Manufacturer Product Quality Assessment (MPQA) is a rating tool developed by DNV. DNV offers a product-focused assessment of manufacturers' ability to control product quality. It is mandatory for manufacturers who want to enter special agreements with DNV about simplified survey schemes. Such agreements may be beneficial for manufacturers who routinely deliver materials or products to be certified by DNV.
MPQA product focused
MPQA measures a manufacturers ability to control product quality. A scope is defined before the commencement of the MPQA, defining the quality goals for the specific product. The assessment is carried out focusing on the most critical issues affecting the quality, as defined by the scope.
MPQA rating tool
MPQA gives a numerical result (score) on how well the organisation controls the factors that directly or indirectly affect the quality of the product. One combined score is given for all important production system elements, highlighting those that are good and those that show a potential for improvement. By performing MPQA periodically, the impact of a quality improvement process may be measured.
MPQA adding value
The score is accompanied by a report describing the basis for the score given, in particular those elements showing an improvement potential. This will guide the manufacturer in the quality improvement processes. It will also identify areas of production risk, helping to avoid undesired quality problems.
MPQA class related
In the ship classification work, MPQA is being used within DNV for establishing Manufacturing Survey Arrangements (MSA) at manufacturers, shipyard capability evaluations, quality case investigations, type approval surveys etc. For certain equipment items an acceptable MPQA result is a pre-requisite for establishing an MSA.
MPQA supplier benchmarking
By performing an MPQA at your sub-suppliers, the MPQA report will serve as a benchmarking tool in the supplier selection process. The identification of risk areas at the sub-suppliers is also very useful information in the contract specification phase.
MPQA development
The MPQA tool was first developed as a tool for Class in 1995, and has been undergoing continuous improvement since. It has been applied as a consultancy service in the later years. At the end of 2006, approx. 480 assessments have been carried out.
MPQA tailor-made to suit your purposes
MPQA is a systematic review of a production process, based on a general procedure with items to be checked. For each type of product to be assessed, DNV will develop a special edition of the tool to incorporate product specific requirements and best practice/experience. To meet your needs, your contractual requirements, purchase specifications, governmental requirements etc. may also be included in the scope.
The special editions serve as the primary tool for the assessors, enabling them to quickly give you a to the point assessment report that focuses on the critical parts of the assessed production process.
To perform the MPQAs, DNV puts together teams of assessors that in total cover all relevant competence areas. These include a qualified MPQA assessor, necessary technical competence, and local expertise. A worldwide DNV organisation with qualified MPQA assessors strategically located ensures strong assessment teams.
Contacts
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