Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

The Production Part Approval Process, also known as PPAP, outlines the fundamental criteria that must be met to collect representative samples of all products and spare parts. According to IATF 16949, the PPAP is most used in the automotive industry; however, several sectors have adopted PPAP to enhance collaboration and supply higher-quality goods to customers.

The Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) ensures that a supplier understands all the engineering design specifications and requirements of a customer and that a process can consistently meet those requirements during an actual production run at the quoted production rate. As PPAP and other quality tools are used in more industries, parts suppliers must understand PPAP requirements to stay competitive.

Any new part or process change requires a PPAP document. During the product’s life, the customer can request a PPAP. The supplier must maintain a quality system that documents all PPAP submission requirements.