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Glossary

5S Method

5S is a method for creating a safe, organized, and efficient workspace in various environments, such as production, warehouse, and administrative settings of different scales, like offices, workbenches, and production lines.

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Affinity diagram

An affinity diagram is a powerful tool that facilitates the grouping of ideas or data based on the natural way of human thinking, organizing concepts into categories instead of individual elements. This method allows for more efficient and intuitive analysis and understanding of complex information.

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AIAG

AIAG, or The Automotive Industry Action Group, is a leading organization that enhances supply chain processes in the automotive industry.

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APQP

APQP, short for Advanced Product Quality Planning, is a dynamic method that sets the standard for product development. Geared primarily towards the automotive industry, it incorporates precise procedures and cutting-edge techniques, ensuring top-notch product quality.

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Assertiveness

Assertiveness is a crucial communication skill, allowing individuals to express their opinions, views, wishes, or thoughts in a balanced manner without being aggressive.

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Asset Management

Asset management is the process of managing and controlling an organisation's assets. The objective of asset management is to maximize the value and performance of these assets, as well as to minimize risks and ensure their efficient use.

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Audit

Review of company documents and systems by an independent professional person - auditor

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Backup

Backup is the process of creating and storing a copy of data or information from a primary source on another medium or device. Its main purpose is to ensure the availability and recovery of data in the event of unwanted loss, corruption, deletion, or other unforeseen events.

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BCM

BCM, or Business Continuity Management, is a systematic approach that prepares organizations for potential threats like natural disasters, pandemics, or cyber-attacks, ensuring effective operation during disruptions.

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Benchmarking

Continuous and systematic process of comparing products, processes, and methods with competitors, latest trends, and overall industry trends to identify opportunities for improvement and strive for excellence.

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Black belt – Six Sigma

A Black Belt is an individual with advanced expertise and experience in Six Sigma, a highly data-driven approach to process improvement based on statistical process control methods.

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Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a collaborative technique used by teams to generate numerous ideas for a chosen topic. Its objective is to unleash the creative energy of participants and explore a wide range of potential solutions to the problem.

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Capability Index

The capability index is a statistical measure to evaluate how well a process or system meets specifications. It compares process data variability with specification limits. A high capability index indicates consistent output meeting specifications, while a low index suggests inability to meet requirements.

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Compliance

In a broad context, compliance pertains to conforming to regulations, rules, norms, and standards that are pertinent to a particular sphere of activity. It involves the obligation for an organization or individual to operate in alignment with applicable legal, ethical, and regulatory demands.

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Conflict of Interests

This situation arises when personal interests, such as family, friendship, financial, or social factors, may impact the judgment or decision-making of individuals while performing their work duties. As a result, employees may prioritize their personal interests over the best interests of the company in their job performance.

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Consent for Personal Data Processing

Consent should be provided through a clear expression of will, which is a free, specific, informed, and unequivocal statement by the data subject to the processing of personal data concerning them. This could include checking a box when visiting a website, selecting technical settings of information society services, or any other statement or conduct that clearly indicates, in this context, the data subject's agreement to the proposed processing of their personal data.

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Control plan

A control plan is a management tool utilized to oversee activities that enhance processes or products, ultimately aiming to boost customer satisfaction.

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Controlling

Controlling involves monitoring and evaluating actual performance against planned objectives and taking corrective actions as needed. This may include operational adjustments, process changes, or resource reallocation to enhance overall performance.

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Correlation Diagram, Correlation

Correlation is used to determine the statistical dependence of the dependent variable (the one we need to find out) on the independent variable (the one we know or can adjust).

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CRM

CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. It focuses on actively creating and maintaining mutually beneficial, long-term relationships between customers and the company.

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Cryptography

Cryptography involves converting legible text or data into an indecipherable form through mathematical algorithms and keys. The aim of cryptography is to safeguard data to prevent unauthorized access, reading, or alteration while it's being transmitted or stored.

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DMAIC - Project management model

DMAIC is a cyclical, data-oriented project management sequence used to improve, stabilize, and optimize processes. It's a vital tool in Six Sigma projects and adaptable for other continuous improvement techniques.

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FMEA

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is an analytical method used during product or manufacturing process design to identify and resolve potential failures, faults, and critical errors. It examines the causes and consequences of failure modes, their impact on the manufacturing plant, customers, and end-users.

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Framework

A framework is an application framework that provides a predefined set of tools for software development. The framework facilitates application development by providing ready-made solutions to common problems and guiding developers in creating applications using predefined rules.

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GDPR

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a REGULATION (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated 27th April 2016, on the protection of natural persons regarding the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data. 

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Green belt – Six Sigma

A Green Belt is an individual with moderately advanced knowledge and experience in Six Sigma's statistical process control methods.

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HACCP

HACCP stands for "Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points." It is a preventive system used in the food industry to ensure food safety during all production activities, including processing, storage, transportation, handling, and sale. These measures are in accordance with hygiene regulations and proper manufacturing practices.

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IATF

IATF, The International Automotive Task Force, is a global working group dedicated to improving the quality of automotive industry products for customers worldwide.

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Internal audit

Internal audit functions as an advisory and impartial assurance activity within the organization. Its primary goal is to augment the organization's value and optimize its processes. By employing a systematic and methodical approach, audits play a crucial role in attaining the organization's objectives. They effectively assess and enhance risk management, control, and governance processes, contributing to overall improvement.

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Internal auditor

An internal auditor is authorized to conduct audits within organizations, specifically assessing the internal control system. They provide valuable information, evaluations, analyses, and recommendations to enhance task fulfillment for the company's authorities.

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Ishikawa diagram

The Ishikawa diagram depicts the causal relationship between a problem and its root causes. By identifying and addressing these causes, the problem can be permanently resolved.

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ISMS

An information security management system is a set of processes, procedures and techniques that an organization uses to manage information, protect it and ensure the security of the information system. This system is based on ISO/IEC 27001, which provides a framework for the implementation and operation of an ISMS.

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ISO

ISO, short for the International Organization for Standardization, is an international organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded on February 23, 1947, it operates in 164 countries and issues internationally recognized standards under the ISO designation. With over 20,000 ISO standards issued, it holds the distinction of being the world's largest developer of voluntary, internationally recognized standards.

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ISO 9001

ISO 9001 serves as a global benchmark for Quality Management Systems (QMS). This standard sets forth guidelines for establishing, enacting, upholding, and perpetually enhancing an efficient QMS.

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Kaizen

Kaizen is a straightforward tool that speeds up continuous process improvement by implementing small changes.

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Kanban

Kanban is a method for effectively managing the flow of materials and information to meet customer demands. Its goal is to deliver the right product, at the right time, in the desired quantity, and with the required quality. Kanban serves as the foundation for the "Just in Time" system.

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KPI

KPI stands for Key Performance Indicator, a metric used to measure the performance of an organization, department, project, or individual against specific goals or objectives. KPIs facilitate progress tracking, measure success, and aid in data-driven decision-making.

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Lean Office, Lean Administration

In administrative processes, similar to production processes, wasteful activities can be identified. When elements of lean manufacturing are introduced into administrative processes, it is referred to as Lean Office or Lean Office.

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Lean Production

Lean production, often referred to as lean manufacturing, involves a collection of tools designed to eliminate activities that lack customer value and result in losses for the company.

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Lean Six Sigma

Lean Six Sigma combines techniques and tools from lean management and statistical methods to reduce process waste effectively.

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Legitimate Interest

Personal data can be processed for different purposes, based on legal grounds, consent, or legitimate interest. Legitimate interests can serve as a legal basis, as long as they don't outweigh the rights and freedoms of the data subjects, considering their reasonable expectations.

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Machine Capability

Machine capability encompasses the array of functions and performance traits that a machine or device can deliver. It involves the machine's aptitude for accomplishing precise, efficient, and consistent execution of specific tasks or processes.

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Malware

Malware is short for Malicious Software, designed to attack and gain access to the user's device. It aims to cause damage, steal data, or monitor the user, and includes viruses, spyware, adware, phishing, trojans, rootkits, and more.

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MSA

MSA determines the reliability of the measured data and identifies any uncertainties in the entire measurement system, i.e. it takes into account other influences than the meter itself.

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MTBF

MTBF stands for Mean Time Between Failures, a statistical metric used to gauge the reliability of a product or manufacturing machine. It represents the average time between two consecutive failures.

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MTTF

MTTF, or Mean Time To Failure, is a reliability metric that indicates the average time a product or system will function before encountering an irreparable failure.

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MTTR

MTTR stands for Mean Time To Repair, representing the average time needed to fix a faulty system or component and restore it to normal operation. This crucial metric aids maintenance and repair operations by identifying opportunities for improvement and optimization.

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NIST CSF

The NIST CSF is a set of tools used to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of organizations and help them identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover from cyber threats.

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OEE

OEE stands for Overall Equipment Effectiveness, a metric used to assess the performance of manufacturing processes or equipment. It gauges the efficiency of the manufacturing process based on three factors: availability, performance, and quality.

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Organisation Six Sigma

The Six Sigma philosophy aims to manage processes to minimize errors and reduce process variability, often employing statistical methods. In contrast, Lean management focuses on waste reduction. Both methods share a disciplined, fact-based problem-solving approach involving all employees in Lean or Six Sigma activities. Implementing both programs simultaneously is common to maximize their effectiveness.

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Outsourcing

Outsourcing constitutes a business tactic wherein specific processes, activities, or services are entrusted to external firms or third-party suppliers. Through outsourcing, an organization hands over the duty of executing distinct tasks to specialized external entities equipped with the necessary knowledge, resources, and expertise.

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PDCA cycle

The PDCA cycle is an iterative management method with four steps: Plan-Do-Check-Act. It manages processes for business, manufacturing, and continuous improvement.

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Personal data

As per Article 4(1) of the GDPR, personal data includes information about an identified or identifiable natural person (referred to as the "data subject"). An identifiable person is someone who can be directly or indirectly identified through a name, identification number, location data, online identifier, or specific factors related to their physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity.

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Phishing

Phishing is a fraudulent technique where attackers pretend to be an authority (e.g., sellers, government representatives) in electronic communication (e.g., email) to get sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or money from their targets.

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Planned maintenance

Planned maintenance, a concept of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), aims to reduce losses from unexpected breakdowns by implementing preventive and predictive maintenance procedures.

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Poka-yoke

Poka-yoke (ポカヨケ), meaning "error-proofing," is a system developed in the 1960s as part of the Toyota Production System to eliminate the possibility of human errors in production. It was conceived by Shigeo Shingo, a Japanese engineer known as the father of the Toyota Production System. The main goal of poka-yoke is to design processes or products in a manner that enables operators to perform each step flawlessly, without any errors.

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PPAP

PPAP is an abbreviation for the Production Part Approval Process, which refers to the process of approving parts for mass production. It is a systematic method that enables the approval of parts or components for production by establishing well-defined processes. While originally intended for the automotive industry, PPAP is now employed in diverse sectors. The AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group) developed this process, along with the APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) framework, where PPAP plays a significant role.

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Problem solving

Problem-solving is the act of finding or seeking solutions to any problem. It falls within the cognitive domain and is an integral part of decision-making. The ability to solve problems is vital for every individual and holds particular significance for managers or leaders. This skill is instrumental in achieving success, whether for individuals or teams.

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PSB

PSB stands for Product Safety Responsible, which means being accountable for product safety. It involves ensuring that the product is designed, manufactured, and marketed in compliance with laws and regulations. PSB assesses risks, conducts testing and certification, provides safety information to customers, and oversees product safety throughout its lifecycle. In some cases, PSB is responsible for reporting injuries and recalls of unsafe products. Its role is critical in ensuring public safety and consumer confidence.

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Quality Function Deployment

Understanding the customer's perspective is crucial to grasping their expectations from the product. Often, their requirements are expressed vaguely, like "we want timely delivery of goods." QFD can transform these vague requirements into measurable characteristics, such as "order processing time" or "production planning time." Additionally, it can determine the relationship between product attributes (strong positive or negative correlation), assess the significance of metrics, and compare product features with competitors.

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REACH

REACH is an EU regulation that improves chemical safety, protects health and the environment, and promotes alternative methods to reduce animal testing.

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Red Tag

A tag is an English term for a label or sticker. In the context of 5S, the Red Tag is employed to identify items whose necessity is uncertain. Moreover, within TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), the Red Tag is utilized to mark deficiencies on machine equipment that the operator cannot address independently.

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Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment is an important tool for organisations and individuals to identify and minimise the risks associated with their activities. It helps them to better understand potential threats and make informed decisions about how to deal with risks.

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SDLC

SDLC, an acronym for Secure Development Life Cycle, represents a methodology or framework utilized in software development to bolster security and fortify defenses against risks linked to cyber threats. SDLC centers on integrating security practices and control mechanisms right from the commencement of the development journey through to the deployment and upkeep of the software product.

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SDS and ES

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) offer essential information to safeguard human health and the environment when handling chemicals. If a hazardous substance is registered at 10 tonnes or more per year per registrant, an extended safety data sheet with accompanying exposure scenarios must be provided.

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Seiketsu

Seiketsu, a Japanese term frequently associated with the 5S methodology, pertains to a system designed for organizing and upholding a clean and efficient workplace. As the fourth step in the 5S process, Seiketsu emphasizes standardization and the continuous maintenance of improvements achieved in earlier stages. This involves creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each task, introducing visual controls and labeling systems to promptly detect any misplaced items, and providing employees with training on the newly established procedures.

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Seiri

Seiri, a Japanese term meaning "sort" in English, is a fundamental principle of the 5S methodology. This approach encompasses lean manufacturing practices aimed at enhancing workplace efficiency, safety, and quality.

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Seiso

Seiso, the third step in the 5S methodology, means "Shine" in English. It focuses on cleaning and inspecting the workplace to remove dirt, debris, and any sources of contamination.

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Seiton

Seiton, the second phase of the 5S methodology, is known as "Set in Order" in English. In the context of 5S, Seiton focuses on arranging the items that are retained after the Seiri step (sorting and discarding unnecessary items) into a well-organized and efficient system.

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Shitsuke

Shitsuke, the last step in the 5S methodology, focuses on sustaining a clean and efficient workplace. It is a Japanese term commonly translated as "sustain" or "discipline," highlighting the importance of continuous effort and commitment to maintaining the improvements achieved in the preceding 4S steps.

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SIPOC Analysis

The purpose of SIPOC Analysis is to chart the connections among the scrutinized process, its inputs, and outputs, while also gauging the influence of both the customer and the supplier on the process. SIPOC frequently integrates into Green Belt and Black Belt projects, aiding in the development of a holistic comprehension of the reciprocal effects among the elements under scrutiny.

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SMED

SMED stands for Single Minute Exchange of Dies. It is a lean manufacturing technique designed to minimize machine setup and adjustment time, transforming it from hours to mere minutes. This approach combats waste and boosts production efficiency.

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SPC

SPC stands for Statistical Process Control, a technique that uses statistics to monitor and enhance quality in manufacturing. By analyzing available data, it tackles production issues, aiming to minimize waste by reducing defective items, also known as non-conforming products.

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SWOT analysis

The SWOT analysis serves as a crucial instrument employed by companies for crafting business strategies, evaluating both the organization's present state and its external surroundings.

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TIMWOODS in Lean Six Sigma - 8 Types of Waste

In the world of Lean Six Sigma, there are 8 types of loss/waste. You can remember them using the acronym TIMWOODS.

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TISAX

TISAX stands for Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange and is used to demonstrate that a supplier (especially Tier 1 and Tier 2) to the automotive industry meets stringent information security requirements. TISAX was created by the German Automotive Industry Association VDA.

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TOC

TOC, or Theory of Constraints, offers a universal analytical method for managing and improving business operations. Its core objective is identifying and leveraging system bottlenecks to maximize outcomes, focusing on the weakest link for optimal benefits. Without constraints, a system would achieve goals limitlessly.

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TPM

TPM, or Total Productive Maintenance, aims to optimize manufacturing equipment efficiency. Key principle: engage all, from operators to management, for ongoing process and equipment enhancement, fostering shared knowledge and ownership.

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TPS

TPS is a set of principles that emphasize the elimination of waste and continuous process improvement to improve the efficiency, quality and flexibility of their production processes, reduce waste and empower employees.

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Transparency

It is a state in which the information published is, to the maximum extent possible, comprehensible, verifiable and regularly published. It means that financial and business activities are conducted in an open manner.

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VDA

VDA is the German acronym for the German Automotive Industry Association, which brings together more than 620 German companies in the automotive sector. Among the car manufacturers represented by the VDA are BMW, Volkswagen AG, AUDI and Mercedes Benz. For its members and suppliers in the chain, the VDA publishes manuals and standards grouping the demanding requirements required in the automotive industry.

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