APQP third edition and Control Plan first edition: the 2024 updates

1. Introduction to APQP third edition, 2024

APQP third edition and Control Plan first edition were released on 1 March 2024. The original announcement listed English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish editions. The manuals provide adaptable frameworks for the automotive industry, including electric vehicles and related mobility sectors.

Alongside more explanation of why activities are needed, as well as what to do and when, APQP third edition addresses successful product launches and agile product management. The separate Control Plan manual provides more detailed guidance, examples and practical advice on developing effective control plans.

The Control Plan manual includes Safe Launch, examples for highly automated manufacturing, and guidance on using software to develop and manage plans. The forms were also updated. The original announcement anticipated that the new APQP and Control Plan forms would become available with the manuals.

The original launch announcement described GM's implementation timing as six months after publication and stated that Ford, GM and Stellantis would accept the new documents immediately after release. Later AIAG information identifies 1 September 2024 for GM and Stellantis and 31 December 2024 for Ford; organisations should confirm the requirements applicable to their customer and programme.

AIAG's publication FAQs stated that suppliers would not need to update existing Control Plans solely to meet the new requirements. This does not remove the need to maintain plans when processes, risks or applicable customer requirements change.

APQP changes include, but are not limited to:

• Moving Control Plan content into a separate manual.
• Adding sourcing guidance and a sourcing checklist.
• Adding change-management guidance and a checklist.
• Adding APQP programme metrics, with examples in Appendix C.
• Adding risk-assessment mitigation planning.
• Adding part-traceability content.

A new gated-management section includes suggested documentation checklists for gate reviews, aligns with typical programme milestones, supports leadership gate-review expectations and covers sub-tier supplier APQP activities as well as the organisation's own work.

Control Plan changes

Control Plan changes include clearer links to APQP and the concept of a living document; clarification using lessons learned and customer-specific requirements; detailed development guidance beyond form fields; Safe Launch; and guidance based on effective industry practice. Appendices provide Control Plan examples, process-dependent considerations, updated forms and checklists.

The separate manuals mark an important development in automotive quality management. As electrification and other technologies change products and manufacturing, updated planning methods help organisations combine established practice with new needs and manage increasingly complex programmes. 

Official APQP publication

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP 3rd)

2. Why use APQP third edition?

More detailed guidance

• The manual updates the product-quality-planning approach and helps teams understand developments in automotive quality-management practice.

Improved performance

• Clearer guidance supports manufacturing performance and the reduction of risks during product and process development.

Time and cost efficiency

• Structured planning can help organisations reduce rework, apply requirements consistently and improve processes.

3. Main content of APQP third edition

Detailed information

• Guidance on the elements of APQP helps teams understand the process and apply it effectively.

Revisions and additions

• Updated methods and guidance reflect technological developments and market requirements.

Integration with existing processes

• The manual helps teams integrate product-quality planning with their existing development and manufacturing processes.

Use the official AIAG publication and its supporting resources to understand the complete requirements and plan implementation. The overview in this article does not replace the manuals.

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