May 28, 2024

The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) announced the publication of the third edition of the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) manual and the first edition of the stand-alone Control Plan. These documents, released on March 1, 2024, are available in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Enhanced Frameworks for Improved Quality

The revised APQP and Control Plan offer adaptable frameworks designed to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry, including the growing adoption of electric vehicles. The updates provide greater clarity and guidance for achieving successful new product launches.

Key Improvements in APQP (3rd Edition):

• Focus on “Why”: Explains the rationale behind key APQP activities, enhancing understanding and effectiveness.
• Agile Product Management: Reflects current best practices for managing new product development in a fast-paced environment.
• Enhanced Structure: Dedicated sections on sourcing, change management, APQP program metrics, risk assessment mitigation plans, and gated management streamline the process.
• Part Traceability: Addresses the critical need for comprehensive part tracking throughout the supply chain.
• Gated Management: Offers a structured approach for reviewing progress at key milestones, ensuring alignment with leadership expectations and supplier involvement.

Standalone Control Plan (1st Edition):

• Deeper Clarity: Provides detailed explanations of Control Plan requirements, drawing on lessons learned and customer-specific needs.
• Robust Execution: Offers practical guidance for developing and managing effective Control Plans.
  “Safe Launch”: Emphasizes the importance of incorporating “Safe Launch” practices into the Control Plan phases.
• Highly Automated Manufacturing: Includes examples for developing plans tailored to highly automated production environments.
• Software Integration: Discusses the use of software tools for Control Plan development and management.
• Updated Forms: The Control Plan forms have been revised to reflect the latest best practices.

Implementation Considerations:

According to AIAG, big companies like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis will accept the use of the new APQP and Control Plan immediately. Existing Control Plans do not require updates to comply with the new requirements.

A Significant Milestone

The release of the APQP 3rd edition and the stand-alone Control Plan represents a major step forward in automotive quality management. These updated resources equip industry professionals with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of today’s automotive landscape, ensuring the highest standards of quality in both traditional and electric vehicle production.