The automotive industry requires that the production of parts and components follows the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) outlined by the AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group).
PPAP makes sure that quality variations in the manufactured product are minimized. It consists of procedures and documents for each product development phase to ensure uniformity, reduce the chance of errors, and verify that the customer’s requirements and expectations have been fulfilled. The production process can only begin when the process and the product have been approved.
The APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning and Control Plan) requires PPAP. The APQP code serves as a standardized reference framework that defines the techniques and measures for the development of new products and processes in automotive manufacturing. APQP is one of the most important ways to develop the productivity and quality assurance of subcontracting and manufacturing processes in the automotive industry around the world. APQP is part of the IATF16949 standard.
Aplicom supplies tens of thousands of telematics devices to various industries, including machine and equipment manufacturers. We implemented the PPAP process as part of Aplicom’s quality management system in the period 2019-2022. People from our quality management team and our supply chain participated in the work. The role of production experts was significant in breaking down the manufacturing process for analysis. We also hired an external consultant to assist in this work.
The P-FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) we performed on the supply chain and our production revealed a few potential reasons for failure. We evaluated their RPNs (Risk Priority Numbers) and took corrective measures according to an agreed schedule. As a result of this work, we also identified some development ideas related to production technology, and have been evaluating their feasibility as part of our continuous development.
At the centre of Aplicom’s quality management plan is the automatic electronic testing phase of our telematics devices, which enables all (100%) of our production output to be tested. According to feedback received from customers, the testing method and system in question is thought to be very good from the quality point of view. The implementation of a realistic Control Plan is therefore quite easy.
We received several PSW (Part Submission Warrant) approvals from various equipment manufacturers in the period 2020-2022. The PPAP process has been integrated into the Aplicom quality management system, which covers the standards ISO9001 and ISO14001.
Aplicom has the ability to work according to PPAP procedures and add customer-specific requirements to the production process.
If you have any questions, Aplicom is always available to provide support. Just contact us at: sales@aplicom.fi
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