MANUFACTURING / JAPAN SOURCING
Automotive parts: a passing prototype is not the production approval record
A prototype can answer a dimensional or functional question while the intended production route remains unevaluated. Connect the part revision, manufacturing route and applicable customer requirements before releasing serial supply.
Write down what passed and how it was made
Imagine a machined prototype of an automotive mounting bracket passing its agreed dimensional review. The next quote proposes stamped production parts. The prototype result remains useful, but it is evidence for the identified sample and review, not proof that the different production route will consistently satisfy the requirement.
Record the prototype identity, drawing/material revision, actual manufacturing route, checks performed and the decision made. Separate a development acceptance from authorization for serial production or shipment. AIAG’s public PPAP overview focuses on meeting requirements consistently during actual production at production rates.[1] Its full manual has not been used here as a universal checklist.
- 1Prototype: identify the sample, route and result accepted
- 2Production: identify the intended site, process and representative evidence
- 3Customer: identify applicable submissions, decision and release scope
Illustrative bracket and records. Pictured quantities are not a required sampling plan, and the diagram does not qualify tooling or authorize serial production.
Make the production-route differences visible
Ask what will change between the reviewed prototype and serial supply: material/condition, tooling, process sequence, location, subcontracted work, measurement and production configuration. For the bracket example, compare the proposed stamping route with the actual machined prototype instead of calling them the same because they share a drawing.
Have the responsible engineering and quality teams define the evidence needed for the intended route and product. Ask which parts and records will represent that route, what characteristics need evaluation and who can accept the result. A promise to provide “PPAP paperwork later” does not define this work.
| Record | Existing prototype evidence | Production question to resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Part and revision | Existing prototype evidenceIdentified sample, drawing/material revision and results | Production question to resolveDoes the offered production configuration match the requirement? |
| Manufacture | Existing prototype evidenceActual prototype method and location | Production question to resolveWhich production route/site/tooling will be represented? |
| Evaluation | Existing prototype evidenceDimensional/functional scope actually reviewed | Production question to resolveWhat process and product evidence is still needed? |
| Customer requirements | Existing prototype evidenceCurrent request, drawing and named decision owner | Production question to resolveWhich submission/approval applies to this supply? |
| Release | Existing prototype evidenceWhat the prototype decision permitted | Production question to resolveWhat authorizes serial supply and actual delivery? |
Obtain the requirements for this customer and part
Ask the customer or authorized receiving party for the applicable requirement documents and revisions, submission scope, required samples/records, timing and approval authority. Where PPAP is required, confirm the relevant manual/version and customer-specific instructions. Do not impose one submission level on all automotive transactions or transfer it to rail, marine or aerospace supply.
Veoneer’s public supplier instructions show a customer-specific request with released specifications and possible extra demands.[2] They are an example of why the actual customer requirement matters, not the contract for this hypothetical bracket. The buyer and supplier still need the current instructions that apply to their own transaction.
Keep approval scope and shipment authorization distinct
Retain the customer decision, the approved part/process references, conditions or open actions, and the required control of later changes. If a material, tool, process or site changes before release, ask the authorized party what assessment or new submission is required; a prototype approval does not silently cover it.
Veoneer also distinguishes PPAP approval from a production or delivery signal in its own instructions.[2] For your order, establish the actual production and delivery authorization separately. Use those records, not a general “sample approved” email, to decide what may be made and shipped.
Questions to send your supplier
Open supplier questions
Product: automotive mounting bracket Customer/receiving party, drawing/material revision and intended supply: Prototype identity, actual route and checks/decision completed: Intended serial site, tooling, process and subcontracted work: Please list differences and evidence representative of the production route. Which current customer requirements, PPAP/version or other submissions apply? Required samples/records, timing, criteria and approval authority: What does each decision permit, and what separately authorizes production/delivery? Open actions and change-review requirements: Quantity, destination and timing:
Sources
- AIAG — PPAP-4 public overview
Public overview links approval to consistent requirements in an actual production run at production rates. Full paid manual not read; no complete requirements list or current customer approval inferred.
- Veoneer supplier manual — 2.2.2 Quality/PPAP
Public customer-specific example covers approved part/process records, additional demands and separate delivery schedules. Its submission level, document age, language and cross-plant rules are not generalized.