The Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is a core requirement in the automotive supply chain, ensuring that every new or modified part meets customer expectations before mass production begins. This standardized process verifies design records, process capability, and quality controls through 19 key elements and five submission levels. By following PPAP, organizations can minimize risks, ensure consistency, and build stronger trust with OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers.
PPAP full form: Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is a standardized process used in the automotive supply chain to ensure that engineering design and product requirements are met before mass production.
The purpose of PPAP is to provide evidence that all customer engineering design records & specifications requirements are properly understood by the organization. The manufacturing process has the potential to produce the product consistently meeting these requirements during an actual production run at the quoted production rate.
Scope:
The procedure applies to all products manufactured in the organization and by its suppliers. Production part review and approval are required for each part before the first quantity shipment in the situations described later.
Responsibility:
The primary responsibility of PPAP is with the NPD Head, with the support of other department heads.
What is a Significant Production Run?
The significant production run shall be from 1 hour to 8 hours of production. Also quantity produced can be a minimum of 300 consecutive parts or as specified by the customer. The significant production run shall be done at the production site with production tools, production materials, production process & production operators.
When is PPAP submission required?
Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) shall be required for each part before the first quantity shipment in the situations mentioned below:
- A new part.
- Correction of an abnormality on a previously submitted part.
- Engineering change to design records, specifications or materials for production product/part numbers.
- RM or BOP supplier change
- Part production at a new location
- The tooling has not been running for one year
PPAP Documents List:
- Design Record/ Drawing
- Authorized Engineering Change Documents
- Customer Engineering Approval
- Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis
- Process Flow Diagram
- Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis
- Control Plan
- MSA Study
- Initial Process Study
- Dimension Results/Inspection Records
- Performance Test records
- Material test records
- Qualified Laboratory Documentations
- Appearance Approval Report
- Samples Production Parts
- Master Samples
- Checking Aids
- Customer Specific Requirements
- Parts Submission Warrant
19 elements of PPAP:
1. Design Records :
The Organization shall have the design record of the product. A printed copy of the latest drawing needs to be provided. Drawing is provided by the customer when responsible for design.
2. Authorized Engineering Change Documents:
A document that shows the detailed description of the change that was not included in the Drawing. But it is done in the product or any child part.
3. Customer Engineering Approval:
The organization shall have evidence of customer engineering approval when any revision is made internally or by the customer.
4. DFMEA :
A copy of the Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA), if the supplier is responsible for the design. If the customer is responsible for designing the list of all critical or high-impact product characteristics should be shared with the supplier, so they can be addressed on the PFMEA and Control Plan.
5. PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM (PFD) :
A copy of the Process Flow, indicating all steps and sequences in the production process, including incoming components. The organization shall have a process flow diagram in a specified format that clearly describes the production process steps & sequence.
6. PFMEA
A copy of the Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA). The PFMEA follows the Process Flow steps and indicates “what could go wrong” during the production and assembly of each component. It is a tool to identify and address failure modes in products and processes.
7. Control Plan ( CP) :
A copy of the Control Plan. The Control Plan follows the PFMEA steps and provides more details on how the “potential issues” are checked in the incoming quality, assembly process or during inspections of finished products. A control plan is the documented description of the system and processes required for controlling the manufacturing of the product. It is also a live document.
8. Measurement System Analysis Studies (MSA):
MSA usually contains the Gage R & R for the critical or high-impact characteristics and a confirmation that the instruments used to measure these characteristics are calibrated. Also the appraiser (inspector) is skilled enough to inspect the parts. Measurement data monitors nearly every process. As data quality improves, decision quality improves.
9. Dimensional Results :
A list of every dimension noted on the ballooning drawing. This list shows the product characteristics, specifications, measurement results and the assessment showing if this dimension is “OK” or “Not OK”. Usually, a minimum of 5 pieces is reported per product/process combination.
10. Records of Material / Performance Tests :
A summary of every test performed on the part. This summary lists each test, when it was performed, the specification, results and the assessment pass/fail.
11. Material Test Report :
The report for material samples is initially inspected. It can be provided by the RM supplier or we can test the raw material from a third-party testing laboratory.
12. Initial Process Studies (SPC):
Includes all Statistical Process Control charts affecting the most critical characteristics. The intent of SPC is to demonstrate that critical processes have stable variability and that are running near the intended nominal value & the process is capable/under control.
13. Qualified Laboratory Documentation :
Copy of all laboratory certifications of the laboratories that performed the tests.
14. Appearance Approval Report :
A copy of the AAI (Appearance Approval Inspection) form was signed by the customer. Applicable for components affecting appearance only. The appearance includes information about the color, textures etc.
15. Sample Production Parts :
A sample from the same lot of initial production run. The PPAP package usually shows a picture of the sample and where it is kept (customer or supplier).
16. Master Sample :
A sample signed off by the customer and supplier usually is used to train operators on subjective inspections such as visual.
17. Checking Aids :
When there are special tools and instruments for checking parts, this section shows a picture of the tool and calibration records, including the dimensional report of the tool.
18. Customer-Specific Requirements :
Each customer may have specific requirements (CSR) to be included in the PPAP package. It is a good practice to ask the customer for PPAP expectations before even quoting for a job
19. Part Submission Warrant (PSW) :
This is the form that summarizes the whole PPAP package. This form shows the reason for submission (design change, annual re-validation etc.) and the level of documents submitted to the customer. There is a section that asks for “results meeting all drawing and specification requirements: yes/no” which refers to the whole package. If there are any deviations, the supplier should note on the warrant or inform that PPAP can not be submitted.
Submission Level during PPAP:
Below are the 5 Levels of PPAP Submission:
- Level 1: Part Submission Warrant only.
- Level 2: Warrant with product samples and limited supporting data submitted to the customer.
- Level 3: Warrant with product samples and complete supporting data submitted to the customer.
- Level 4: Warrant and other requirements as defined by the customer.
- Level 5: Warrant with product samples and complete supporting data reviewed at the manufacturing site.
Note: By default, Submission Level 3 is to be submitted to the customer.
The level of PPAP submission required for a specific product is typically determined by the customer, who will specify the level in their purchase order or supplier requirements document.
Some common errors that can occur during a PPAP submission include incomplete documentation, incorrect data, and a lack of compliance with specific requirements. To avoid these errors, suppliers should carefully review all requirements and documentation before submitting their PPAP and work closely with the customer to address any issues that arise.
Benefits of PPAP submission:
- It identifies issues during the new development stage
- It helps in managing the supplier change
- PPAP submission ensures all required documents are prepared.
- Ensure that the supplier is capable of meeting mass production
- It prevents the supply of unapproved and non-conforming parts
- It improves the product quality and ensures fulfillment of customer requirements & specifications.
- It reduces the cost of poor quality COPQ.
- Improve customer satisfaction
PPAP is a critical element of regulatory compliance and certification requirements in the automotive industry. PPAP is often required by industry standards such as IATF 16949 and is also often requested by customers as part of their supplier requirements.
FAQ related to PPAP | PPAP Questions:
Test your knowledge by answering the questions below in the comment section.
- Que. 1 What does PPAP stand for?
- Que. 2 What are the five levels of PPAP submission?
- Que. 3 What are the key elements of a PPAP document?
- Que. 4 Why is PPAP important in the automotive industry?
- Que. 5 How is PPAP related to quality control and assurance?
- Que. 6 What is the difference between a PPAP and an APQP process?
- Que. 7 Who is responsible for conducting a PPAP submission and when should it be performed?
- Que. 8 How do you determine which level of PPAP submission is required for a specific product?
- Que. 9 What are some common errors that can occur during a PPAP submission and how can they be avoided?
- Que. 10 How does PPAP relate to regulatory compliance and certification requirements in the automotive industry?
- Que. 11 What is its purpose of PPAP?
- Que. 12 What is included in each level of PPAP?
Note: Write your answer to the above question in the message by the question number
The answer to all the above questions is included in the blog post. Read the topic and find the answer.
Q1. What does PPAP stand for?
PPAP stands for Production Part Approval Process. It is a standardized method used in the automotive industry to ensure that parts meet all customer engineering design and quality requirements before mass production begins.
Q2. What are the five levels of PPAP submission?
The five PPAP levels define the type and amount of documentation required:
Level 1: Part Submission Warrant (PSW) only.
Level 2: PSW + limited supporting data.
Level 3: PSW + complete supporting data (most common).
Level 4: PSW + data as defined by the customer.
Level 5: PSW + complete data with on-site review by the customer.
Q3. What are the key elements of a PPAP document?
PPAP includes 18 key elements, such as Design Records, Engineering Change Documents, DFMEA, Process Flow Diagram, PFMEA, Control Plan, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), Dimensional Results, Material Test Results, and Part Submission Warrant, among others.
Q4. Why is PPAP important in the automotive industry?
PPAP ensures that the supplier’s production process consistently meets customer requirements. It helps maintain product quality, reliability, and traceability, reducing the risk of defective parts reaching the assembly line.
Q5. How is PPAP related to quality control and assurance?
PPAP is an integral part of quality assurance. It validates that the production process is capable and stable before full-scale production begins, ensuring consistent product quality and compliance with engineering standards.
Q6. What is the difference between a PPAP and an APQP process?
APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) focuses on planning and developing a new product or process. PPAP is the approval stage at the end of APQP that confirms the process produces parts that meet customer requirements.
Q7. Who is responsible for conducting a PPAP submission and when should it be performed?
The supplier is responsible for conducting PPAP and submitting documentation to the customer. It is performed when a new part is developed, design or material changes occur, or a new supplier or production location is introduced.
Q8. How do you determine which level of PPAP submission is required for a specific product?
The PPAP level is determined by the customer’s requirements, part criticality, and risk assessment. Generally, OEMs specify the submission level in the purchase order or Supplier Quality Manual.
Q9. What are some common errors that can occur during a PPAP submission and how can they be avoided?
Common errors include incomplete documentation, outdated records, missing approvals, and incorrect data. These can be avoided through internal audits, proper document control, and cross-checking all 18 elements before submission.
Q10. How does PPAP relate to regulatory compliance and certification requirements in the automotive industry?
PPAP supports compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards by ensuring a structured approval process. It demonstrates to regulatory bodies and customers that the supplier follows validated production and quality control systems.
Q11. What is the purpose of PPAP?
The purpose of PPAP is to verify that a supplier’s production process can consistently produce conforming parts and that all design, specification, and customer requirements are fully understood and met.
Q12. What is included in each level of PPAP?
Each PPAP level defines the scope of documentation and customer involvement:
Level 1: PSW only
Level 2: PSW + sample parts + limited data
Level 3: PSW + complete data package
Level 4: PSW + specific documents defined by customer
Level 5: PSW + full package + customer on-site verification
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