New AIAG APQP 3rd edition manual set to release in March 2024 month and it is been available and release now. There are a lot of changes in new version of AIAG APQP version.
AIAG means (Automotive Industry Action Group)
The Product Development Process is the backbone of every organization, and it defines how you developed your product in this competitive world.
Also, it ensures to meet the customer expectation of your new product and it stands in the industry as a good quality and reliable product.
This new AIAG APQP 3rd edition manual will take care of all these challenges and give us well established guidelines to make more robust product development.
Let’s understand everything about new APQP edition.
Which is the latest Edition of APQP?
According to AIAG communication, APQP 3rd edition is the latest released manual and release date of new AIAG APQP 3rd edition manual is March 1, 2024.
Why is there a need for revised AIAG APQP Manual?
The old APQP 2nd edition was released way long back Jul-2008. Till date there are lot of lesson learned introduced from many OEM’s and Top Suppliers. Also nowadays the technology got evolved and automotive system become more and more complex.
On this ground our product development processes need to evolve along the way and therefore there is a need of revision of this new APQP 3rd edition.
When the release of APQP 3rd edition manual?
APQP 3rd edition manual is released on 1st March, 2024.
What are the major changes in APQP 3rd Edition 2024
Most noticeable change in the APQP 3rd edition are towards more robust managerial activities. Which includes
- Risk analysis and risk mitigation
- Change management
- APQP Program Metrics
- Leadership support and involvement
- Review of lesson learned and best practices
- Gate management system which typically as gate review system.
Let’s discuss changes in details
Change #1: Control Plan
One more major change is to separate out control plan from APQP manual. Before there was one common manual for APQP and Control plan method, but now AIAG separate it out to two new manuals.
- APQP 3rd Edition
- Control Plan 1st Edition
Change #2: Change Management
New change management section added. Manual says the change is any modification impacting the form, fit and function of the part or material during ongoing APQP phases up-to PPAP approval must gone through this change management process.
For that the change management checklist added in manual Appendix A-8.
Change #3 Ongoing Review
It is important to have an ongoing reviews and use of lesson learned in the program throughout phases.
New edition mentioned Gated review system with step-by-step review and verification.
Change #4: APQP Program Metrics
New APQP Program Metrics section added in manual. Using this document project manager is responsible to used this metrics to monitor and track down all APQP activities phase wise and update
It is like a dashboard or deliverables tracking system for the management and team. Also part of each gate review meeting to have an overview.
Change #5: Risk Assessment Mitigation Plan
Added new section of risk assessment and mitigation plan to addressed and mitigate the risk on our ongoing project. It is done by project team manager and done as Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS).
Change #6: Traceability
Part Traceability content added and give importance to it.
Added new section of traceability into APQP 3rd edition manual. Get agreement with customer on detailed traceability topic. The purpose is to have identification and track the component or system for non-conformity/failure. Which means How product traceability are maintain in an organization?
Traceability includes many methods but the common are some organization follows unique serial or identification number, some organization follows lot traceability system.
It is also applicable for the EV industry considering the framework and suitable conditions.
Change #7: Sourcing
Supply chain is the priority for good development process. Therefore the new edition incorporate this new addition of sourcing requirement. This includes the high risk supplier evaluation method according to manual.
A detailed sourcing section along with high risk supplier evaluation checklist added in new manual.
Change #8: Gated Management
New gated management method added into new edition. Leadership and management support is necessary for a successful product development. It is done through interest commitment and support of leadership.
Therefore the purpose of Gated management system is to have a gate review which is done through the leadership sign-off.
There are 6 gates identified as per APQP phases. Refer bellow diagram,
The gated management framework of this new APQP edition are holistic approach of leadership involvement and support at every product development planning phase.
When new APQP manual is accepted and transition from the old one?
Once AIAG releases 3rd edition, withe immendiate effect Ford, GM Motors and Stellantis agreed to accept this new APQP and control plan manual. AIAG mentioned this in Manual.
There are no conflict between the documents and requirements.
Other organizations need to follow customer requirement and notifications.
What is difference between 2nd edition and 3rd edition of APQP
As you can see there are lot of changes in new edition as mentioned above. But those changes are additional to old standard. Some minor word are modified in old standard.
It is really difficult to identified those changes but, AIAG says the APQP 3rd edition and control plan 1st edition manual replaced the APQP and control plan second edition unless and otherwise specified by your customer.
APQP 3rd Edition Manual Download
You can apply for the Manual on AIAG official website and apply for new copy after 1st March 2024.
I am a full time Engineer and Quality Professional with over 11+ years of experience in the automotive industry. My professional journey has started from a small enterprise quality inspector to a advanced quality expert. I am creating a good-quality content for engineers. Help them to grow in their career.Learn more here.
