IATF requirements include section 5.3.1, “Organizational Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities – Supplemental,”which states that top management must designate personnel with specific responsibilities and authority to meet customer requirements. These include, but are not limited to, customer portals and scorecards. In collaboration with Stellantis-FCA, this requirement is implemented through the following portals: eSupplierConnect, MaPS, SQP, and beStandard.
Stellantis-FCA Customer Specific Requirements (CSR)
Additionally, Stellantis-FCA emphasizes this requirement in its Customer Specific Requirements (CSR) related to section 7.2.2 “Competences – On-the-Job Training” and in its PPAP process audit documentation. The following questions from the audit (equivalent to VDA 6.3) highlight this:
- 1.9: Verifies production plant access to the beStandard portal, which contains up-to-date customer standards.
- 17.7: Confirms that the production plant has at least two fully trained employees with access to eSupplierConnectand all required Stellantis-FCA systems, including MaPS, SQP, and beStandard.
Benefits of Accessing Stellantis xFCA Portals
Understanding the requirements of IATF, CSRs, and Stellantis-FCA audit questions allows us to explore the benefits of accessing these portals. Each portal offers distinct functionalities critical to effective supplier management.
eSupplierConnect: The Starting Point for Stellantis xFCA Systems
Gaining access to the eSupplierConnect portal is essential as it serves as the unified access point for all Stellantis-FCA suppliers. Through this platform, suppliers can also apply for access to other systems (illustrated in the diagram below).
Additional Benefits:
- Simplified access using a single login.
- Ability to issue “tickets” in case of database issues, with the option to attach screenshots for better problem resolution.
MaPS: The APQP Portal for Seamless Launch and Serial Production
The MaPS portal is a vital tool for Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP). It is designed for use by quality engineers, project managers, and program managers—particularly during the planning and implementation of ODM (Ordine di Modifica) changes. Organizational engineers can also use MaPS to manage approvals for Supplier Product Validation (SPV) plans for parts or modules being launched.
Key Features of MaPS:
- Tracks part approvals based on Stellantis-FCA Standards (e.g., “07740”) or FPT Procedures (“FPW.IFP059”) aligned with the AIAG PPAP Reference Manual.
- Automates notifications for launch status updates, reducing the need to check statuses daily. Notifications are available via email through the eSupplierConnect portal.
- Enhances communication with Stellantis-FCA plants by providing contact details for key client representatives, from SQEs to Plant Evaluation (PE) coordinators and central quality engineers.
Critical Functionality for Derogation Management:
MaPS also supports the management of IAA (Interim Approval Authorization), which Stellantis-FCA defines in Standard 08090. This functionality is crucial for coordinating with customer departments such as SQE, plant quality, and engineering.
Suppliers can perform the following tasks in MaPS:
- Upload documents, such as test plans and results, for Supplier Product Validation (SPV; formerly PPF and AQF).
- Create Interim Approval Authorizations (IAA; previously known as VARIANZA-IRW or Deroga).
Conclusion
Accessing eSupplierConnect is the starting point for gaining permissions to other Stellantis-FCA systems, including MaPS, SQP, and beStandard. Each portal offers unique features that streamline processes and ensure compliance with Stellantis-FCA requirements.
In the next article, we will explore the remaining portals—SQP and beStandard—and their critical functionalities for suppliers.
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