> CQI Standards > CQI-17
> CQI Standards > CQI-17
The AIAG CQI‑17 “Special Process: Electronic Assembly Manufacturing-Soldering System Assessment” provides a common framework for assessing soldering processes and related operations in electronic assembly manufacturing.
Published in September 2026, the 3rd Edition helps organisations identify weaknesses in their manufacturing processes, strengthen process controls and ensure the consistent quality of electronic assemblies.
TopQM-Systems supports organisations in implementing CQI‑17, 3rd Edition through practical training, gap analyses, internal audits, supplier audits and individual consulting.
AIAG published the 3rd Edition of CQI‑17 in September 2026. The new edition is officially titled “Special Process: Electronic Assembly Manufacturing-Soldering System Assessment” and is also known as EAM‑SSA.
CQI‑17 applies to manufacturing, assembly and soldering sites that process customer-specified production or service parts for the automotive industry. It helps organisations and suppliers demonstrate their ability to manufacture products that meet customer requirements as well as applicable industry and regulatory requirements.
The 3rd Edition contains 15 Process Tables for the systematic assessment of soldering, assembly, inspection, testing and rework processes in electronic assembly manufacturing.
Source: AIAG – CQI‑17 Special Process: Electronic Assembly Manufacturing-Soldering, 3rd Edition
CQI‑17, 3rd Edition takes a system-wide approach to quality and process control. It considers not only the soldering process itself, but also upstream and downstream operations that can affect the quality of electronic assemblies.
Key focus areas of the 3rd Edition include:
Organisations should compare the requirements of the new edition with their existing processes, inspection plans, documentation and responsibilities to identify any necessary changes.
CQI‑17 is an AIAG system assessment for electronic assembly manufacturing and soldering processes. It considers process planning, equipment, materials, process parameters, inspection, testing, documentation, employee competence and practical implementation in production.
Its objective is to control soldering and assembly processes so that electronic assemblies consistently meet defined quality requirements.
CQI‑17 is particularly relevant to:
CQI‑17 complements existing quality management systems such as IATF 16949. The obligation to apply it may result from customer-specific requirements, quality agreements or contractual requirements within the automotive supply chain.
CQI‑17, 3rd Edition contains 15 Process Tables. These address processes and parameters that can affect the quality of electronic assemblies.
The covered areas include:
The Process Tables help organisations identify relevant process parameters and define and document appropriate control limits, inspection methods and assessment frequencies.
The Process Tables applicable to a specific CQI‑17 assessment depend on the processes performed at the individual manufacturing site.
A CQI‑17 assessment combines overarching system requirements with a detailed evaluation of the manufacturing processes actually used at the site.
The assessment focuses on the following areas:
The assessment evaluates whether responsibilities are clearly defined and whether management provides the resources required for stable and effective processes.
This includes process flows, PFMEA, control plans, work instructions, process parameters and documented inspection criteria.
Employees, process owners and auditors must be appropriately qualified for their responsibilities. Training and evidence of competence must be documented and traceable.
Equipment, tools, materials and quality-relevant process parameters must be suitable, approved, monitored and maintained.
Inspection methods, control limits, sampling and assessment frequencies must be appropriate for the relevant processes and risks.
The applicable Process Tables enable a detailed assessment of the soldering, assembly, inspection, testing and rework processes used at the site.
Identified nonconformities and weaknesses must be evaluated, prioritised and addressed through effective corrective actions. The implementation and effectiveness of these actions must be documented and verified.
TopQM-Systems provides practical training on the application of CQI‑17 and the assessment of soldering processes in electronic assembly manufacturing.
Participants learn how to:
The training is particularly suitable for employees working in Quality Management, Production, Process Development, electronic assembly manufacturing and Supplier Quality, as well as internal auditors and supplier auditors.
TopQM-Systems conducts CQI‑17 assessments at your own manufacturing sites as well as at supplier and sub-tier supplier locations.
Our audit services include:
Audits can be conducted for individual sites or as part of international and multi-site audit programmes.
A CQI‑17 gap analysis by TopQM-Systems assesses your organisation’s current level of implementation against the requirements of the 3rd Edition.
The gap analysis identifies:
The gap analysis provides a structured basis for further implementation and preparation for internal audits, supplier audits or customer assessments. It also considers interfaces with existing processes such as IATF 16949, PFMEA, control plans and inspection planning.
The CQI‑17 “Special Process: Electronic Assembly Manufacturing-Soldering System Assessment” has been available in its 3rd Edition since September 2026.
The English edition is available as a printed hard copy with a downloadable assessment and as an e-document.
TopQM-Systems is an authorised AIAG training and distribution partner in Europe. Our webshop provides reliable access to AIAG publications directly from Germany.
TopQM-Systems is an authorised AIAG training and distribution partner in Europe.
Yes. AIAG published the 3rd Edition of CQI‑17 in September 2026. Its official product title is “Special Process: Electronic Assembly Manufacturing-Soldering System Assessment”.
EAM‑SSA stands for “Electronic Assembly Manufacturing-Soldering System Assessment”. It is the name of the CQI‑17 system assessment for electronic assembly manufacturing and soldering processes.
CQI‑17 is not a standalone certifiable management system standard. However, its application may be required through customer-specific requirements, quality agreements or contractual requirements within the automotive supply chain.
CQI‑17 covers a range of manual and automated soldering processes as well as related assembly, inspection, testing, coating and rework processes in electronic assembly manufacturing.
Yes. The 3rd Edition contains 15 Process Tables. These help organisations systematically define and document quality-relevant process parameters, control limits and assessment frequencies.
The required frequency depends on the current CQI‑17 edition and the applicable customer-specific, contractual and internal requirements. Process changes, production relocations, new product launches or quality issues may require additional assessments.
CQI‑17, 3rd Edition is currently available from AIAG in English as a printed hard copy and as an e-document. The latest availability of languages and formats should be checked before ordering.
TopQM-Systems supports organisations through CQI‑17 training, auditor qualification, gap analyses, internal audits, supplier audits and individual consulting on the implementation of the requirements.
Would you like to assess your soldering processes and electronic assembly manufacturing operations, qualify your employees or prepare for a CQI‑17 assessment?
TopQM-Systems supports you worldwide with practical training, gap analyses, internal audits and supplier audits.
