Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is the logical capability of formally proving that a supplier can produce a part that meets the OEM’s engineering, performance, and process requirements before serial production starts. The PPAP submission package — design records, FMEAs, control plans, MSA, dimensional/material/performance test results, sample parts — is the contractual evidence chain. PPAP is paired with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning), which structures the upstream planning leading to the PPAP gate.

What it covers

• 18-element submission package (AIAG PPAP 4th ed.) — design records, FMEA, control plan, MSA, dimensional results, etc.
• Submission levels (1-5) — from warrant only to full retention of all documents.
• PSW (Part Submission Warrant) — the cover-page sign-off.
• APQP gates that lead into PPAP — feasibility, design verification, process validation.
• Re-PPAP triggers — engineering changes, sub-supplier changes, location moves.

Relationships (see sidebar)

• Supports Supplier Quality Management, New Product Introduction, and Quality Management.
• Pairs with the Approved Manufacturer List — PPAP qualifies the manufacturers that populate it.
• Built on AIAG PPAP and APQP reference manuals; IATF 16949 makes PPAP normative for automotive.