When should you do a PPAP?

Suppliers are required to obtain PPAP approval from vehicle manufacturers whenever a new component, a modified part, or a change to the manufacturing process is introduced into production. This requirement ensures that any change—whether in design, material, tooling, or process—does not negatively impact product quality, safety, or performance.

The PPAP process provides assurance that all relevant risks have been identified and addressed before parts are released for full production.

PPAP ensures that:

1. Customer requirements are fully understood
   All design records, specifications, and engineering requirements have been correctly interpreted by the supplier.
2. The supplied product meets those requirements
   Dimensional, material, and performance results confirm compliance with customer specifications.
3. The manufacturing process is capable and controlled
   Including all sub-suppliers, the process can consistently produce conforming parts at the quoted production rate.
4. Quality controls prevent non-conforming products from reaching the customer
   The production control plan and quality management system are designed to protect vehicle safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Related international requirements

PPAP aligns closely with other internationally recognised approval and validation processes used across manufacturing industries. One commonly referenced equivalent is:

• ISIR (Initial Sample Inspection Report) – Used to verify that initial production samples meet specified requirements prior to serial production.

While terminology and documentation may differ, the underlying objective remains the same: to confirm manufacturing readiness and ensure consistent product quality before full production approval.