What's the Difference Between APQP and PPAP?

What's the difference between PPAP and APQP? Well in part, that depends on which PPAP and APQP we're talking about.

PPAP and APQP were originally created by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG). There is an adaptation of PPAP and APQP for the Aerospace and Defense industries created by the Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE). This article is specific to the differences between PPAP and APQP defined by AIAG. 

What's the difference between PPAP and APQP?

PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) is one component of APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning). 

What is APQP?

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) is a defined process used for introducing a new product in the market or incorporating changes in the product after its release. A Cross-Functional Team (CFT) composed of engineering, manufacturing, quality, procurement, and distribution professionals performs an APQP to ensure that products meet customer requirements.

5 Phases of APQP

1. Plan and Define Program
2. Product Design and Development Verification
3. Process Design and Development Verification
4. Product and Process Validation and Production Feedback 
5. Launch, Assessment & Corrective Action

PPAP is in the 4th phase of APQP.

How PPAP affects APQP