APQP/PPAP - Advanced Product Quality Planning & Production Part Approval
When to Activate This Skill
- "What APQP phase are we in?"
- "Create a phase gate checklist"
- "What PPAP elements are required?"
- "Generate a PSW for [part]"
- "Create a timing plan for [program]"
- "Track open issues for [launch]"
- "What's needed for PPAP Level [X]?"
- "Run readiness review"
Workflow Routing
| Workflow | Trigger | File |
|----------|---------|------|
| PhaseGate | "phase gate review", "gate checklist" | Workflows/PhaseGate.md |
| PpapPackage | "PPAP elements", "PPAP submission" | Workflows/PpapPackage.md |
| TimingPlan | "timing plan", "launch schedule" | Workflows/TimingPlan.md |
| OpenIssues | "open issues", "issue tracker" | Workflows/OpenIssues.md |
APQP Five Phases
Phase 1: Plan and Define Program
Purpose: Determine customer needs and expectations
Key Deliverables: | Deliverable | Description | Owner | |-------------|-------------|-------| | Voice of Customer | Customer requirements documented | Commercial | | Business Plan | Program justification, capacity, investment | GM | | Product/Process Assumptions | Initial feasibility assessment | Engineering | | Product Assurance Plan | Quality objectives, reliability goals | Quality | | Preliminary BOM | Initial bill of materials | Engineering | | Preliminary Process Flow | High-level manufacturing concept | Mfg Eng | | Preliminary Special Characteristics | Initial CC/SC identification | Quality | | Management Support | Resource commitment | GM |
Gate 1 Criteria:
- [ ] Customer requirements documented and reviewed
- [ ] Feasibility assessment complete
- [ ] Resource plan approved
- [ ] Risk assessment performed
- [ ] Timing plan established
Phase 2: Product Design and Development
Purpose: Develop design to near-final form
Key Deliverables: | Deliverable | Description | Owner | |-------------|-------------|-------| | DFMEA | Design Failure Mode Effects Analysis | Design Eng | | Design for Manufacturability (DFM) | Manufacturing input to design | Mfg Eng | | Design Verification Plan | DVP&R creation | Design Eng | | Engineering Drawings | Released with GD&T | Design Eng | | Engineering Specifications | Material, performance specs | Design Eng | | Prototype Build | Sample parts for validation | Multiple | | Prototype Control Plan | Inspection plan for prototypes | Quality | | Special Characteristics (Updated) | CC/SC finalized | Quality |
Gate 2 Criteria:
- [ ] DFMEA complete (RPN addressed)
- [ ] Design reviews completed
- [ ] Drawings released
- [ ] Prototypes built and validated
- [ ] Design verification results acceptable
- [ ] Special characteristics agreed with customer
Note: For contract manufacturing (MNMUK), Phase 2 is often customer-led. Focus on DFM feedback and prototype support.
Phase 3: Process Design and Development
Purpose: Develop manufacturing process
Key Deliverables: | Deliverable | Description | Owner | |-------------|-------------|-------| | Process Flow Diagram | All operations mapped | Mfg Eng | | Floor Plan Layout | Equipment and flow layout | Mfg Eng | | Characteristics Matrix | Link characteristics to operations | Quality | | PFMEA | Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis | Quality/Mfg Eng | | Pre-Launch Control Plan | Enhanced control for validation | Quality | | Process Instructions | Operator work instructions | Mfg Eng | | MSA Plan | Measurement system analysis plan | Quality | | Preliminary Process Capability Plan | Cpk study plan | Quality | | Packaging Standards | Pack spec developed | Logistics | | Management Support (Updated) | Confirm resources | GM |
Gate 3 Criteria:
- [ ] Process flow complete and approved
- [ ] PFMEA complete (high RPNs addressed)
- [ ] Pre-launch control plan approved
- [ ] Work instructions drafted
- [ ] MSA plan established
- [ ] Tooling/equipment ordered or available
- [ ] Packaging spec approved
Phase 4: Product and Process Validation
Purpose: Validate manufacturing process
Key Deliverables: | Deliverable | Description | Owner | |-------------|-------------|-------| | Significant Production Run | PPAP quantity produced | Production | | MSA Results | Gage R&R complete | Quality | | Preliminary Process Capability | Initial Cpk/Ppk studies | Quality | | Production Part Approval | PPAP package complete | Quality | | Production Validation Testing | Performance testing | Quality | | Production Control Plan | Final control plan | Quality | | Quality Planning Sign-Off | Team approval | Cross-functional | | PSW | Part Submission Warrant | Quality |
Gate 4 Criteria:
- [ ] Significant production run complete
- [ ] MSA acceptable (<10% GR&R for CC, <30% for SC)
- [ ] Process capability acceptable (Ppk ≥1.67 for CC, ≥1.33 for SC)
- [ ] PPAP package complete per customer level
- [ ] Customer approval (PSW signed)
- [ ] Production control plan implemented
- [ ] Operators trained
Phase 5: Feedback, Assessment and Corrective Action
Purpose: Continuous improvement during production
Key Activities: | Activity | Description | Frequency | |----------|-------------|-----------| | Variation Reduction | Reduce process variability | Ongoing | | Customer Satisfaction | Monitor complaints, returns | Monthly | | Delivery Performance | OTD tracking | Weekly | | Lessons Learned | Capture and share | Per program | | Control Plan Updates | Based on experience | As needed | | PFMEA Updates | Based on field issues | As needed |
Ongoing Requirements:
- [ ] Customer complaints tracked and resolved
- [ ] Process capability maintained
- [ ] Control plans current
- [ ] Lessons learned documented
- [ ] Continuous improvement projects active
PPAP Submission Levels
| Level | Requirements | When Used | |-------|--------------|-----------| | Level 1 | PSW only | Customer trusts supplier | | Level 2 | PSW with product samples and limited data | Reduced documentation | | Level 3 | PSW with product samples and complete data | Default | | Level 4 | PSW with complete data (no samples) | Customer-specific | | Level 5 | PSW with product samples and complete data at supplier site | Customer review on-site |
MNMUK Default: Level 3 unless customer specifies otherwise.
PPAP 18 Elements
Element Checklist
| # | Element | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Owner | |---|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|-------| | 1 | Design Records | R | S | S | * | R | Engineering | | 2 | Authorized Engineering Change Documents | R | S | S | * | R | Engineering | | 3 | Customer Engineering Approval | R | R | S | * | R | Commercial | | 4 | Design FMEA | R | R | S | * | R | Engineering | | 5 | Process Flow Diagram | R | R | S | * | R | Mfg Eng | | 6 | Process FMEA | R | R | S | * | R | Quality | | 7 | Control Plan | R | R | S | * | R | Quality | | 8 | Measurement System Analysis | R | R | S | * | R | Quality | | 9 | Dimensional Results | R | S | S | * | R | Quality | | 10 | Material, Performance Test Results | R | S | S | * | R | Quality | | 11 | Initial Process Studies | R | R | S | * | R | Quality | | 12 | Qualified Laboratory Documentation | R | S | S | * | R | Quality | | 13 | Appearance Approval Report (AAR) | S | S | S | * | R | Quality | | 14 | Sample Production Parts | R | S | S | R | R | Quality | | 15 | Master Sample | R | R | S | * | R | Quality | | 16 | Checking Aids | R | R | S | * | R | Quality | | 17 | Customer-Specific Requirements | R | R | S | * | R | Quality | | 18 | Part Submission Warrant (PSW) | S | S | S | S | S | Quality |
Legend: S = Submit to customer | R = Retain at supplier | * = Retain and submit on request
Element Details
Element 1: Design Records
- Released engineering drawings
- CAD data if applicable
- Current revision level
- All engineering specifications referenced
Element 2: Authorized Engineering Change Documents
- ECNs (Engineering Change Notices)
- Deviations approved by customer
- Temporary deviations with expiry dates
Element 3: Customer Engineering Approval
- Evidence of customer approval for design
- Typically for proprietary designs
- Not required if customer-owned design
Element 4: Design FMEA (DFMEA)
- Covers design failure modes
- Often customer responsibility for contract manufacturing
- MNMUK may not have access if design is proprietary
Element 5: Process Flow Diagram
- All operations including rework/inspection
- Material flow indicated
- Must match Control Plan operations
Element 6: Process FMEA (PFMEA)
- All process failure modes
- Current controls documented
- RPN/AP action items closed
- Special characteristics identified
- Reference: Load Pfmea skill
Element 7: Control Plan
- Matches PFMEA and process flow
- All special characteristics controlled
- Appropriate sample sizes and frequencies
- Reaction plans defined
- Reference: Load Controlplan skill
Element 8: Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
- Gage R&R for all variable gages
- Attribute agreement for attribute checks
- Acceptance: <10% for CC, <30% for SC
- Reference: Load Msa skill
Element 9: Dimensional Results
- All drawing dimensions measured
- Sample size typically n=3-5 parts
- Include layout inspection report
- Mark CC/SC results
Element 10: Material, Performance Test Results
- Material certifications
- Performance test results (DVP&R)
- Third-party test reports if required
- Traceability to material lots
Element 11: Initial Process Studies
- Capability studies (Ppk/Cpk)
- Minimum 30 parts, 300 readings for SPC
- Acceptance: Ppk ≥1.67 (CC), ≥1.33 (SC)
- Reference: Load Spc skill
Element 12: Qualified Laboratory Documentation
- Scope of lab accreditation
- ISO/IEC 17025 scope if applicable
- Third-party lab certifications
Element 13: Appearance Approval Report (AAR)
- Required for appearance items only
- Color, grain, texture approval
- Customer-signed AAR form
Element 14: Sample Production Parts
- Parts from significant production run
- Quantity per customer requirement (typically 3-10)
- Representative of normal production
Element 15: Master Sample
- Retained production sample
- Same as submitted samples
- Stored per retention requirements
Element 16: Checking Aids
- Custom gages, fixtures, templates
- Calibrated and identified
- Match Control Plan references
Element 17: Customer-Specific Requirements
- OEM-specific PPAP requirements
- May include additional forms/checklists
- Check customer portal/manual
Element 18: Part Submission Warrant (PSW)
- Summary of PPAP submission
- Weight, material declaration
- Customer-specific markings
- Authorized signatures
PSW Generation Guide
Required Information
# Part Submission Warrant
## Part Information
| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Part Number | [Customer P/N] |
| Part Name | [Description] |
| Drawing Number | [Dwg #] |
| Drawing Rev | [Rev Level] |
| Customer | [Customer Name] |
| Buyer/Code | [Buyer Name/Code] |
## Supplier Information
| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Supplier Name | Multimatic Niche Manufacturing UK |
| Supplier Code | [Customer-assigned code] |
| Address | [MNMUK Address] |
| Contact | [Quality Manager] |
| Phone/Email | [Contact details] |
## Submission Details
| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| PPAP Level | [1-5] |
| Submission Reason | [Initial, Change, Re-submission] |
| Engineering Change Level | [ECN #] |
| Purchase Order | [PO #] |
## Weight Declaration
| Measured | Specified | Difference |
|----------|-----------|------------|
| [Actual kg] | [Nominal kg] | [± kg] |
## Material Information
| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Material | [Material spec] |
| Supplier | [Material supplier] |
| IMDS/MDS ID | [If required] |
## Special Characteristics
| Char | Drawing Ref | Result |
|------|-------------|--------|
| CC | [Zone/Ref] | PASS/FAIL |
| SC | [Zone/Ref] | PASS/FAIL |
## Submission Checklist
- [ ] All required elements per submission level included
- [ ] Capability requirements met
- [ ] No open issues or deviations
- [ ] Customer-specific requirements addressed
## Disposition (Customer Use)
[ ] Approved
[ ] Interim Approval (expiry: _______)
[ ] Rejected (reason: _______)
## Authorization
| Role | Signature | Date |
|------|-----------|------|
| Quality Manager | __________ | ________ |
| Customer Rep | __________ | ________ |
Timing Plan Elements
Standard Milestones
| Milestone | APQP Phase | Typical Timing | |-----------|------------|----------------| | Program Kick-Off | 1 | T-24 weeks | | Design Release | 2 | T-18 weeks | | Tooling Order | 2 | T-16 weeks | | Process Design Complete | 3 | T-12 weeks | | Tooling Receive | 3 | T-10 weeks | | First Article | 3 | T-8 weeks | | PPAP Run | 4 | T-6 weeks | | PPAP Submission | 4 | T-4 weeks | | Customer Approval | 4 | T-2 weeks | | SOP (Start of Production) | 5 | T-0 |
MNMUK Program Phases
| Phase | Duration | Key Activities | |-------|----------|----------------| | Quotation | 1-2 weeks | RFQ response, feasibility | | Award | 1 week | PO receipt, kick-off | | Planning | 2-3 weeks | APQP plan, team formation | | Development | 4-8 weeks | Process design, tooling | | Validation | 2-4 weeks | PPAP run, capability | | Approval | 1-2 weeks | PPAP submission, PSW | | Launch | 1-2 weeks | Production ramp-up |
Open Issues Management
Issue Categories
| Category | Description | Example | |----------|-------------|---------| | Design | Drawing/specification issues | GD&T clarification needed | | Process | Manufacturing capability | Cpk below target | | Tooling | Equipment/fixture issues | Tool modification required | | Quality | Inspection/testing gaps | MSA fail, need new gage | | Supply | Material/supplier issues | Long lead material | | Commercial | Contract/pricing issues | Scope change |
Issue Status
| Status | Definition | Action | |--------|------------|--------| | Open | Issue identified, not resolved | Assign owner, target date | | In Progress | Work underway | Track to completion | | Pending | Waiting on external input | Follow up required | | Closed | Issue resolved | Document resolution | | Escalated | Risk to timing/quality | Management attention |
Issue Tracking Format
## Open Issues Log
| # | Issue | Category | Owner | Target | Status | Notes |
|---|-------|----------|-------|--------|--------|-------|
| 1 | [Description] | [Cat] | [Name] | [Date] | [Status] | [Notes] |
Phase Gate Review Meeting
Agenda Format
-
Program Status (5 min)
- Timeline status (Green/Yellow/Red)
- Budget status
- Customer communication
-
Deliverable Review (20 min)
- Checklist walkthrough
- Evidence of completion
- Identify gaps
-
Risk Review (10 min)
- Open issues summary
- Top 3 risks
- Mitigation status
-
Gate Decision (5 min)
- Pass / Conditional Pass / Fail
- Actions if conditional
- Next gate schedule
Gate Decision Criteria
| Decision | Criteria | Action | |----------|----------|--------| | Pass | All deliverables complete, no critical issues | Proceed to next phase | | Conditional Pass | Minor items open, clear path to close | Proceed with tracking | | Fail | Critical items incomplete, significant risk | Hold, develop recovery plan |
IATF 16949 Alignment
APQP/PPAP is a core requirement of IATF 16949 (Clause 8.3 - Design and Development).
MNMUK IATF 16949 Context
Certification Target: November 2027 Current Status: ISO 9001 Certified, upgrading to IATF 16949
Reference Documentation:
- Compliance Plan:
~/projects/work/docs/compliance/IATF16949_Compliance_Plan.md - Quality Manual:
~/projects/work/docs/work-instructions/QM-001_Quality_Manual.md
IATF Requirements Addressed by This Skill
| IATF Clause | Requirement | APQP/PPAP Coverage | |-------------|-------------|-------------------| | 8.3.2.1 | Design and development planning (APQP) | Full 5-phase APQP | | 8.3.3.1 | Product design inputs | Phase 1 & 2 deliverables | | 8.3.3.2 | Manufacturing process design inputs | Phase 3 deliverables | | 8.3.4.1 | Design outputs (DFMEA, Control Plan) | Phase 2-4 outputs | | 8.3.5.2 | Manufacturing process validation | Phase 4 validation | | 8.3.6.1 | Design and development changes | Re-submission triggers | | 9.1.1.1 | Process capability monitoring | PPAP Element 11 |
Capability Requirements (per QM-001)
| Characteristic | Ppk Minimum | Notes | |----------------|-------------|-------| | Critical (CC) | ≥1.67 | Safety/regulatory impact | | Significant (SC) | ≥1.33 | Fit/function impact | | Standard | ≥1.00 | All other characteristics |
PMO Governance
APQP programs at MNMUK are managed through the Programme Management Office (PMO):
- Monthly IATF Steering Committee reviews program status
- Phase gate reviews align with IATF documentation requirements
- Lessons learned feed into quality system continuous improvement
Integration with Related Skills
PFMEA
PFMEA is PPAP Element 6:
- Required for all PPAP levels
- Must be complete before Gate 3
- High RPN items must be addressed
Load: read ~/.claude/skills/Pfmea/SKILL.md
Control Plan
Control Plan is PPAP Element 7:
- Pre-launch for Gate 3
- Production for Gate 4
- Must align with PFMEA
Load: read ~/.claude/skills/Controlplan/SKILL.md
MSA
MSA is PPAP Element 8:
- Plan at Gate 3
- Results at Gate 4
- All gages must pass
Load: read ~/.claude/skills/Msa/SKILL.md
SPC
Initial process studies are PPAP Element 11:
- Capability studies at Gate 4
- Cpk/Ppk targets must be met
Load: read ~/.claude/skills/Spc/SKILL.md
Internal Audit
APQP program audit requirements:
- Phase gate reviews documented
- PPAP records auditable
- Process effectiveness verified
Load: read ~/.claude/skills/Internalaudit/SKILL.md
Examples
Example 1: Check PPAP readiness
User: "What PPAP elements do I need for Level 3?"
→ Lists all 18 elements with Submit/Retain status
→ Highlights elements to submit
→ Notes MNMUK-specific considerations
Example 2: Run phase gate review
User: "Run Gate 3 checklist for the XYZ project"
→ Loads PhaseGate workflow
→ Walks through Phase 3 deliverables
→ Identifies gaps and assigns actions
Example 3: Generate PSW
User: "Create a PSW for part 12345"
→ Collects required information
→ Generates PSW document
→ Includes all declarations and checklists
Example 4: Track program timing
User: "What's the timeline for our new damper launch?"
→ Loads TimingPlan workflow
→ Creates milestone schedule
→ Identifies critical path items
Supplementary Resources
For detailed guidance:
read ~/.claude/skills/Apqpppap/CLAUDE.md
For templates:
ls ~/.claude/skills/Apqpppap/templates/
For phase gate checklists:
read ~/.claude/skills/Apqpppap/reference/gate-checklists.md
For PPAP element forms:
read ~/.claude/skills/Apqpppap/reference/ppap-forms.md