Perform PPAP Assessment using eAuditor
A PPAP Checklist Assessment (Production Part Approval Process Assessment) is a structured evaluation used to verify that production parts meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and quality standards before full-scale manufacturing. Performing a PPAP Assessment using eAuditor allows organizations to standardize the approval process digitally, capture evidence in real time, identify discrepancies, and track corrective actions efficiently, ensuring quality, compliance, and traceable documentation throughout the product lifecycle.
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Purpose and Scope of PPAP Assessment
The PPAP Assessment ensures that new or modified production parts consistently meet design, quality, and functional requirements before being released for mass production.
1.1 Objectives
- Validate production parts meet customer and design specifications
- Ensure compliance with ISO/TS 16949, IATF 16949, and other quality standards
- Identify defects or deviations early to prevent production issues
- Maintain traceable digital records of approval and inspections
- Facilitate continuous improvement in manufacturing quality
1.2 Assessment Scope
A PPAP Assessment typically includes:
- Part documentation and engineering drawings
- Material certifications and supplier documentation
- Dimensional and functional inspections
- Process flow and control plan verification
- Production trial run and sample analysis
- Corrective action tracking for non-conformances
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Preparing the PPAP Assessment in eAuditor
2.1 Digital Checklist Configuration
Create a PPAP Assessment checklist in eAuditor, including:
- Part number, revision, and supplier information
- Assessment type (initial, re-submission, or full PPAP review)
- Date, location, and the responsible quality personnel
- Step-by-step validation points covering all PPAP elements
Checklist functionality should include:
- Yes / No / Not Applicable responses
- Mandatory comments for deviations or non-compliant items
- Photo, measurement, and document evidence capture
- Automated corrective action assignment and tracking
2.2 Standards Alignment
Align the PPAP Assessment with:
- Customer-specific requirements (CSR)
- IATF 16949, ISO 9001, or applicable regulatory standards
- Internal quality and manufacturing procedures
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Part Documentation and Supplier Verification
During the PPAP Assessment, verify:
- Engineering drawings and part revisions
- Material certifications and test reports
- Supplier quality and process capability documentation
- Traceability of raw materials and components
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Dimensional and Functional Inspection
- Measure key part dimensions against design specifications
- Check tolerances, fit, and functional performance
- Inspect surface finish, markings, and visual defects
- Record all measurements digitally in eAuditor
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Process Flow and Control Plan Verification
- Review process flow for consistency and compliance
- Verify control plans, inspection points, and quality gates
- Confirm proper use of gauges, fixtures, and calibration records
- Ensure standard operating procedures are followed during production
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Production Trial Run and Sample Analysis
- Evaluate parts from trial production batches
- Conduct functional and stress testing as required
- Identify defects or deviations early
- Document findings and attach evidence in eAuditor
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Defect Identification and Corrective Actions
7.1 Defect Classification
During the PPAP Assessment, deviations should be classified as:
- Critical: the part does not meet customer requirements and cannot be approved
- Major: significant deviation requiring correction before approval
- Minor: minor discrepancy that can be monitored or corrected in production
7.2 Corrective Action Management
Using eAuditor:
- Record non-conformances with photos, measurements, and comments
- Assign corrective actions to the responsible personnel
- Track completion, verification, and closure digitally
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Reporting and Continuous Improvement
8.1 Assessment Reporting
Generate PPAP Assessment reports, including:
- Part compliance status and approval decision
- Identified defects and risk levels
- Corrective action status and accountability
8.2 Continuous Improvement
- Analyze recurring issues in parts or supplier processes
- Improve manufacturing processes and control plans
- Enhance part quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction
Final Summary
Conducting a PPAP Assessment using eAuditor ensures production parts meet design, quality, and regulatory requirements before full-scale production. Standardized digital inspections, real-time evidence capture, and tracked corrective actions improve part reliability, supplier accountability, and overall manufacturing quality.