Precision measurement of an automotive metal component

QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN AUTOMOTIVE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Quality begins
before SOP.
And proves itself
in production.

From advance quality planning to sustainable series support: structured methods, sound assessments and effective supplier development.

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APQPPPAP / PPFCore ToolsSupplier developmentVDA 6.3

PLAN QUALITYASSURE PROCESSESDEVELOP SUPPLIERS

PRACTICAL · SYSTEMATIC · TRANSPARENT

Quality is no
coincidence.

When new products are industrialised or existing production processes fall short, proven methods and well-founded decisions are essential.

SQM by Mario Erk supports companies and their suppliers with targeted expertise: from APQP implementation and release reviews to root cause analysis and process improvement.

Learn more about SQM

20 yearsautomotive industry experience

Before & after SOPSupport throughout the product lifecycle

Remote & on-siteFlexible project collaboration

SERVICE OVERVIEW

Our services.

Targeted support in two key phases – connected by process-audit expertise.

PLANNING & INDUSTRIALISATIONSOPSERIES PRODUCTION

01 / PROJECT PHASE

Before SOP

Advance Quality Planning & Industrialisation

Quality Gate Reviews

Review of quality maturity, project risks and compliance with defined gate-release criteria at key milestones.

APQP Implementation & Operational Application

Integration of APQP methods into business processes and hands-on support for development and industrialisation projects.

PPAP / PPF Preparation & Documentation Review

Review of submission documentation for completeness, plausibility and consistency; identification of missing approval evidence.

Process Launch Assessment

Structured assessment of process and production readiness prior to start of production.

Request pre-SOP support

02 / SERIES PHASE

After SOP

Supplier Development & Series Quality Assurance

Supplier development

Systematic assessment of supplier performance and implementation of focused improvement measures.

Audit Preparation & Nonconformity Management

Preparation for process audits, resolution of audit findings and follow-up of effectiveness evidence.

Complaint Management & Problem Solving

Structured 8D problem solving, root cause analysis, corrective actions and sustainable defect elimination.

Continuous Process Improvement

Identification of weaknesses, prioritisation of improvements and verification of effectiveness.

Request post-SOP support

CROSS-PHASE · BEFORE AND AFTER SOP

VDA 6.3 – Process Audit Support

Audit preparation, project-related process assessments, audit assistance and corrective-action follow-up – tailored to the project stage and agreed scope.

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Services are agreed according to the assignment, scope and required qualifications. Formal product or process approvals remain the responsibility of the authorised organisation.

EXPERTISE THROUGHOUT THE LIFECYCLE

From robust processes
to sustainable quality.

Quality planning and project review next to a production line

01 / ADVANCE QUALITY PLANNING

BEFORE SOP

Assure early. Manage risk.

A sound APQP framework, clear quality milestones and reliable release documentation provide the foundation for a controlled production launch.

Quality specialist reviewing documents in an automotive production facility

02 / SERIES QUALITY ASSURANCE

AFTER SOP

Understand deviations. Improve effectively.

Transparent root cause analyses, disciplined corrective-action follow-up and focused supplier development strengthen stable series processes.

ABOUT SQM

Technical insight.
Methodical clarity.

SQM by Mario Erk provides practical supplier quality management support, combining technical depth, clear methods and a strong focus on real-world implementation.

I bring 20 years of automotive industry experience, particularly in project management, advance quality planning, APQP, PPAP/PPF and supplier development. My approach connects the requirements of engineering, production and quality assurance.

TÜV-certified Supplier Quality Manager

APQP and VDA Maturity Level Assurance

PPAP / PPF and Automotive Core Tools (FMEA, MSA, SPC)

Structured problem-solving methods such as 8D, 5 Why and Ishikawa

Mario Erk · Owner, SQM

CLEAR PROCESSES · TRACEABLE RESULTS

How we work together.

Focused support instead of unnecessary complexity – from clearly defined assignments to ongoing project assistance.

Enquiry & objectives

Align on the current situation, requirements and objectives.

Initial assessment

Review available documents, process maturity and required actions.

Implementation

Execute agreed tasks systematically – remotely or on-site.

Results & actions

Document and discuss findings and recommendations transparently.

Individual project support: Assignments beyond the standard service packages – including temporary APQP project roles or supplier project support – can be agreed individually.

CONTACT & PROJECT ENQUIRIES

Let's discuss
your quality goals
together.

Need support with advance quality planning, a PPAP/PPF documentation review or supplier performance improvement? I look forward to hearing from you.

Send a non-binding enquiry

ENQUIRY FORM

Your enquiry to SQM

Briefly describe your request. I will respond personally.