Quality from BPW: How vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators benefit

Trailer axles jolted on hydraulic pulsers, entire semitrailers drifting over icy surfaces, swirling up dust on sandy tracks, and rumbling over potholes on bad roads: The images of test drives and test bench trials are well known. This is how BPW also tests individual components, entire modules and complete vehicles for reliability and durability as realistically as possible. During these tests, the engineers expect a lot more from the products than what they must later withstand in daily use. They do so to ensure the reliability of BPW running gear systems and components. Quality management at BPW begins in the early phases of product development. A deciding factor for product reliability is advanced planning in terms of quality. "This process is an integral part of every development phase. At an early point in the process, we systematically evaluate the quality risks relating to a product and define measures to reduce risks and avoid errors", explains Markus Niehaus, Head of Quality Management at BPW.

The project quality engineer plays a central role in the development project team and is usually an engineer with an additional internal qualification from BPW. "Their role is that of a customer, scrutinising evaluations and decisions in the project that may have a impact on the quality of the product", explains Markus Niehaus.

Quality is monitored throughout the entire product life cycle and is ensured by many specialists. More than 160 employees in different departments and regions work in quality management and customer service for BPW. Experts in purchasing are responsible for the quality of purchased parts and ensure this thanks to targeted supplier selection, intensive supplier support and incoming goods inspections. Series-accompanying and requalifying tests ensure quality during the production and assembly of BPW products and also during its use.

Customer service employees are responsible for product monitoring. They forward any feedback from the vehicle manufacturer and fleet operators on product behavior during use. "This area plays an important role. If irregularities first occur during use, it is important to identify them as early as possible and take preventive action to remedy them", says Markus Niehaus. Customer service also includes product and service trainings at trailer manufacturers and service stations.

There are clear rules for the auditing and certification of a quality management system. The BPW production locations are certified in accordance with the industry standard ISO 9001, and selected sites are also certified in accordance with the ISO 16949 automotive standard. The certifications apply to the core processes of development and manufacture, as well as supporting processes such as human resource management, purchasing or information technology. "This is how we ensure that every employee of the BPW Group operates machinery in the same way or comply with the same rules when purchasing components", explains Head of Quality Management Niehaus. In addition, BPW also adheres to self-imposed rules and processes resulting from experience.

BPW engages independent auditors as early as the development project stage to ensure maximum product quality during the development process. "Our aspiration is to provide vehicle manufacturers and vehicle operators with a product that is reliable, with a high utility and that also ensures low operational costs", says the Head of Quality Management. "We strive for quality not only in our company, but also beyond. BPW is able to adapt to the logistics and production processes of our customers so that we can also work hand in hand at this interface", he says. That is another aspect of the comprehensive quality management, which ensures reliable trailers with high-quality products and services in BPW quality.