E-Archive

Standards Forum

in Vol. 17 - September Issue - Year 2016
Let AS13000 Solve Your Problems
Paul Huyton

Paul Huyton

When considering the complexity of modern designed objects, an aircraft must be one of the most awe-inspiring examples. Hundreds of thousands of individual parts, each with unique materials, processing and assembly requirements, must come together to form a single aircraft. In addition, with complexity come problems that arise in these materials, processes and assemblies. It is vitally important that we have rigorous standards in dealing with these problems, and that all parties follow the best practices. To ensure best practices with problems arising in aero engine manufacture, an SAE committee titled Aerospace Engine Supplier Quality developed the Aerospace Standard AS13000 Problem Solving Requirements for Suppliers.
AS13000 uses the 8D format for problems solving. This format was developed in the automotive industry but it is equally applicable in all other industrial sectors. The format has nine steps or disciplines, which are:
D0 Implement Immediate Containment and Prepare for 8D
D1 Form the Team
D2 Define the Problem
D3 Develop Containment Actions
D4 Identify and Verify Root Causes
D5 Identify Corrective Action
D6 Implement Corrective Action
D7 Define and Plan Preventive Action
D8 Recognize the Team
Section 8 of AS13000 gives the detailed requirements or activities for each of these steps or disciplines, which must be used for problem solving. This is to facilitate consistent application of this technique by different suppliers.
Further guidance is also provided by the appendices in the standard. Appendix A is a report template that is to be used when reporting on the problem to the customer. Again, this ensures a consistent approach with all the necessary details in the report.
Appendix B is a checklist, which can be used to verify that the process is being undertaken correctly and to assess the quality of the process. It can be used in managing the process to ensure it has been thorough and efficient. In addition, it could be used for internal audit of the problem-solving procedures in the organization.
Appendix C is the training syllabus for 8D. Correct training and qualification is essential for the effective application of this technique, so this appendix details the requirements for such training in three sections:
C1. This defines the trainees' baseline understanding of Quality Management, Problem Solving Tools and Corrective Actions.
C2. This defines the focal topics for the training content and the requirement for a written examination to demonstrate competence.
C3. This defines the training methods and all the problem-solving techniques that must be included in the training. This is a comprehensive list of the principle problem-solving techniques used in industry, so the trainees will achieve a high standard of capability.
The use of AS13000 will give any organization a high level of problem-solving capability and reduce the effects of problems e.g. rejects, complaints, rework. This is particularly so because of the well-defined training requirements. Well-conducted training to AS13000 should be a good investment for any organization, even those not involved in the manufacture of aero engines.

For questions contact paul@mfn.li

Standards Forum
by Paul Huyton,
MFN Course Director World Wide
more information at www.mfn.li/trainers