What is CQI, and how does it relate to IATF 16949?

CQI stands for Continuous Quality Improvement. AIAG’s CQI manuals provide guidance and assessment methods for quality management, manufacturing processes, suppliers, data and software in the automotive industry.

The 25 CQI codes should not be interpreted as 25 mandatory requirements that apply collectively to every IATF 16949-certified business. Applicability must be determined by actual processes, products, customer-specific requirements (CSRs), contracts and other relevant requirements. CQI supports system implementation and improvement; using a CQI manual does not replace IATF 16949 management system certification.

For example, suppliers performing heat treatment should consider CQI-9; electronic assembly businesses should consider CQI-17; and rubber mixing and molding facilities should consider CQI-30. Manuals covering LPA, problem solving or traceability can support a wide range of businesses.

A reference list of 25 CQI codes for businesses

To make selection easier, ITVC has organized the manuals below into six application groups. Click each CQI code to visit AIAG’s original document page and check the current edition.

1. Special processes and manufacturing systems — 10 manuals

This group includes nine special process assessment manuals and CQI-35 on wiring harness quality. AIAG lists CQI-35 alongside Special Process Assessments, although its title and scope concern wiring harness quality guidance.

CQI-9 — Heat Treat System Assessment

For heat treatment processes; supports the review of management and process controls.

CQI-11 — Plating System Assessment

Guidance for assessing plating processes to control coating quality and reduce defects.

CQI-12 — Coating System Assessment

Supports surface coating process control, defect prevention and variation reduction.

CQI-15 — Welding System Assessment

Applies to metal welding processes within the manual’s scope and supports process control.

CQI-17 — Electronic Assembly and Soldering Assessment

Focuses on soldering systems in electronics manufacturing and assembly for the automotive supply chain.

CQI-23 — Molding System Assessment

Supports the assessment of molding operations and improves process stability.

CQI-27 — Casting System Assessment

For automotive casting suppliers, supporting the review of control requirements in foundries.

CQI-29 — Brazing System Assessment

Guidance for assessing brazing processes, which should be distinguished from welding under CQI-15 and electronics soldering under CQI-17.

CQI-30 — Rubber Processing System Assessment — Mixing and Molding

Supports the management and assessment of rubber mixing and molding processes in component manufacturing.

CQI-35 — Wiring Harness Quality Guidelines

Focuses on wiring harness quality and reliability to help reduce manufacturing defects and warranty issues.

2. Quality management and improvement — 3 manuals

CQI-8 — Layered Process Audits — LPA

Organizes process checks involving multiple levels of management to maintain operational discipline.

CQI-20 — Effective Problem Solving

Supports root cause identification, corrective action development and prevention of recurrence.

CQI-22 — Cost of Poor Quality — COPQ

Identifies and quantifies the costs of defects and waste to prioritize improvement activities.

3. Product quality and error prevention — 3 manuals

CQI-14 — Automotive Warranty Management

Connects warranty information with improvement activities to reduce field failures and improve customer satisfaction.

CQI-18 — Effective Error-Proofing

Guidance on developing error-proofing measures, with an emphasis on preventing errors within processes.

CQI-24 — Design Review Based on Failure Modes — DRBFM

Supports risk reviews when designs or processes change and improves coordination across departments.

4. Supplementary guidance on statistical process control — 2 manuals

CQI-25 — SPC Quick Start Guide

Introduces commonly used methods and control charts for those starting to implement SPC.

CQI-26 — SPC for Short Runs

Supports process analysis and control when production volumes or sampling conditions are unsuitable for conventional SPC charts.

5. Suppliers and the supply chain — 4 manuals

CQI-19 — Sub-Tier Supplier Management

Supports supplier assessment, selection, development and monitoring within the automotive supply chain.

CQI-28 — Traceability

Guidance on establishing product and information traceability to help contain quality issues.

CQI-32 — Bar Steel System Assessment Questionnaire

Provides a consistent approach to reviewing suppliers and bar steel management systems.

CQI-37 — Management of Safety-Related Bulk Materials and Catalog Parts

Guidance on managing responsibilities and controls for safety-critical materials and parts within the supply chain.

6. Technical data, software and AI inspection — 3 manuals

CQI-33 — 3D Model Technical Data Package Exchange

Supports the exchange of technical data packages (TDPs) among parties in the development and manufacturing chain.

CQI-34 — Software Assurance Approval Process — SwAAP

Provides a structured approach to software approval, covering standalone software and software within a system.

CQI-38 — AI Visual Inspection Application and Assessment

Guidance on assessing capability, reliability and change control for AI-based visual inspection systems.

Which CQI should your business start with?

1. List processes and products: identify internal operations, outsourced processes and relevant suppliers.
2. Review customer requirements: confirm the required documents, editions, assessment scope and application frequency.
3. Assess gaps: review records, operating conditions and personnel capabilities against the applicable manual.
4. Train and practice: learn how to interpret the manual, gather evidence and plan actions to address nonconformities.
5. Follow up on improvement: assign owners, deadlines and methods for verifying the effectiveness of corrective actions.

Training to understand and apply CQI at ITVC

The program is discussed according to each business’s needs, manufacturing processes and customer requirements. The list above helps with topic selection; the specific training scope, materials, duration and delivery format will be confirmed during consultation.

• Understand requirements: learn the purpose, structure and scope of the selected CQI manual.
• Practice application: relate requirements to the company’s processes and situations.
• Support improvement: identify priorities and develop an action plan after training.

References and update notes

This catalog was checked against AIAG Manuals and AIAG Continuous Quality Improvement on September 27, 2026. Each code links to the official document. The catalog and editions may change; businesses should reconfirm customer requirements and current documentation before applying them. This introduction does not replace AIAG’s licensed manuals.