CQI-20 training is a hands-on programme built on AIAG‘s Effective Problem Solving Guideline, for teams that will apply it.
CQI-20 is a guideline developed to structure the problem-solving approach in the automotive supply chain. It addresses the logic underlying 8D and similar disciplined methods.
Why does it matter?
Problem solving is the area where quality teams spend the most time and produce the most repetition. The same problem being reopened months later is the sign that the solution stayed at the surface.
The difference of the structured approach lies here: no jumping to a solution before the problem is defined, no permanent measure before the root cause is found, and no closing the case before the effectiveness of the measure is verified after implementation.
Two steps are skipped most often in practice: asking “why was it not detected” as much as “why did it occur”, and verifying the effectiveness of the measure against a measurable criterion.
Who should attend?
- Quality engineers and quality managers
- Process and production engineers
- Teams running customer complaint processes
- Production shift supervisors
- Continuous improvement teams
- Supplier quality development teams
There are no prerequisites.
Training Content
Fundamentals
- The logic of structured problem solving
- Framing the problem definition correctly
- Team set-up and defining the roles
The steps
- Immediate containment and protecting the customer
- Problem definition and data collection
- Root cause analysis methods
- Determining and implementing the permanent measure
- Effectiveness verification
- Standardization and lessons learned
The link with the system
- Reflecting the findings in the FMEA and the control plan
- The relationship with corrective action records
- Detecting recurring problems
Practical exercises
Participants apply the method using sample scenarios. In in-house programmes the exercises are run on your own processes and data.
Learning Outcomes
- Defining the problem correctly
- Applying root cause analysis methods
- Determining permanent measures
- Verifying effectiveness against a measurable criterion
- Feeding the findings back into the system
Duration and Participation Options
Duration: 1–2 days in open-enrolment programmes. In in-house programmes, set according to the scope and depth of the practical work.
Participation type: Open enrolment or in-house.
Training method: In person (at your organization or in our training room), live online, on-demand recording.
Obtaining the manuals: AIAG publications are copyright-protected and are not provided as part of the training. Participants need access to the current edition.
Dates: Set according to demand.
Certificate of Attendance
Participants who complete the training receive a certificate of attendance. The certificate includes the participant’s name, training scope, date and duration. It can be used as evidence of competence in your assessor competence records and in customer audits.
- CQI-14 Training — warranty management
- CQI-18 Training — error proofing
- AIAG-VDA FMEA Training
- CQI Trainings — all CQI guidelines
Beyond Training: Implementation Support
- Deploying the method at your organization
- Preparing the templates and checklists
- Shop-floor implementation and effectiveness verification
- Review of your existing practice
- Preparation before the customer audit
You can make use of our consulting services in every area where support is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About CQI-20 Training
What is the difference between CQI-20 and 8D?
8D is an eight-discipline problem-solving format. CQI-20 addresses the logic and good practices underlying effective problem solving; it can be used together with different formats, 8D included.
Why does the same problem keep recurring?
Usually because only a correction was made without getting down to the root cause. Findings closed without a permanent measure get reopened after a while.
Which step is skipped most often?
Two stand out: not asking the question “why was it not detected”, and not verifying the effectiveness of the measure against a measurable criterion.
Who should make up the problem-solving team?
It depends on the source of the problem; participation of production, quality, maintenance, engineering and, when necessary, supplier representatives is expected. One-person analyses usually stay at the surface.
How long does CQI-20 training take?
Open-enrolment programmes take 1-2 days. In in-house programmes the work is done on your own cases.
Do you provide the guideline?
No. AIAG publications are copyright-protected and are not provided as part of the training.