VDA 6.3 process audit training at VPIC1

Project archive from 2021. Company figures, standards and planned milestones reflect the original reporting period.

Introduction to VDA 6.3 process auditing

What is VDA 6.3?

VDA stands for Verband der Automobilindustrie, the German Association of the Automotive Industry. VDA 6.3 provides a process-based audit framework for evaluating and improving controls in manufacturing processes and new product introduction. Originating in the German automotive industry, it addresses the distinctive and complex requirements of German vehicle manufacturers. It shares some features with other automotive standards, but they are not identical.

As competition shortens the time from concept to production, compliance becomes increasingly important. The original article highlighted the German automotive industry’s expectations that its Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers comply with VDA requirements and obtain the required VDA approvals.

VDA 6.3 provides a process-based audit framework for evaluating and improving controls in manufacturing and new product introduction. It was comprehensively restructured in 2016 to reflect changes in ISO 9001 and automotive customer-specific requirements. Passing a VDA 6.3 audit can help a company qualify as a potential supplier to German vehicle manufacturers.

To support quality and reliability in automotive supply-chain production and service delivery, VDA process audits assess suppliers against VDA 6.3 requirements.

ITVC Global offers VDA 6.3 process audit consulting and training to help businesses understand and apply these requirements. The course provides foundational knowledge and practical process audit skills. The programme described in the original article draws on the standard training programme used by VDA QMC and the consulting and audit experience of ITVC’s trainers.

Quality standards published by VDA

VDA 6.3 uses a risk-based process approach to assess production activities from potential analysis through customer care, customer satisfaction and service.

VDA 6.3 process elements

• P1: Potential analysis
• P2: Project management
• P3: Planning product and process development
• P4: Implementing product and process development   
• P5: Supplier management            
• P6: Production process analysis
• P7: Customer care, customer satisfaction and service

The activities in P1–P7 follow the development sequence of an automotive product manufacturing project. The version presented in this course uses 58 questions, scored 0, 4, 6, 8 or 10 according to the degree of fulfilment. Questions relating to special product and process risks are marked with an asterisk (*). Their specific risks are addressed through the classification rules. These questions are scored in the same way as other questions, rather than more strictly; however, they identify specific risks within each process element and play an important role in supplier classification. Risk-based downgrading rules can lower a supplier’s classification from A to B or C.

Applying the process elements in an audit

• P1: Evaluate potential suppliers during new supplier selection.
• P2–P7: Evaluate a supplier assigned a new production project.
• P2: Evaluate project acceptance, including feasibility and quotation.
• P3–P4: Evaluate product and production process development.
• P5–P7: Evaluate processes during series production, from the start of production (SOP).

Supplier classification under VDA 6.3

P1 potential analysis — thresholds shown in the original image

Downgrading rules

Photographs of the VDA 6.3 course at Vietnam Precision Industrial No. 1 Co., Ltd. (VPIC1)

ITVC Global congratulates VPIC1 on implementing the VDA 6.3 process audit requirements.