CQI-8 - Layered Process Audits Guideline

Sep 26, 2026

Uploaded by noah

CQI-8 Layered Process Audits Guideline provides an industry consensus approach for improving manufacturing process control through layered reviews of key operational controls. It explains how identifying special and common-cause variation sources enables targeted corrective actions that are implemented and sustained. The guideline emphasizes sustaining effective process instruction adherence, supporting validation of improvements, and avoiding regression to outdated methods. It includes publication status, approval information, acknowledgements, and maintenance and cautionary notices.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages31

Reading Time11 min

AccessFree to download

Layered Process Audits Guideline

AIAG Publications

Cautionary Notice

Maintenance Procedure

Approval Status

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Background

CQI-8 Layered Process Audits Guideline Layered Process Audits AIAG PUBLICATIONS An AIAG publication reflects a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. An AIAG publication is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the consumer and the general public. The existence of an AIAG publication does not in any respect preclude anyone from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the publication. CAUTIONARY NOTICE AIAG publications are subject to periodic review and users are cautioned to obtain the latest editions. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE Recognizing that this AIAG publication may not cover all circumstances, AIAG has established a maintenance procedure. Please refer to the Maintenance Request Form at the back of this document to submit a request. APPROVAL STATUS The Quality Requirements Task Force and designated stakeholders approved this document for publication on November 9, 2005. Published by: Automotive Industry Action Group 26200 Lahser Road, Suite 200 Southfield, Michigan 48034 Phone: (248) 358-3570 • Fax: (248) 358-3253 AIAG Copyright and Trademark Notice: The contents ofall published materials are copyrighted by the Automotive Industry Action Group unless otherwise indicated. Copyright is not claimed as to any part of an original work prepared by a U.S. or state government officer or employee as part of the person’s official duties. All rights are preserved by AIAG, and content may not be altered or disseminated, published, or transferred in part of such content. The information is not to be sold in part or whole to anyone within your organization or to another company. Copyright infringement is a violation of federal law subject to criminal and civil penalties. AIAG and the Automotive Industry Action Group are registered service marks of the Automotive Industry Action Group. © 2005 Automotive Industry Action Group CQI-8 1 Issue: 1.0 Dated: 12/2005 Replaces: N/A Dated: N/A Layered Process Audits FOREWORD Industry data show that most manufacturing quality issues are caused by poor process control or by a failure to follow the appropriate process instructions. Effective management of process capability requires the identification of sources of both special and common cause variation. Once the sources are identified, corrective actions designed to address them must be effectively implemented and sustained. Employees do not refer to instructions or procedures before every step of a process; they often complete the processes by memory, which comes from repeating and practicing each step many times over. Once necessary process changes are identified, employees must re-learn and adjust. However, it is very easy for employees to return to the old, familiar methods. Before 2005, DaimlerChrysler and General Motors required different process review approaches, including different approaches for Layered Process Audits. It was recognized that the Layered Process Audit methodology was not unique to any particular company, hence, under the auspices of the AIAG, DaimlerChrysler and General Motors developed a common approach for Layered Process Audits. One of the principal purposes of industry standard practices is to address commonly observed issues that are not isolated to any one company, commodity, or process within the industry. Validation of process improvements and corrective actions is one commonly observed industry issue that can be directly improved by the use of Layered Process Audits, which are designed for this specific purpose. Layered Process Audits require that multiple operational levels within a manufacturing facility review the same key operational controls that ensure product quality. Controlling quality at multiple operational levels is a key strength of Layered Process Audits. CQI-8 2 Issue: 1.0 Dated: 12/2005 Replaces: N/A Dated: N/A Layered Process Audits ACKNO

FAQs

What is the main purpose of Layered Process Audits in the guideline?

To validate process improvements and corrective actions by having multiple operational levels review the same key controls that ensure product quality.

How does the guideline relate process capability to corrective actions?

By identifying sources of special and common-cause variation, then implementing corrective actions designed to address them and sustaining those actions over time.

What maintenance and update expectations are stated for AIAG publications?

The publication is subject to periodic review, and users are cautioned to obtain the latest editions; a maintenance procedure and request form are provided to submit updates.

Sep 26, 2026

Uploaded by noah