Concentric Management Systems, Inc.

Process Flow Diagrams

Jim Thompson — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:31:06 +0000

Several customers have asked recently about an AIAG standard for process flow diagrams. While there is no standard template within the AIAG core tools (blue manuals), there are guidelines within the APQP manual that automotive organizations should adhere to.

The AIAG – APQP Manual (Second Edition), section 3.3 states, “The process flow chart is a schematic representation of the current or proposed process flow. It can be used to analyze sources of variation of machines, materials, methods, and manpower from the beginning to end of a manufacturing or assembly process. It is used to emphasize the impact of sources of variation on the process.” The flow chart helps to analyze the total process rather than individual steps in the process. The flow chart assists the organization’s product quality planning team to focus on the process when conducting the PFMEA and designing the Control Plan.

The Process Flow Chart Checklist below can be used by the organization’s product quality planning team to verify completeness or set a standard within the organization for basic flow chart requirements.

The following shapes are typically used to illustrate various process steps within a flowchart.

• Operation (circle) – Value-added manufacturing step

• Transport (arrow) – Movement of product or components from one operation step to the next

• Inspection (square) – Product or process inspection step

• Storage (triangle) – Component or part storage

• Combination: Inspection & Operation (square & circle) – Value-added manufacturing step with distinct product or process inspection steps with variable output data

• Delay – Designed delay that is part of the process

Software Tip: These shapes can be found in the Microsoft Visio “Process Flow” or Microsoft Powerpoint Insert > Shapes menus.

Microsoft also has a site full of FREE templates that can be downloaded for a variety of different flowchart uses.

Happy flow-charting!

Whip It Flowchart

Jim Thompson — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:23:14 +0000

Happy 9th Birthday CMSi

Jim Thompson — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:20:51 +0000

February 1st, 2012 marks our 9th year

It was this day precisely NINE (9) years ago today that Concentric Management Systems, Inc. (CMSi) was born. I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the many failures and many more successes we have had over the years. Thanks to our tenacity, belief in our core values, and most importantly, our valued customers, we are able to be proud of “being in our 10th year of business”.

CMSi is effectively “re‐launching” bigger and better than ever in 2012 following the successful completion of a major project (42 months) with a key client that required nearly all of my time. This re-emergency allows us many opportunities to grow where we can grow best – near the beach! We couldn’t be more pleased to call Charleston our new home.

Very special thanks is in order to my wonderful staff, our team of amazing consultants and the customers that allow us to grow bigger and better every day! I truly appreciate the trust, hard work and partnerships we have formed in this anything-but-traditional organization.

Here’s to another 9 years!

Cheers,

Jim Thompson – President

Concentric Management Systems, Inc.

Mission Statement – February 1st, 2012

We support the world’s leading organizations in their pursuit of excellence through the provision of training, consulting and auditing services. We are dedicated to providing services that exceed the expectations of our customers by being deliberate about delivering the highest level of customized service possible. We believe in steady growth with integrity.

We also strive to be the first choice for representing independent subject matter experts by developing and managing mutually beneficial, long-‐term business relationships. By facilitating customer relationships, we bring tremendous value to our network of consultants -‐ allowing more time to focus on exercising core competencies and less time on administrative burden.