APQP and PPAP

What is the purpose of the APQP and PPAP processes?

APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) are methods used in the automotive and other industries. Their purpose is to ensure that the supplier understands the customer's requirements. And, is capable of providing the required quality and quantity of product on time.

 Plans are worthless. Planning is priceless.

Although both APQP and PPAP are somewhat taxing because of the paperwork needed, the concepts are sound. I've always said, "Plans are worthless. Planning is priceless."  Many of us plan on doing or getting to something and it just doesn't happen. That's what I mean by plans are worthless because they weren't backed-up by sound preparation and information.

APQP sets out a clear path for planning, implementing and verifying a process. The APQP process has five phases. What phases a company has to complete depends on what they do.  There are checklists provided in the back of the guide published by AIAG that are very helpful in keeping you on the right path. They provide the organization and consistency needed to ensure a successful product and process launch.

VOP = VOC

If I needed to boil the whole idea down to a few words, it would be "Matching the voice of the supplier's process to the voice of the customer, VOP = VOC."

The time spent upfront completing a well executed planning process can save thousands of dollars and days of frustration in corrective action activities.

Production Part Approval Process - PPAP

PPAP is the hard proof that the supplier understood the customer's requirements. It principally involves gathering all the data and information that was generated throughout the APQP stage. Then presenting it in prescribed method and format to the customer for review and, hopefully, approval.

The customer reviews the PPAP submission and renders one of three possible decisions:

    1) Product and process approved as submitted,

    2) Interim approval with a request for additional information or samples, or

    3) Not approved - start over.

If you would like to learn to use the APQP and/or PPAP methods to help prevent problems for new products and processes, give us jingle or send a message.

Some of the things we'll talk about in class are:

Setting up and managing the program

Getting an understanding of the entire APQP and PPAP processes

Using the Plan/Do/Check/Act (PDCA) process model

Determining where in the five phases an organization begins

When is APQP appropriate?

Cross-functional Teams, and

Definitions and Acronyms.

You can have this class presented at your business for less than $53.00 per person. Travel expenses not included. Class is one day.

The course includes:

Additional Resources