Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) is an established and recognised methodology for introducing new products and processes into production.

APQP is one of the key ‘core tools’.  ‘Core Tools’ are defined as the five supplemental techniques and methods which support the expectations of IATF 16949 (see links below):

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA)

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

The above courses can be delivered individually or as a consolidated programme of training.

• Provides a structured and coordinated approach to new product introduction
• Promotes communication amongst those involved in the project, both internal and external to the organisation
• Emphasises defect prevention: Risks and concerns identified and addressed before serial production begins
• Enables new products and processes to be introduced in a timely manner
• Supports a risk-based approach and requirements of quality management systems, e.g. IATF 16949
• Assists an organisation to satisfy stakeholder needs and expectations

The APQP methodology requires a multidisciplinary approach, hence this course is intended for all personnel who are involved with the introduction of new products and processes, including:

• Project and engineering managers
• Design and development engineers
• Project engineers
• Manufacturing engineers
• Quality engineers
• Internal quality auditors
• Sales engineers
• Other personnel who need to understand the principles and terminology in order to communicate effectively with customers and suppliers

The delegates should understand:

• The background to, and benefits of APQP
• A model for successfully introducing new products and processes
• The key ‘focus elements’ of APQP
• How a variety of key tools and techniques are positioned within this model
• The importance of a multi-disciplinary APQP team: How inputs from the various organisational functions contribute to the APQP process
• The relationship of APQP with the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and quality management system requirements

On completion of the course, delegates will be a QM&T validated and certificated APQP practitioner.

Introduction to APQP

Initial APQP activities

APQP Phase 1

• Plan and Define Programme

APQP Phase 2

• Product Design and Development

APQP Phase 3

• Process Design and Development

APQP Phase 4

• Product and Process Validation

APQP Phase 5

• Feedback and Corrective Action Assessment

Control plan methodology

Below is a link to an Introductory Webinar on Core Tools including APQP

See Training Courses for price list and order form.