> CQI Standards > CQI-32
> CQI Standards > CQI-32
The new AIAG CQI-32 expands the established AIAG CQI family with another important standard within the Special Process Assessments. With the Bar Steel System Questionnaire, a structured assessment standard has been created specifically for the requirements of steel manufacturers, remelting facilities, rolling mills, service centres, forges, material testing laboratories and companies throughout the metallurgical process chain.
For automotive suppliers, OEM-related supply chains and companies with demanding material and supply chain requirements, CQI-32 is becoming increasingly important from a strategic perspective. The requirements help companies to strengthen material quality, traceability, process robustness, inspection planning, risk minimisation and supplier performance in a sustainable way.
Particularly in an environment of increasing customer-specific requirements, growing expectations for robust process evidence, international supplier development programmes and CSR requirements, AIAG CQI-32 is becoming a decisive success factor within the supply chain.
Published in January 2026, the AIAG CQI-32 Bar Steel System Questionnaire expands the CQI family with another standard within the Special Process Assessments. CQI-32 was specifically developed for companies that manufacture, process, inspect or approve bar steel for the automotive industry.
The standard helps companies assess requirements throughout the supply chain in a more structured and comparable way. This includes in particular material quality, process control, traceability, inspection planning, defect prevention and effective reaction to deviations.
For companies operating in international automotive supply chains, CQI-32 therefore provides a reliable basis for internal assessments, supplier audits, supplier development and the sustainable improvement of existing processes.
CQI-32 addresses key areas of bar steel manufacturing and inspection. These include, among others:
CQI-32 therefore covers essential process stages that are critical for quality, process reliability and objective evidence within the automotive bar steel supply chain.
The objective of AIAG CQI-32 is to assess requirements for bar steel processes in the automotive supply chain in a structured, comparable and effective way. The standard helps companies identify risks at an early stage, make processes more robust and provide reliable evidence to customers, OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
CQI-32 particularly supports:
CQI-32 is an AIAG Special Process Assessment for Bar Steel. The standard creates a structured framework for assessing relevant requirements within the bar steel supply chain and supports companies in the effective implementation of process control, defect prevention and risk assessment.
Its focus includes, among other things:
CQI-32 is therefore an important building block for companies that want to bring their bar steel processes and supplier assessments to a consistent, transparent and customer-oriented level.
With AIAG CQI-32, Bar Steel is clearly assigned to the CQI Special Processes family. This increases the relevance of the standard particularly for companies operating in international automotive supply chains and required to meet robust expectations regarding material quality, process capability and supplier performance.
CQI-32 helps companies to harmonise customer requirements more effectively, standardise assessments and reduce risks in sourcing, supplier approval, supplier development and escalation processes.
AIAG CQI-32 is relevant for all companies that manufacture, process, assess or approve Bar Steel within the automotive supply chain, for example:
CQI-32 helps companies assess requirements for bar steel processes in a structured way and identify improvement potential at an early stage. This creates greater transparency, better comparability and a more reliable basis for decision-making in supplier assessment.
Companies benefit, among other things, from:
TopQM-Systems provides specialised CQI-32 training, in-house training, remote training, supplier audits, gap analyses and practical implementation support. Our experts support companies in the reliable interpretation and effective implementation of the new AIAG requirements.
Our services at a glance:
For more than 25 years, TopQM-Systems has supported international companies in the introduction, further development and auditing of demanding automotive standards. With our deep expertise in AIAG, VDA, IATF 16949 and global supply chains, we create reliable solutions for robust material and special processes.
Our customers benefit from:
Finally, someone who really understands our industry.
That's exactly what TopQM-Systems stands for.
AIAG CQI-32 is the Bar Steel System Questionnaire and belongs to the AIAG CQI Special Processes family. The standard helps companies assess requirements for bar steel processes in the automotive supply chain in a structured way.
Yes, CQI-32 is listed by AIAG under the Special Process Assessments. This means that Bar Steel is officially assigned to the CQI Special Processes family.
CQI-32 is relevant for steel mills, remelting facilities, rolling mills, service centres, forges, material suppliers, material testing laboratories, automotive suppliers, OEMs, as well as quality professionals and auditors.
CQI-32 covers essential areas of bar steel manufacturing and inspection, including EAF, BOF, Continuous Casting, Ingot Casting and Immersion Ultrasonic Testing.
CQI-32 supports companies with greater transparency, better comparability, early risk identification and a structured approach to supplier assessment throughout the bar steel supply chain.
Use the new AIAG CQI-32 specifically to strengthen your bar steel processes and supply chains. Our experts support you worldwide – on site, remotely or as an in-house solution.
We are an official AIAG distribution partner in Europe – unique in Germany.
In addition to the AIAG CQI guidelines, we offer practical automotive training courses on the safe application of methods, standards and guidelines in the automotive industry.
TopQM-Systems is an official partner for distribution and training in Europe!
TopQM-Systems audits your company and your sub-suppliers in accordance with the AIAG standards listed above. Our audit concept is based on an audit checklist translated by TopQM-Systems from the original AIAG CQI guideline and provides your employees with practical “training on the job” during the audit. On request, the audit report can also be provided in the respective national language.
TopQM-Systems qualifies internal CQI auditors. Our CQI training courses are structured in accordance with AZWV seminar guidelines, and the training module “Understanding AIAG CQI Self Assessment” is AIAG licensed. TopQM-Systems has for many years been a recognised AIAG seminar provider in the global automotive market.
TopQM-Systems already carries out AIAG audits across the entire supply chain for major automotive suppliers. Benefit from our specialised know-how and contact us for a non-binding, detailed quotation.
