Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)

What is Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)?

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) is a standardized and structured process used in the automotive and manufacturing industries to ensure product quality and reliability throughout all stages of product development. APQP aims to identify and eliminate potential defects early in the development process, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and consistent product quality.

Stages of APQP

APQP is divided into five key phases that ensure quality is embedded in the product development lifecycle:

1. Planning and Program Definition: This phase involves capturing customer requirements and setting quality goals, forming the foundation for the development process.

2. Product Design and Development: The product is designed and developed according to the defined requirements, with a focus on preventing defects and meeting quality criteria.

3. Process Design and Development: The manufacturing process is designed to ensure both quality and efficiency. Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (Process-FMEA) is used to identify potential process-related issues.

4. Product and Process Validation: During this phase, the product and process designs are validated through testing, including prototype evaluations and pilot runs, to ensure they meet established quality standards.

5. Production and Continuous Improvement: In the final phase, the product moves into full-scale production, with ongoing monitoring to maintain quality goals and drive process improvements.

Benefits of APQP

• Early Defect Detection: APQP allows for early identification and resolution of potential issues, reducing the likelihood of defects during mass production.
• Customer Satisfaction: By adhering to rigorous quality standards throughout development, APQP helps deliver products that meet customer expectations.
• Process Improvement: APQP drives continuous improvement in both manufacturing processes and product quality, leading to more efficient production operations.

APQP and OEE

The implementation of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) directly impacts Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). By minimizing potential issues in product design and production processes, APQP enhances the availability, performance, and quality of manufacturing equipment, ultimately contributing to higher OEE scores.