QM System Architects are responsible for implementing, maintaining, and improving an organization’s quality management system (QMS). Their work focuses less on traditional quality tools and more on metrics, standard requirements, and process descriptions. Typically, they are therefore responsible for coordinating quality measures. Another important task is the integration of different functional areas of the organization – for example, several company locations – into a functioning overall quality system.

The focus of the training to become a “QM System Architect” is on designing the quality management system at a strategic level and integrating all relevant business processes into it. In this role, operational tasks are largely delegated, and the focus is on setting standards, optimizing quality systems, and making strategic decisions.

• Design and Maintenance of the Quality Management System (QMS)
  Learn to design, implement, and continuously optimize an organization-wide QMS to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Strategic Alignment of Quality Management
  Gain skills to establish, evaluate, and create proposals for adjusting company-wide quality objectives.
• Process Integration and Optimization
  Learn how to integrate new processes into the existing process framework and evaluate them for continuous improvement.
• Analysis and Reduction of Quality Costs
  Acquire the ability to systematically analyze quality costs and implement measures for cost reduction.
• Implementation of Customer Specific Requirements (CSR) and Legal Provisions
  Develop detailed plans to implement and monitor CSR requirements and legal obligations (e.g., product liability) to ensure compliance.
• Moderation and Management of Quality Initiatives
  Conduct result-oriented meetings, lead company-wide projects for implementing new systems (e.g., CAQ, BPM), and ensure efficient execution of quality measures.
• Management of Audits, Reporting and Reviews
  Design and optimize internal audit programs, review and approve annual quality reports to ensure the company’s quality standards in the long term.

The “QM System Architect” training is tailored for professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and advancing a company’s QMS, or those preparing to take on such roles.

It equips participants to sustainably develop quality management within their organization and ensure adherence to all relevant standards, legal regulations, and customer-specific requirements.

This training emphasizes practical application through a mix of expert input, individual tasks, and group exercises.

• Participation in an auditor qualification based on DIN EN ISO 19011 is recommended (e.g. qualification as VDA Auditor (ID 104)).
• Participation in a training course “Automotive Core Tools” is recommended (e.g. Automotive Core Tools (ACT) for Quality Management in the Automotive Industry (ID 415)).
• Successful completion of the Quality Manager Self-Learning Program (ID 130).

Participants receive a certificate of attendance upon completion. To obtain certification, the examination (ID 133) must be passed.

The following standards/guidelines are mandatory for attendance (preferably as PDF documents):

• ISO 9000
• ISO 9001
• ISO 9004
• ISO 19011
• IATF 16949
• VDA volume “Customer Specific Requirements”
• VDA volume “Field Failure Analysis”

The ISO standards can be purchased for a fee via the DIN Media webshop. The other accompanying material is available in our VDA QMC webshop.

The qualification as a Quality Manager in both possible training paths focuses on the respective core tasks. Not all topics can be covered in depth. For deeper insights, the following training courses are recommended:

• ISO 9001 – Compact (ID 105)
• IATF 16949 – 1st/2nd Party Auditor – Qualification (ID 211)
• VDA 6.3:2023 – Process Auditor – Qualification (ID 381)
• VDA Field Failure Analysis for Users (ID 632)
• VDA 2 – Production Process and Product Approval (ID 410)
• FMEA according to AIAG-VDA – Basics (ID 442)
• Problem Solving in 8 Disciplines (8D) with Elements of the Standardized Process for Handling Customer Complaints for Users (ID 419)
• Maturity Level Assurance for New Parts (ID 602)
• Product Safety & Conformity Representative (ID 503)