What are the steps in APQP?
Understanding APQP’s steps properly requires comprehensive and detailed training. For this basic guide, we’ll provide a general overview of APQP’s steps without going into great detail. Please refer to AIAG’s training resources for more information.
- Plan and Define Program - Define the product and process requirements, identify the key stakeholders, and develop a plan for the APQP process.
- Product Design and Development - Design + develop the product (with design reviews and validation testing).
- Process Design and Development - Create the production process: process flow diagrams, FMEA, and control plans.
- Product and Process Validation - Validate the product and process through testing and pilot production.
- Feedback Assessment and Corrective Action - Collect feedback on the product and process, identify any issues or deviations, and implement corrective actions.
- Production Launch - Launch the product into full production.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Feedback - Continuously monitor and collect feedback on the product and process and implement continuous improvement actions, as necessary.
APQP is a continuous improvement process engaging cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, and production, throughout the product development and production cycle.