Conformity of Production (COP) in Right-hand Drive vehicle conversions
One of the secret herbs and spices of a complex automotive engineering and manufacturing process such as the left-hand drive to right-hand drive conversion of American SUVs, Muscle Cars and Pickup Trucks is the Conformity of Production (COP) capability. Simply – Conformity of Production ensures that every single vehicle conversion and every single part used is the same quality, size, design, made from the same quality of material and thoroughly tested.
Conformity of Production (COP) is tasked with evidencing Autogroup International’s ability to produce conversion parts that exactly match the design specification, performance and marking requirements as setout by our mechanical and electrical engineering teams. Conformity of Production (COP) is ultimately about safety… Will all of the vehicle systems including steering, braking, occupant safety technology and airbags perform when you have your family travelling down a motorway at 100 kilometers an hour?
Simply it is not worth the risk to life of not sourcing your right-hand drive converted vehicle from an ‘unproven conversion shop’ that hasn’t invested into a truly capable and audited Conformity of Production (COP) team and methodology. This is not a simple check box of something to do – it is business critical and a long-term commitment.
The Autogroup International Conformity of Production Department is responsible for a range of critical duties and responsibilities, including:
Documentation:
- Design Plans: Developing comprehensive plans that outline the specifications and requirements for each vehicle conversion.
- Drawings / Diagrams: Creating detailed visual representations of components, assemblies, and systems to guide manufacturing processes.
- Manufacturing/Assembling/Conversion Procedure Manuals: Documenting step-by-step instructions and guidelines for conversion processes according to ADR (Australian Design Rules) requirements.
- Database / Records: Establishing and maintaining a centralized database of information and records related to production activities.
- Engineering Change Controls: Managing and implementing changes to designs, revision of procedures, and specifications while ensuring proper documentation and control.
Management of Jigs / Templates / Molds:
- Creation: Developing jigs, templates, and molds used in various manufacturing processes to ensure consistency of production.
- Identification: Properly labeling and cataloging jigs, templates, and molds for easy identification and retrieval.
- Maintenance: Ensuring regular maintenance, repair, and upkeep of jigs, templates, and molds to sustain their effectiveness and longevity.
- 3D Scanning: Utilizing advanced scanning technology to create digital representations of Jigs/Templates for verification procedures.
- Verification: Conducting thorough inspections and tests to validate the accuracy and performance of jigs, templates, and molds.
Monitoring & Measuring Equipment:
- Measuring Equipment Management (Calibration, Labeling): Ensuring the calibration and labeling of measuring equipment to maintain accuracy and traceability.
- Measuring Equipment Disposal: Managing the proper disposal of measuring equipment according to established procedures and regulations.
Autogroup International has a dedicated and talented team of professionals in our COP Department that are the true ‘unsung heroes’ who work tirelessly to ensure excellence and compliance in our vehicle conversions. We appreciate and recognize their vital role… and when the day comes that you are driving your right-hand converted vehicle and unfortunately have a catastrophic incident – it will be the work of the COP team that has saved your life….
Our superstar COP team include: Chathurnima Dilhani Maddumage, Iruni Madushani, Ranjana Madhushanka, Sulaj Maddagamage, Nipuna Udakandage, Rajeewani Samaraj and Imesha Fernando.
