Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) 3rd Edition: What’s New and How to Implement It
Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) established a structured approach for product development in the manufacturing industry focusing on developing a product that satisfies customer expectations, adheres to regulatory requirements, and optimizes production costs.
The APQP methodology has undergone several revisions to accommodate changes in technology, market expectations, and quality management standards. The Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) 3rd Edition reflects the increasing need for product flexibility, improved risk management, and the integration of digital tools during the product design and development phase.
What are the Key Changes to the APQP 3rd Edition?
1. Risk Analysis and Management
APQP-3 places a stronger emphasis on risk analysis and management.
- Risk Assessment Mitigation Plan (RAMP)
- Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS)
- Risk Analysis audits to evaluate failure modes, understand the impact of failures at both component and system levels, safeguard intellectual property (IP), and address cybersecurity and fraud prevention risks.
2. Supplier Sourcing
The new guidelines provide detailed guidance on sourcing practices.
- Supplier Selection: Organizations must rigorously evaluate suppliers using a comprehensive checklist. Define criteria used to determine high-risk suppliers.
3. Phase Gated Management Framework
APQP-3 improves the structure in product development by defining clear phases with specific deliverables, timelines, and checkpoints.
- Six gates including defined checklists with sign-off forms for each gate.
- Leadership support and involvement requirement in gate management.
4. Change Management
Includes a clearly defined process for tracking and managing change throughout the development lifecycle.
5. Capacity Assessment – OEM Requirements
- Covers supplier, manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and shipping.
6. Part Traceability
Extended responsibility for part traceability across quality, engineering, and production functions.
7. Separation of Control Plan 1st Edition
The Control Plan 1st Edition has been expanded from product development activities to include new guidelines as a critical component of quality, product, and process auditing.
Steps to Implement APQP 3rd Edition
Successful implementation of APQP 3rd Edition requires strategic commitment across all levels.
Key steps include:
- Review APQP 3rd Edition and Control Plan 1st Edition
- Identify gaps in current process
- Identify digital tools for real-time collaboration, as required
- Provide training to APQP 3rd Edition and Control Plan 1st Edition guidelines:
- Multi-disciplinary team
- Leadership
- Project managers
- Internal auditors
- Determine next project for APQP 3rd Edition implementation
- Review implementation effectiveness and take action, where required
In Summary
APQP enhances product development by emphasizing risk management, standardization, digital integration, supplier sourcing, and customer collaboration. It offers a structured framework that minimizes risks, reduces costs, and ensures product quality.
Implementing APQP-3 requirements provides a strategic advantage while delivering efficiency, collaboration, and customer satisfaction.
Elcometer Education Institute Training
Elcometer Education Institute provides training for your multi-disciplined team to the requirements of APQP 3rd Edition. Our Exemplar Global certified courses and industry-experienced instructors will provide you with the knowledge necessary to implement the changes in the 3rd Edition.
We also offer Internal and Team Lead Auditor courses in ISO 9001:2015 with emphasis on IATF 16949:2016.
Let’s Talk
Visit Elcometer Education Institute’s website for more information.
Email us at training@elcometerusa.com
Call us at 248-650-0500 for more information about our courses and schedules.
