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There are fundamental differences between MPQA and Quality Management System audits:
A Quality Management Systems audit is a top-down generic approach that makes an assessment of the quality system and is, therefore, a system audit. The scope of Quality Management System audits is always the quality system standard.
MPQA is a rating system providing comments, findings and a numerical score for each audited element. The scope of the MPQA audit is defined depending on needs. Special editions with specific guidelines and auditor instructions for various product and business areas, together with the tools bottom-up approach will place the focus on the manufacturers' activities affecting product quality. MPQA is therefore a product-focused audit.
The MPQA scope could be compliance with Class rules, contract requirements, codes or regulations offered on five different levels. Therefore, the scope of MPQA is flexible depending on needs.
The MPQA rating system structure
The system philosophy is based on a 5-level qualification programme with a bottom-up approach. The growth of requirements through the various levels from level 1 to level 5 is exponential both in system requirements and in scoring.
Below is a description of what the five levels cover:
Level 1
Check of product marking, documentation and compliance of test result only.
Level 2
As level 1 + review of personnel competence, equipment/facilities, production method and control routines, and increased requirements of final quality inspection and testing. Suitable for complete review of material manufactures and basic review of component manufactures.
Level 3
As level 2 + quality management elements directly related to product quality. Suitable for complete review of component or materials manufactures and basic review of manufactures of complex assemblies.
Level 4
As level 3 + more quality management elements directly related to product quality. Suitable for complete review of manufactures dealing with complex assemblies.
Level 5
As level 4 + more advanced requirements such as equipment maintenance and after-sales service.
The MPQA rating system basics
MPQA is a rating tool. The system is built up of 12 elements with sub-elements and questions:
- Quality System Documentation.
- Human Resources.
- Internal Support Functions.
- Capability Review.
- Design and Development.
- Purchasing and Subcontracting.
- Production Process Control.
- Distribution and Warehousing.
- After-Sales Service.
- Quality Inspection and Testing.
- Document Control.
- Non-conformities and Corrective Actions.
The user can select those elements that are important, depending upon which level of auditing is chosen. For each sub-element there is a set of questions to be answered. The comprehensive guideline synopsis and auditor instructions accompanying each question will give answers that will form a basis for: rating of each element, further interviews/investigation, and needs for document reviews.
MPQA is a documented system. Each element and sub-element is carefully described. The documentation contains guidelines and instructions based on proven practice in each element.
Audit Results
The results are presented in a report with comments, findings and a summary score sheet. Results from each element are presented. The rating will depend on the selected level. Using the same level over time, it is possible to use MPQA to set goals for improvement and measurement of the progress.