process. It also saves the cost of replication of the infrastructure for each company in the chain. This monthly fee, $100 per user per month, is low enough to encourage usage and provide a quick return on investment.
John Cachat, IQS President and Founder stated, "Our automotive e-business initiative allows engineering and quality professionals to collaborate across the supply chain to accelerate product development and time-to-market. IQS and IBM provides global e-business technical resources and support."
Internet Service Functionality
Currently, quality systems are delivered through legacy systems which are either mainframe or client-server applications. These systems are meant for internal use. Supplier input is cumbersome and costly, resulting in lack of participation of the lower tiers.
Using Web technologies, suppliers can implement quality process improvements using e-sourcing at a lower cost and for quicker implementation and easier processing.
IQS Smart Forms developed with IBM was designed to simplify and streamline the APQP process. "The speed of the Internet has intensified the pressures on the global market," says Cachat. "Manufacturers focus on core business and outsource other tasks. They need to find new ways to enhance communication and manage complex extended enterprises, all of which require better collaboration among a wide range of players. IQS and IBM are providing the ability to electronically transfer APQP, PPAP and other QS-9000 information across the entire supply chain."
"The demands on the automotive supply chain to cut costs can be addressed with a service of this nature," indicated William Lang, IBM National Practice Executive for the automotive industry. "All the effort currently directed at legal advice, contract reviews, and pricing alternatives, if directed at a global web-based APQP, Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) and PPAP communication service, will help bring cost reductions to the OEMs. IBM is pleased to have IQS on its team to deliver automotive quality systems."
