PPAP: 18 Required Documents for Production Part Approval

Your Ultimate Guide to the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) 🚀

Introduction

In the automotive and manufacturing industries, consistency is king. Before a supplier begins full-scale production, there’s a need to prove that everything is in order — from design to materials to process. That’s where the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) steps in.

Developed by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), PPAP is a standardized procedure that ensures parts are produced consistently and meet customer requirements. It plays a key role in maintaining product quality, preventing issues, and building trust between suppliers and OEMs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

✔️ What PPAP is
✔️ The 18 essential PPAP documents
✔️ PPAP submission levels
✔️ Benefits of using PPAP
✔️ Common challenges and how to overcome them

Let’s get started!

📌 What is PPAP?

PPAP is a quality assurance process used to demonstrate that a supplier understands all customer specifications and can consistently meet them during production. It is especially common in the automotive industry, where tight tolerances and high reliability are critical.

By following this process, suppliers show that:

• Product designs are clearly understood

• The manufacturing process is capable and repeatable

• Quality standards will be maintained over time

✅ Why is PPAP Important?

There are several reasons why PPAP is crucial for suppliers and customers alike:

• It ensures product quality and consistency

• Helps reduce waste, rework, and customer complaints

• Strengthens supplier-customer communication

• Ensures compliance with IATF 16949 and other international standards

Without PPAP, manufacturers risk production delays, costly recalls, and damaged customer relationships.

📌 The 18 Required PPAP Documents (Explained)

PPAP includes a total of 18 key documents that together provide full visibility into the supplier’s manufacturing capability. Each one serves a specific purpose in verifying quality and consistency.

1️⃣ Design Records

This includes all engineering drawings and specifications provided by the customer. These records form the basis of what’s being manufactured.

2️⃣ Engineering Change Documents

If any changes are made to the original design, they must be documented and approved before production begins.

3️⃣ Customer Engineering Approval

For some parts, prototype testing and validation are required by the customer prior to full approval.

4️⃣ Design FMEA (DFMEA)

This document identifies potential design-related failures and the preventive actions planned to address them.

5️⃣ Process Flow Diagram

A visual map of the entire manufacturing process, from raw material to finished part.

6️⃣ Process FMEA (PFMEA)

Similar to DFMEA, this analysis focuses on potential risks in the manufacturing process and how they’re managed.

7️⃣ Control Plan

Details how key characteristics of the part are monitored and controlled during production.

8️⃣ Measurement System Analysis (MSA)

Verifies that the measurement systems used in quality checks are accurate, repeatable, and reliable.

9️⃣ Dimensional Results

A report listing measured values of the part and comparing them to design specifications.

🔟 Records of Material / Performance Tests

Includes test results for strength, durability, and environmental resistance of the materials used.

1️⃣1️⃣ Initial Process Studies (SPC Data)

Statistical analysis that shows the process can produce parts within specifications consistently.

1️⃣2️⃣ Qualified Laboratory Documentation

Proof that tests were conducted in ISO 17025-accredited labs or labs approved by the customer.

1️⃣3️⃣ Appearance Approval Report (AAR)

If the part’s look matters (e.g., color, texture, finish), it needs formal approval from the customer.

1️⃣4️⃣ Sample Production Parts

Physical samples submitted to the customer for review and approval.

1️⃣5️⃣ Master Sample

A sample of the approved part, retained by both supplier and customer as a future reference.

1️⃣6️⃣ Checking Aids

Any special tools, gauges, or fixtures used to inspect parts are documented here.

1️⃣7️⃣ Customer-Specific Requirements

OEM-specific needs that must be met before production approval can be granted.

1️⃣8️⃣ Part Submission Warrant (PSW)

A summary document that confirms all PPAP requirements are met, signed off by the supplier.

📌 PPAP Submission Levels

Not all parts require a full submission. The level of submission is usually defined by the customer based on the criticality of the part.

📌 Benefits of Implementing PPAP

Introducing PPAP into your process offers multiple long-term benefits:

✅ Improves product quality and consistency
✅ Reduces waste, defects, and costly rework
✅ Fosters strong relationships with customers
✅ Simplifies compliance with IATF 16949 and similar standards
✅ Encourages better documentation and accountability

As a result, both suppliers and customers can avoid unpleasant surprises during production.

📌 Common Challenges & Solutions

Like any system, PPAP comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s how to tackle them:

🚧 Challenge: Delays in Documentation

🔹 Solution: Use digital tools for version control, automated forms, and real-time collaboration.

🚧 Challenge: Misalignment Between Supplier and Customer

🔹 Solution: Set up regular quality review meetings and clarify expectations early in the process.

🚧 Challenge: Maintaining Process Consistency Over Time

🔹 Solution: Implement robust SPC systems and regularly update control plans based on process data.

PPAP isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a powerful framework for ensuring production parts meet strict quality and performance standards. By mastering all 18 elements and understanding how to apply them, suppliers can deliver better results, reduce risks, and build lasting trust with their customers.

Top PPAP Interview Questions & Answers

✅ 1. What is PPAP, and why is it important in manufacturing?

Answer:
PPAP stands for Production Part Approval Process. It’s a structured method used to ensure that a supplier can consistently produce parts that meet all customer specifications and requirements.

Why it matters:
It helps build confidence between the supplier and customer by verifying that the manufacturing process is capable, stable, and repeatable. This is especially crucial in the automotive industry, where quality and consistency are non-negotiable.

✅ 2. How many documents are included in a complete PPAP submission? Can you name a few?

Answer:
There are 18 required documents in a full PPAP package. Some of the key ones include:

• Design Records

• Engineering Change Documents (if any)

• Process Flow Diagram

• PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)

• Control Plan

• Measurement System Analysis (MSA)

• Dimensional Results

• Part Submission Warrant (PSW)

Each document plays a role in proving that the part meets design intent and can be reliably manufactured.

✅ 3. What is the Part Submission Warrant (PSW)?

Answer:
The PSW is like the final stamp of confidence. It’s a summary document where the supplier declares that all PPAP requirements have been completed, and the parts meet customer expectations. It includes part numbers, submission level, revision levels, and signatures from responsible parties. No PPAP is complete without it.

✅ 4. What are the five PPAP submission levels?

Answer:
Here’s a quick breakdown of the submission levels:

✅ 5. How is DFMEA different from PFMEA?

Answer:
Great question. These two are often confused:

• DFMEA (Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis) is focused on the design of the part. It identifies potential design-related failures before production starts.

• PFMEA (Process FMEA) looks at potential issues in the manufacturing process — things like process variation, machine problems, or handling errors.

Both aim to catch and prevent failures early, but at different stages of product development.

✅ 6. What’s the purpose of a Control Plan in PPAP?

Answer:
A Control Plan is a living document that outlines how key process parameters and product characteristics are monitored and controlled during production. It includes:

• The operation or process step

• What’s being measured

• How it’s measured

• Frequency of checks

• What to do if something goes wrong

It’s one of the most practical tools for ensuring ongoing process control and consistency.

✅ 7. Can you explain what MSA is in the context of PPAP?

Answer:
MSA (Measurement System Analysis) is used to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of measurement tools and systems. If your measuring device can’t give consistent or repeatable results, then your quality checks can’t be trusted — even if your part is perfect.

MSA covers concepts like:

• Repeatability

• Reproducibility

• Bias

• Linearity

• Gage R&R studies

It’s an essential part of the PPAP package to ensure measurement systems are capable.

✅ 8. What is the role of Dimensional Results in PPAP?

Answer:
Dimensional Results are a report of actual measurements taken from a production part. These values are compared directly to the specifications in the design drawing. This document proves that the part was built as designed — no guesses, no assumptions.

✅ 9. Why do we need Appearance Approval Reports (AAR)?

Answer:
For parts where visual features matter — like color, texture, surface finish, or fit — an Appearance Approval Report is needed. It ensures that the part meets all visual and cosmetic requirements before it’s approved for production.

✅ 10. What are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing a PPAP?

Answer:

• Rushing through documentation without proper review

• Not updating FMEAs after a design or process change

• Using outdated drawings or specs

• Submitting incomplete data

• Skipping MSA or SPC validation

Proper planning and team involvement can help prevent these issues.