The complexity of new product development requires much more than just good ideas and well-designed technical designs. It´s needed to ensure, from the outset, that what is being planned will also be manufacturable, controllable, and reliable. That’s where the APQP methodology comes in—a structured method that ensures the customer’s requirements are met at every step of the process, from engineering to the shop floor.
What is APQP and why is it so important?
APQP is a mandatory process for automakers and their suppliers in the automotive industry, required by industry standards such as IATF 16949 and specific methodologies usually called Core Tools. It helps ensure that all product design risks as well as manufacturing processes are identified, analyzed, and eliminated before production even begins. This means less rework, more efficiency, and a final product with the expected quality and reliability.
Integration challenges: when engineering and quality don't speak the same language
In many companies, engineering teams work in isolation from quality, which leads to miscommunications, delays, and products that do not meet established requirements. This disconnection is costly for organizations due to inefficient processes, redundant tasks, and potential product non-conformities. Industry 4.0 requires data and process integration, and it is no longer possible to work with manual spreadsheets and inconsistent information.
How ISOQualitas helps with APQP automation
With ISOQualitas PLM’s APQP modules, engineering and quality start to work collaboratively and digitally. Todos os envolvidos no projeto têm acesso a informações atualizadas em tempo real, com rastreabilidade completa das decisões, ações e entregas. This reduces errors, accelerates approvals and improves the performance of multidisciplinary teams, the compliance of the product supplied and compliance with standards in internal and external audits of the quality management system.
Practical benefits of integration
- Reduced time to develop and new products launch
- Greater control over potential risks and failures
- Productivity gain across teams
- More security in deliveries and greater customer confidence
Industry 4.0 isn’t just another trend — it’s the new reality of automotive manufacturing. To keep up with this evolution, integrating engineering and quality is no longer optional and has become essential. The APQP process, when well implemented and automated, becomes the backbone of this integration. With the support of ISOQualitas PLM, the companies not only meets regulatory requirements, but positions itself as a leader in innovation, agility and reliability.
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