VDA 6.3 EDITION 2010 VDA 6.

3 EDITION 2016 COMPARISON

LOCATION IN LOCATION IN
# QUESTION * # QUESTION * PA ADDED REMOVED
NEW EDITION OLD EDITION
Project management Project management
P2 P2

Is the project organisation (project management) established and

2.1 are tasks & authorities specified for the team leader and team 2.1 Is a project management established with a project organisation? X No changes to content
members?

• Changes in the project organisation (interface with customer) are • The technical personnel, with the relevant qualifications, are provided at the right
Are all resources required for the project implementation planned Are all resources required for the project implementation planned
2.2 X 2.2 X reported time by the specialist departments
and available and are changes reported? and available and are changes reported?

• The length of time needed for necessary statutory authorisation is

included within the project plan
• Changes made to the project plan which affect the customer are
coordinated with the customer
Is there a project plan and has this been agreed with the customer? Is there a project plan and has this been agreed with the customer?
2.3 2.3 X 2.6 • “Detailed quality-related project activities” rather than “quality plan”
• The project plan can refer to separate documents (e.g. quality plan)
• Plans must take prototypes and pre-launch parts into account
• Project plan must include the detailed activities concerning
procurement

• “Quality plan” changed to “advanced product quality planning • The persons responsible for drawing up and maintaining the quality plan are
Is there a quality plan for the project? Is this implemented and Is the advanced product quality planning implemented within the activities” defined and in place
2.4 2.6 2.4 X 2.6
monitored regularly for compliance? project and monitored for compliance? • Process assurance methods included (not just for product) • The quality plan takes account of the timings in the overall project

• The activities ensure that only approved and quality-capable suppliers

are used in production
• The level of activity depends on the risk classification of procured scope
of supplies
• The transfer of customer requirements in the supply chain is ensured
Are the procurement activities of the project implemented and Are the procurement activities of the project implemented and • The activities also include customer required suppliers (directed
2.5 monitored for compliance? X deleted 2.5 monitored for compliance? X X 4.8 suppliers) as stated within the agreement
• The activities also include customer required suppliers as stated within
the agreement
• The suppliers for facilities, machinery, tools, test and measurement
systems as well as services are integrated
• Dates for the assignment, supplier milestones and release have been
laid down in the plan and coordinated with the overall schedule

Is there a QM plan and is it implemented and regularly monitored Is change management within the project ensured by the project • Adaptation of the project plan when changes occur • Defined process for documentation
2.6 2.3 & 2.4 2.6 X X 2.4
for compliance? organisation? • Time period for changes before SOP is considered
• Project risks are identified, assessed and reduced through appropriate
• The effectiveness of the function (escalation) is demonstrated by appropriate
Is there an escalation process established and is this effectively Is there an escalation process established and is this effectively measures
2.7 X 2.7 X documentation
implemented? implemented? • Measures are derived when deviations occur

P3 Planning the product and process development P3 Planning the product and process development

• The logistical, statutory and regulatory requirements must be

determined
• Requirements for the interface between hardware and software are • Process for identifying the customer's general QM requirements and also
Are the specific product and process requirements available? Are the specific product and process requirements available?
3.1 3.1 X defined and requirements management is implemented development and process requirements…..is implemented
• Requirements on the product and the process known from previous
experience are utilised

• All determined product and process specific requirements must be • A process must be implemented which ensures that all requirements relating to the
checked for feasibility product are determined (already included in 3.1)
• Material and personnel resources are considered in the feasibility study • Experience and forward-looking expectations are included in the study
Is the feasibility comprehensively evaluated according to the Is the feasibility comprehensively evaluated according to the • The results of the feasibility study must be available before tendering • The release process before a quotation is issued to a customer must be controlled
3.2 X 3.2 X X
product and process requirements? product and process requirements? • The feasibility of critical purchased parts must be ensured • Consideration capacity required for making samples, prototypes, etc. must be
• If customer requirements cannot be fulfilled the customer must be taken into account in the quotation phase
notified or deviations “allowed”/approved by the customer • Requirements from P7 are taken into account (new question: 3.4)
 • Reference to software
• The level of detail in the planning is dependent on the
• Specific plans for product and process development are contained within the
component/software and complexity of the process
project plan
• Requirements of the product operational conditions are taken into
• The internal development plans are aligned with the relevant project timing plan
Are the activities for the product and process development planned account during the planning of new developments
3.3 Are there plans for product and process development? 3.3 3.5 integrated • Quality planning must be integrated in the development plans, including
in detail? • Methods for development release meet customer requirements and
test/inspection planning and the planning of test and inspection facilities
are clarified with the customer if deviations occur
• Experience in technology for serial production is demonstrated
• Activities related to the procurement scope are planned with the overall
schedule

• The customer requirements for the supply of parts across the product
life cycle are taken into account
• Concepts to continually ensure series supply including a contingency
plan are required
Have the necessary resources been taken into account for the Are the activities planned for customer care/customer
• A fall-back concept is provided for product and process innovation
3.4 product and process development? 3.5 3.4 satisfaction/customer service and field failure analysis? new
• The analysis process for 0-km and field complaints is planned and take
field failure analysis into account
• When introducing new technologies and products, employee training
and the creation of the necessary infrastructure are provided

• Outside processes and services must be taken into account in the resource planning
Have the necessary resources been taken into account for the
• Resource determination also for software and hardware • Personnel qualification requirements and the facilities to be made available must
3.5 Are there QM plans for the procurement scope? part of 3.3 3.5 product and process development? 3.4
be determined and documented before starting any development

P4 Implementation of the product and process development P4 Implementation of the product and process development

• Generalization: "Planning" instead of "QM planning" and

"Methods"/"Risk analysis" instead of "FMEA“
• The testing plan also includes software
Are the product FMEA / process FMEA created, updated in the Are the actions from the product and process development plans • Requirements for the operational conditions for product/process are considered
4.1 deleted 4.1 X X 4.2 • The procurement scope is considered; the implementation of the
project process, and are there corrective measures? implemented?
process/product development in the supply chain is ensured (4.8 – VDA
6.3 2010)

Are personnel resources available and are they qualified to ensure

4.2 Are the personnel resources in place and qualified? 4.1 4.2 4.3 No changes to content
the start of serial production?

• The capacities required must be taken into account in the calculations for the
quotation
• Material resources for the realization of prototypes, sample building,
Are the material resources available and suitable to ensure the start • Required capacities are available or be planned to be available at the specified
Are the required approvals and releases for the product and process pre-production, series start and serial production are available
4.3 4.2 4.3 of serial production? X 4.4 times; the facilities required for this must be set up in the project
development available? • Outsourced processes are considered
• Transparency regarding the stages involved in determining the possible existence
of bottlenecks

• Releases are also required for software

(software test report must be available at series release) • Status reports are issued for the project, based on the project plan and the
Are the required approvals and releases for the product and process
Is the infrastructure in place and appropriate? • Material data is confirmed and released customer's milestones
4.4 4.3 4.4 development available? X X 4.5
• Actions from the risk analysis have been implemented and confirmed in • Rules covering assessments/metrics must be defined
their effectiveness.

• The manufacturing and inspection specifications contain all

characteristics from the product and process development including
special characteristics
• Results of the risk analysis are considered
Are the required approvals and releases for the product and process • Specifications include information for product control, manufacturing
Are the manufacturing and inspection specifications derived from
4.5 development available? X 4.4 4.5 new process control, methods and reaction plans
the product and process development and are they implemented?
• Product audits and “layout inspection and functional testing”¹ are
defined
• The specifications must be available for all phases: prototype phase (if
required by the customer), pre-launch and series phase
 • The planning of a pre-production run and the agreements for executing a pre-
• The performance test has provided evidence that the quality capability production run are set out in P4.9 and P6.1.1.
Is a pre-production run carried out under series conditions for the Is a performance test carried out under series conditions for the of the entire production process is given under serial production • Critical product features are taken into account
4.6 deleted 4.6 4.7
series release? series release? conditions • Proof that the agreed quantities can be achieved has been provided. Peak
demands and agreed flexibility are taken into account

• Customer requirements for the supply of parts during the product

lifecycle are established
• The planned processes for the continuous series supply including safety
margins for emergencies are available
• The analysis process for 0-km and field complaints is established taking
customer requirements for field failure analysis into account
• The requirements for the analysis capability at the site have been
Is a pre-production (production test) carried out under serial Are the processes established for securing customer care/customer agreed with the customer
4.7 4.6 4.7 new
conditions for the series approval? satisfaction/customer service as well as the field failure analysis? • If external sites are used for analysis, the interfaces are defined and
evidence of the presence of the required equipment and capacity is
available
• New technologies and products are also taken into account in customer
support
• The employees designated for these processes are qualified
• The infrastructure is available

• For products with embedded software, development results are

documented
• Prerequisite for a series delivery release is the successful customer
Are the procurement activities of the project implemented and Is there a controlled method for the product handover from approval (old: A production test has been carried out in accordance with
• Customer requirements for the transfer of the project are considered
4.8 monitored for compliance? 2.5 4.8 development to serial production? X 4.9 the customer's requirements)
• The personnel resources are available in accordance with the planning
and are qualified
• Releases for procurement volumes are available

Is the transfer of the project to production controlled in order to

4.9 4.8 4.9
secure the product launch?

P5 Supplier management P5 Supplier management

• Before suppliers are specified, an assessment of the QM system must be obtained

*content moved to question 2.5*
• If there are deviations from the organisation's own selection criteria, the further
• In serial production it must be ensured that only approved suppliers are procedure must be decided on
5.1 Are only approved and quality-capable suppliers used? X 5.1 Are only approved and quality-capable suppliers used? X used • Process audits or comparable methods must be planned and executed in all phases
for the suppliers selected
• It must be ensured that the suppliers have sufficient capacities – this also applies to
changes in quantities

• Customer requirements also include requirements from technical

• Suppliers in the supply chain must be controlled and monitored in terms of their
drawings, components, software or component specifications, from QM
5.2 Are customer requirements taken into account in the supply chain? 5.2 Are customer requirements taken into account in the supply chain? X engagements and performance
agreements and other valid standards

Have target agreements for supplier performance been agreed upon Have target agreements for supplier performance been agreed upon • Supplier output must be checked and evaluated within defined periods
5.3 5.3
and implemented? and implemented?
Are the necessary releases available for purchased products and Are the necessary releases available for purchased products and • Evidence must be provided of comprehensive change management, from the
5.4 services? X 5.4 services? X X customer to the sub-supplier

Is the agreed upon quality of purchased products and services Is the agreed upon quality of purchased products and services • Standard complaint process • For safety-relevant parts, specific agreements must be made with the supplier
5.5 X 5.5 X X
ensured? ensured?

• For materials that could be damaged by temperature, humidity,

vibration, etc. and affect the quality of the final product, the transport
Are incoming goods stored appropriately? Are incoming goods delivered and stored appropriately? and storage conditions must be defined and evidence shown
5.6 5.6 X
• Terms of transport should be determined for critical incoming materials
• Storage conditions conform to the product requirements

Are personnel qualified for their respective tasks and are Are personnel qualified for their respective tasks and are • “Qualification requirements” rather than “training requirements” must
• A job description must be available for functions
5.7 responsibilities defined? 5.7 responsibilities defined? be determined for each employee

P6 Process analysis production P6 Process analysis production

6.1 Process analysis => Input 6.1


Has the project been transferred from development to serial
6.1.1 production and is a reliable start guaranteed?
Has the project been transferred from development to serial
X 6.1.1 production and is a reliable start guaranteed?
• If necessary, unresolved issues in the transfer of the project are
followed up on
X • Responsibilities for the entire handover process are regulated and
acknowledged
• Conditions for serial production release are agreed with the customer
• Reference parts from sample submissions must be retained in accordance with the
customer's instructions
• A process to secure the launch must be carried out for all new parts and modified
products requiring initial sample submission and approval
• A production test has been carried out to the customer's requirements and
assessed positively
• Evidence of feasibility investigations has been provided for all special characteristics

Are the necessary quantities/production batch sizes of incoming Are the necessary quantities/production batch sizes of incoming
materials available at the agreed upon time and at the correct materials available at the agreed upon time and at the correct
6.1.2 6.1.2 No changes to the content
storage location/ work-station? storage location/ work-station?

Are incoming materials stored appropriately and are the means of
6.1.3 transport /packing facilities suitable for the special characteristics of
the incoming materials?
Are the necessary identifications/records/releases available and
6.1.4
allocated appropriately to the incoming materials?
Are incoming materials stored appropriately and are the means of
6.1.3 transport /packing facilities suitable for the special characteristics of
the incoming materials?
Are the necessary identifications/records/releases available and
6.1.4
allocated appropriately to the incoming materials?
No changes to the content
• Customer-specific regulations for the release of products must be taken into
account
• “Test results of characteristics” instead of “characteristics” with special
• Traceability of releases must be ensured
requirements for documentation and archiving are recorded accordingly
• Special requirements for the identification of spare parts must be taken into
account

• A process for change approval is implemented requiring a suitable system which

controls the defined process sequence
• This applies equally in the supply chain
Are changes to the product or process in the course of serial Are changes to the product or process in the course of serial • Ensuring that at all times the correct design level is used – also for • The effects of changes must be analysed, documented and assessed, before the
6.1.5 production tracked and documented? 6.1.5 production tracked and documented? X software associated changes are implemented
• Characteristics subject to special documentary and archiving requirements must be
tracked and documented accordingly
• It is ensured that only current / valid documents are present at work-stations

6.2 Process analysis => Process management 6.2

Are all the relevant details listed in the production and
6.2.1
test/inspection documents, based on the control plan?
• The production and test documents are based on the control plan
• Access to the production and test documents is available at all times • The quality checking/inspection concept complies with the customer's
Are the requirements of the control plan complete and have they
X 6.2.1 X • Required measures for process disturbances are known and initiated requirements
been effectively implemented?
and documented by the responsible employees

• Problem areas detected in previous serial production must be eliminated

• Only requirements for repeat release (no longer first release) • Rework must be included in the approval/release processes
• Criteria for triggering a production repeat release must be defined • Special processes are controlled and require appropriate documentation in
Are production operations checked / approved and are setting data Does a repeat release for the restart of production take place?
6.2.2 6.2.2 X • If production is continued after collection of samples, parts should be addition to the release
logged?
isolated until the samples are approved • Responsibilities are specified
• The quantity required for release must be defined

• Significant product characteristics and process parameters are identified and

monitored
Can the product-specific requirements from the customer be met • Control limits are defined and effective
6.2.3 X 6.4.1 6.2.3 Are special characteristics managed in the production? X X 6.2.4
with the manufacturing equipment? • For characteristics subject to special documentary and archiving requirements,
customer-specific requirements must be observed

• These parts are to be either directly marked or marked on their

container
Are non-approved and/or defective parts managed?
6.2.4 Are special characteristics managed in the production? X 6.2.3 6.2.4 X X 6.2.5 • Reworking criteria including testing are defined, known and
implemented

• Now also applicable for software • Containers for scrap and rework must be appropriately identified
• “Risk analysis” rather than “Process/Product-FMEA” • The use-by date and longest storage time for materials must be observed
Is the flow of materials and parts secured against mixing/wrong
6.2.5 Are scrap, rework and setting parts kept separate and identified?” 6.2.4 6.2.5 6.2.6 • Regulations for reintroducing parts of outsourced processes (e.g. sorting• Internal residual quantities must be logged by quantity and suitably identified and
items?
service) must be available stored

Is the flow of materials and parts secured against mixing/wrong

6.2.6 6.2.5 6.2.6
items?
6.3 Process analysis => Personnel resources 6.3
• A qualification programme is derived from the description of tasks and
job profile • An appropriate personnel development plan drawn up for each employee
• Employees must be instructed in the handling and treatment of • Qualification of employees must be taken into account when scheduling
products with special characteristics • Employees are trained in the consequences of carrying out work incorrectly
Are the operators able to carry out their allotted tasks and are their
6.3.1 6.3.2 6.3.1 Are the employees able to fulfil their given tasks? X X 6.3.1 • Employees responsible for measuring and testing must be trained in the • Training in health & safety at work and work-related environment aspects is
qualifications kept up-to-date?
correct use of measuring equipment provided regularly
• The requirements apply to both internal and external temporary • Induction plans must be available and an induction phases must be demonstrated
employees
 • Checks carried out by the operators themselves must be described
• Employees receive regular information on the current standard of
• A description must be provided of who maintains the quality control charts and
quality reached, both internally and with the customer
Are operators given responsibility and authority to monitor the Do the employees know their responsibilities and authority in the who has what authority
6.3.2 X 6.3.1 6.3.2 6.3.2 • The requirements apply to both internal and external temporary
quality of product and process? monitoring of the product and process quality? • Operators are engaged in the continuous improvement process
employees
(feedback/suggestions)

• In the case of replacement personnel and personnel transferred on loan, it is

• The required number of qualified employees is available for all shifts
important to ensure that they have the necessary qualifications
• The requirements also apply to internal and external temporary
6.3.3 Is there a personnel employment plan? 6.3.3 Are the necessary personnel resources available? X • Rules regarding deputies are documented and are derived from the qualifications
employees
matrix for the relevant production operations

6.4 Process analysis => material resources 6.4

• For short-term process capability (machine capability studies) and provisional
process capability, a figure of Cmk / PpK >= 1,67 must be achieved
• Layout and condition of the equipment, tools, fixtures and handling • Cleanliness requirements for production are defined and implemented by reference
Is the maintenance and repair of the production equipment / tools Can the product-specific requirements from the customer be met
6.4.1 6.4.2 6.4.1 X X 6.2.3 facilities meet the requirements under real production conditions to the product risk
controlled? with the manufacturing equipment?
• There is sufficient production capacity, taking into account levels of scrap and
rework

• Maintenance activities that have been carried out are analysed for • Clean working surroundings and work-places are integral to an overall care for the
Are the maintenance and overhaul of production facilities / tools Is the maintenance of the manufacturing equipment and tools
6.4.2 X 6.4.3 6.4.2 X 6.4.1 improvement measures facilities
controlled? controlled?

• Systematic and random causes of measurement errors are eliminated

• Employees are trained in the use of measurement equipment (in 6.3.1)
Are the work and inspection stations appropriate for the needs? Can the quality requirements be effectively monitored with the • Certification is available covering the calibration of the inspection equipment
6.4.3 6.4.4 6.4.3 X X 6.4.2
measurement and test facilities in use? • The accuracy of the test equipment is appropriate for the purpose and for the
characteristics to be checked

• Applies to permanent and temporary established rework, sorting and

6.4.4 Are tools, equipment and test equipment stored properly? 6.4.5 6.4.4 Are the work and inspection stations appropriate for the needs? X 6.4.3 inspection stations

6.4.5 6.4.5 Are tools, equipment and test equipment stored properly? 6.4.4 No changes to the content

6.5 Process analysis => Effectiveness, efficiency, waste avoidance 6.5

• Non-conformances are analysed and subjected to suitable action (when necessary
special action)
• Customer requirements are taken into account when setting targets • The potential for improvement must be determined continuously
6.5.1 Are target requirements set for product and process? 6.5.1 Are there targets set for the manufacturing process?
• Monitoring the metrics is ensured through regular management reviews and
reported in associated committees

• Special incidents are documented
• The recorded data can be related to a product and process, the data is
available, accessible and traceable
6.5.2 Is quality and process data collected in a way that allows analysis? 6.5.2 Is quality and process data collected in a way that allows analysis? • Risk orientation when initiating improvement measures
• The potential for improvement must be continuously determined from
findings on quality, costs, and services
• Quality control charts and monitoring charts are in use and are maintained in
accordance with requirements
• In the event of a problem or non-conformance, corrections are made
automatically
• Non-conformance with an effect on the characteristics of the product must be
approved by the customer

• Corrective and/or immediate actions for the elimination of deviations

In the case of deviations from product and process requirements, In the case of deviations from product and process requirements, are known by the employees • Functioning quality control circles are implemented in production within the
6.5.3 are the causes analysed and the corrective actions checked for X 6.5.3 are the causes analysed and the corrective actions checked for X X • Non-conformities that affect the properties of the delivered product areorganisation
effectiveness? effectiveness? communicated to the customer

• Audit programmes (not „audit plans“) are available and implemented

• The audits are suitable to identify specific risks and weak points and
• Reasons for an audit : new project/process/product, evidence of compliance with
implement corrective action
quality requirements, indication of the potential for improvements
• A root cause analysis is carried out when deviations occur
• Deviation reports must be issued to those responsible
6.5.4 Are processes and products audited regularly? X 6.5.4 Are processes and products audited regularly? X • In the product audit specified characteristics are examined and tested
• If quality requirements are not met (internal / external) additional audits referring
according to defined specifications
to the specific event(s) must be carried out
• Non-conformities that affect the properties of the delivered product are
communicated to the customer

6.6 Process analysis => Result/Output 6.6

• Logging and assessing quantities (number of OK parts, parts to be reworked and
scrap parts) must be controlled and traceable
Do the quantities/production batch sizes match needs and are they
6.6.1 Are customer requirements fulfilled regard to product and proces? X 6.6.4 6.6.1 6.6.2 • Customer requirements for the identification of reworked parts must be
systematically directed to the next process step?
implemented and documented

• Internal packing instructions are known and implemented (not only

Are products/components stored in an appropriate manner and are
6.6.2 transport facilities/packing arrangements suitable for the special 6.6.1
characteristics of the products/components?
customer-specific)
• The positioning of parts must ensure secure storage at the work-place, including
Are products/components stored in an appropriate manner and are • Parts must be protected against environmental and climatic influences
handling
6.6.2 transport facilities/packing arrangements suitable for the special X 6.6.3 also during transport
• No over-filling of storage points/containers
characteristics of the products/components? • Requirements are valid for the handling within the production process
as well as the delivery
 • The labelling of the release status on containers
/batches/carriers/components must be specified
• Customer requirements for the labelling of reworked parts must be • Special releases and releases under deviation must documented in the parts life-
Are the necessary records / releases carried out and stored
6.6.3 6.6.2 6.6.3 Are the necessary records/releases retained? 6.6.4 implemented and documented history
appropriately?
• Test results of characteristics with special requirements for
documentation and archiving are recorded accordingly

• Customer requirements must be audited in-house

Are the customer's requirements met in terms of product and
Are the customer requirements met at the delivery of the final • If deviations occur, corrective actions are defined and implemented • Test instructions must be available, testing procedures must be agreed with the
6.6.4 process? 6.6.3 6.6.4 X X 6.6.1
product? customer and documented accordingly

P7 Customer care, customer satisfaction, service P7 Customer care, customer satisfaction, service

• Requirements, particularly those included in the supplier assessment system used

by the customer
• If appropriate, include evidence of significant characteristics when carrying out
audits
• The internal requirements on the quality management system are
Are all requirements related to QM System, product and process Are all requirements related to QM System, product and process • The supply of spares must be considered in addition to serial production, including
7.1 X 7.1 X fulfilled (not just customer specific)
fulfilled? fulfilled? variants and changes, in terms of the resources required
• Packing must meet the customers' requirements regarding suitability, fixing,
cushioning and identification
• It must be ensured that the product conforms with legal regulations

• Customer support is also a measurement of active creative cooperation

• Communication is ensured in accordance with the customer
• A procedure is agreed with the customer for ensuring the security of new
7.2 Is customer service guaranteed? 7.2 Is customer service guaranteed? X specifications (old: “… in a language which the customer understands.”)
product/process launches

• The actions must be taken at the right time and in accordance with the customer's
7.3 Is the supply of parts guaranteed? X 7.3 Is the supply of parts guaranteed? X X requirements

• A complaint process that meets the customer requirements used for 0-

If there are deviations from quality requirements, are failure analysis
7.4
carried out and corrective actions implemented effectively?
If there are deviations from quality requirements or complaints, are
7.4 failure analyses carried out and corrective actions implemented
effectively?
• Independent detection and analysis of deviations from quality requirements, with
km and field complaints
the rapid introduction of corrective actions including evidence of effectiveness are
• Procedures for failure analysis are defined
requirements demanded of the quality control circle
• Necessary personnel and material resources are available to ensure
•Deviations and the associated corrective actions must be placed in order of priority
X X punctual processing
and integrated in existing risk analysis
• In the case of field complaints a failure analysis is to be carried out
•Introduce special actions to ensure the supply of products correct to specification
according to customer requirements (e.g. VDA Volume Field Failure
(e.g., 100% inspection)
Analysis)

• A job description, including requirements profile, must be provided for each

Are personnel qualified for their respective tasks and are • The employees know the product and the consequences of faulty
function
7.5 part of 7.4 7.5 responsibilities defined? 7.6 workmanship for the supply of parts and the quality of the final product
Is there a process that effectively ensures the damage analysis? • A personnel development plan must be drawn up and implemented

Are personnel qualified for their respective tasks and are

7.6 responsibilities defined? 7.5 7.6