CQI-33 training is a hands-on programme built on the 1st edition of AIAG‘s CQI-33 “3D Model Technical Data Package Exchange Guideline”, published in 2025. The guideline provides an industry framework for sharing product design information between customers and suppliers through a standardized approach.
Why is CQI-33 necessary?
Today, a supplier may have to manage a different design system, different data formats and different standards for every OEM it works with. Design information for the same part arrives from one customer as a 3D model with PMI, and from another as a 2D drawing plus separate specification files; which file is current and binding has to be re-agreed on every project. This inconsistency raises the risk of miscommunication, quality issues, added cost, delays and complexity.
CQI-33 brings a common language to this fragmentation. The guideline defines the Technical Data Package (TDP): sharing the technical data that describes a product — as files, associated data, or both — in a structured package. Developed by a cross-functional work group of OEM, Tier-1 and service provider experts, the document lays out the current state of technical collaboration in automotive and the pain points encountered, then explains how TDPs can address those problems and what the success factors of effective technical collaboration are.
Who should attend CQI-33 training?
- Design and product development teams at suppliers receiving design data from their customers
- OEM and Tier-1 engineering teams transferring design data to their suppliers
- Teams managing CAD/PLM systems and data exchange processes
- Project and quality teams working with design data in quoting and APQP processes
- Organizations planning a transition to model-based definition (MBD)
There are no prerequisites; familiarity with CAD data and product development processes makes participation easier.
Training Content
General framework
The purpose and scope of CQI-33; the current state of technical collaboration in automotive and its pain points: the burden of multiple systems/formats/standards, ambiguity over currency and bindingness, data losses.
The Technical Data Package (TDP) concept
What a TDP is: a structured package of technical data consisting of files, associated data, or both; the content and structure of a TDP; how 3D model-based exchange differs from a 2D drawing-based flow.
Success factors and the exchange process
The success factors of effective technical collaboration; structuring the TDP exchange flow between customer and supplier; responsibilities, version and change management.
Practical exercises
Practice through example scenarios: mapping the pain points of your current data exchange flow, structuring a TDP content list, clarifying responsibilities in a customer–supplier exchange scenario.
Learning Outcomes
- Grasping the structure and purpose of CQI-33
- Defining the Technical Data Package concept and its content
- Analysing the pain points in the current design data exchange process
- Structuring a standardized TDP exchange flow between customer and supplier
- Integrating version and change management into data exchange
Duration and Participation Options
Duration: 1 day (in in-house programmes, expandable to 2 days depending on scope and depth of practice).
Participation type: Open enrolment or in-house.
Training method: In person, live online, on-demand recording.
Dates: Set according to demand.
Certificate of Attendance
Participants who complete the training receive a certificate of attendance.
- CQI Trainings — which CQI applies to which process, the overall roadmap
- APQP Training — the product development process design data flows through
- PPAP Training — the role of design records in the approval process
- IATF 16949 Training — the automotive quality management system framework
Beyond Training: Implementation Support
After the training, we can provide implementation support: analysing your current design data exchange process against the CQI-33 framework and structuring a TDP-based exchange flow with your customers and suppliers. We plan the scope together based on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About CQI-33 Training
Is CQI-33 a special process assessment? No. It is not a scored assessment like CQI-9 or CQI-11; it is a guideline for sharing product design information. It offers common concepts, success factors and a standardized exchange approach.
Does TDP just mean the 3D CAD model? No. A TDP is the whole of the technical data describing the product: the 3D model, associated specifications, lists and other data — as files, associated data, or both. The guideline centres on 3D model-based exchange but addresses the full package.
Will we need to change our CAD/PLM system? No. The guideline doesn’t impose any software; it standardizes the concepts, content and responsibilities of exchange between systems. It can be applied with your existing infrastructure.
Our customer still wants 2D drawings — what does the guideline give us? The transition period is exactly the guideline’s subject: it provides a common language for clarifying which data is binding and keeping mixed 2D/3D flows consistent.
Do we need to have purchased the CQI-33 guideline for the training? It’s not mandatory; the training conveys the structure and logic of the guideline. At the implementation stage, however, we recommend the organization obtain the guideline from AIAG.