The Stellantis-FCA PPAP audit is a fundamental quality tool used by the Supplier Quality Engineer to evaluate an organization’s production processes. The rules governing this activity are specified in the SQ.00010 standard.
Competency Requirements for Stellantis-FCA PPAP Audits
Internal Auditor Competency
Knowledge of the Stellantis-FCA PPAP Audit is regulated under point 7.2.3 of the IATF standard, which pertains to the competence of internal auditors. To meet this requirement, organizations should refer to standard 07740, which mandates that qualified processes undergo an internal process audit at least once every twelve months.
Second-Party Auditor Competency
Another relevant requirement is outlined in point 7.2.4 of the IATF standard, addressing the competence of second-party auditors. Additionally, Stellantis-FCA specifies in its Customer Specific Requirements (CSR) that organizations must evaluate sub-suppliers by conducting audits at their locations.
These audits must be performed using the PPAP audit form and in accordance with the SQ.00010 standard. This requirement aligns with 8.4.1.2 – Supplier Selection Process in the IATF standard.
PPAP Audits During the Launch Phase
At least three PPAP audits are required during the launch phase:
Supplier Readiness Evaluation (SRE)
The first audit is conducted before the Process Verification (VP) phase.
Process Evaluation
The second audit occurs before the Pre-Series (PS) phase. During this audit, it is advisable to coordinate with the client’s representative to ensure that parts for the customer’s PPAP (Plant Evaluation “ex-Benestare”) are produced. This allows the organization to meet two customer requirements during a single visit.
Additionally, during this visit, the first Production Demonstration Run (PDR) can be performed. This involves assessing production capacity over a 3-hour period or for a specific number of components (usually 300).
Production Release Audit
The third audit is conducted before the Production Release phase. It should be carried out alongside the second PDR step, as outlined in the SQ.00008 standard.
Additional Audits and Follow-Ups
An additional audit may be performed to verify final tooling at the customer’s location, referred to as Off-Tool Off-Process (OTOP). If the supplier’s production process still has unresolved issues after the Production Release phase, the customer’s representative may schedule further visits, which will occur during current production.
If progress on resolving open points is insufficient, the customer’s representative can issue a quality complaint within the SQP system, classified under “Quality Planning” in accordance with the 08018 standard (Quality Monitoring of Direct Material Supplies at Manufacturing Plants and Mopar P&S Warehouses).
Best Practices for PPAP Audits
A recommended practice during the PPAP audit is the direct involvement of the Project Manager, even if they are not based at the production plant.
Benefits of Project Manager Participation:
- Efficient Issue Resolution: Open points can be directly addressed during the audit.
- Improved Understanding: The Project Manager gains a comprehensive understanding of the client’s requirements by observing the production line firsthand.
This role is especially critical during the first audit, when sourcing documents must be verified and approved. Key documents include:
- Additional Quality Requirements (AQR)
- Statement of Requirements (SoR)
- Manufacturing Feasibility Assessment (MFA)
Download our free ebook “Stellantis-FCA EMEA/LATAM Everything You Need To Know About Cooperation“
