simpleQuE Consulting Team Member

David K. Smith

Consultant, Auditor and Trainer

David Smith is a simpleQuE consultant with extensive training and experience across a range of automotive manufacturing environments. His areas of expertise in quality and environmental management systems include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO/TS and IATF 16949® and VDA 6.3.

Work Experience

ISO/Quality Management Systems

Dave’s career in quality management has spanned several decades, during which he held supervisory positions as Quality Manager, Director of Environmental Quality and Safety Management Systems, and Quality/Safety Director. At Means-Transform Products, he led the team that implemented and achieved ISO 14001 certification, as well as successfully passing two independent regulatory compliance audits. This system remains the backbone of the corporate compliance methodology and serves as a “best-practice” example for the industry. Dave also implemented actions and resolutions that led to cost savings on several projects, and was also involved in loss and waste prevention projects.

Automotive

Dave has worked extensively as a quality engineer and manager for multiple automotive manufacturers specializing in stampings and welded assemblies, and injection molded products. At three of those companies, he was responsible for implementing and improving entire quality systems to meet AIAG standards, industry trends, ISO 14001, ISO/TS and IATF 16949®, and customer specific requirements. IATF 16949® QMS and ISO 14001 EMS upgrades implemented in pace with standards’ revisions were achieved across six facilities in Michigan and Ontario for Means Transform Products where he worked for almost 20 years. With his level of expertise, Dave has consulted independently and performed gap analysis and systems audits – providing suggestions for corrections and improvements to assist companies in obtaining and maintaining registrations. He is also a certified VDA 6.3 Process Auditor.

Teaching and Training

Since 1982, Dave has trained personnel for multiple companies on a variety of topics including: Quality in Manufacturing, AIAG Core Tools, Statistical Process Control, Problem Solving, ISO/TS/IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 Implementation and Internal Auditing. He has also taught as an adjunct faculty member for Macomb Community College.

Certificates and Training

  • ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949:2016 Certified Lead QMS Auditor
  • IATF 16949:2016 Internal Auditor Training
  • VDA 6.3 Certified Process Auditor
  • Green Belt in Six Sigma

Education

David earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Cornerstone University. In addition, he has taken trade-related courses from Henry Ford Community College and other sources to maintain his certifications and stay up-to-date on the standards requirements.