What is APQP?

APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) is a structured advance quality planning methodology for new products and processes. In the industrial environment, it is used to manage quality risks systematically and make decisions traceable.

Scientific background

The methodological foundation is based on statistical and process-oriented concepts. Central is the phase model from planning to feedback, combined with the core tools. CT data can supplement these systems with internal component information and thereby increase evidence quality.

Relevant key metrics

Effectiveness of the method against defined KPIs and target values.
Reaction time between deviation detection and stable correction.
Sustainability of measures across multiple production cycles.

Standards and thresholds

Standards: AIAG APQP (APQP-3, 3rd Edition, published Mar 2024) as well as IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015.
Typical thresholds (in practice): 100 % APQP deliverables per gate; high-priority open risks before SOP = 0; PPAP release before series start.
Validity: Gate criteria and thresholds are OEM-/customer-specific and fixed in CSR and project plan.

Application in industrial practice

Risk reduction during development and series ramp-up.
Standardised decision processes across functions and sites.
Linking quality-related evidence to customer requirements.

Sources and reference date

AIAG Manuals: APQP-3, 3rd Edition (published Mar 2024).
IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 as the QMS framework.
Reference date: February 2026.