Qualitäts Management Center

im Verband der Automobilindustrie 6 Part 5

Quality Management in the Automotive Industry

Product Audit
Guideline

Volume 6 Part 5 – Product Audit

3rd, revised edition in March 2020

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Product Audit
Guideline

3rd, revised edition in March 2020

Verband der Automobilindustrie e. V. (VDA)

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Imprint
ISSN 0943-9412
Print: 03/2020

Copyright 2020 by

Verband der Automobilindustrie e. V. (VDA)

Qualitäts Management Center (QMC)
Behrenstraße 35, 10117 Berlin

Overall Production:
Henrich Druck + Medien GmbH
Schwanheimer Straße 110, 60528 Frankfurt am Main

Printed on chlorine-free bleached paper

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    03

Non-binding VDA recommendation

The Association of the German Automotive Industry (VDA) recommends that ­
its members apply the following guideline when establishing and maintaining ­
QM systems.

Exclusion of liability
This VDA QMC document is a recommendation that is free for anyone to use. Users
are responsible for the correct application of the recommendations from case to
case.

This document takes account of the state of knowledge and technology prevailing at
the time of the respective issue. The use of the guideline does not absolve anyone of
responsibility for his/her own actions. In this regard, each one acts on his/her own
responsibility. Liability on the part of the VDA/VDA QMC and those involved in the
preparation of these recommendations is excluded.

Anyone who comes across incorrect information or the possibility of an incorrect

interpretation when using these VDA QMC recommendations is requested to notify
this immediately to the VDA so that any deficiencies can be eliminated.

Copyright protection
This document is protected by copyright. Any use outside the strict limits of the
copyright laws without the permission of the VDA is prohibited and punishable by
law. This applies in particular to reproductions, translations, microfilming, and
storage and processing in electronic systems.

Translations
This document will also be published in other languages.
Please contact VDA QMC for the most current respective status.

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04

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 Table of contents    05

Table of contents

1 Preface 7

2 Purpose and area of application 9

3 Product audit sequence 12

4 Audit program 13
4.1 Input criteria for determining the audit program 16
4.2 Specifications of the audit program 18
4.3 Scope of an audit program 22
4.4 Implementation of the audit program 22
4.5 Monitoring and evaluation of the audit program 23

5 Audit plan 24
5.1 Inspection characteristics and specifications 25
5.2 Test equipment and number of parts to be tested 25
5.3 Specifications for controlling the test parts 26
5.3.1 Parts removal 26
5.3.2 Parts labeling 26
5.3.3 Transport and packaging of parts 27
5.3.4 Return of products 27
5.4 Reference documents 27

6 Execution of product audits 29

7 Audit report 31
7.1 Notes on the classification of deviations
and their evaluation  32
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06     Table of contents

8 Initiation of audit follow-up actions 33

8.1 Immediate measures 34
8.2 Knowledge transfer 82

9 Qualification of product auditors 35

9.1 Product auditor 35
9.2 Additional roles 36

10 Reference documents 37

11 Definition of terms and glossary 38

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 1 Preface    07

1 Preface

Since the second edition was published in 2008, the conditions for automotive
manufacturers and suppliers to the automotive industry have changed rapidly.
Automotive-specific requirements with international validity, such as IATF 16949,
form the basis for action for quality management in the automotive industry.

Based on the experience gained during the introduction of the IATF requirements,
the differentiation between the terms “product audit” and “layout inspection”
allows for various interpretations. This volume provides a recommendation for a
differentiation.

The new edition is based on the up to date requirements of ISO 19011 „Guidelines
for auditing management systems“.

The quality of the products is ensured by the consistent implementation of me-

thods of preventive quality planning. For this reason, product audits do not have a
quality assurance function in the sense of failure prevention. Mainly is the product
audit an additional instrument for quality control („confirmation from the custo-
mer‘s perspective“).

Increased customer demands, safety requirements, legal and official requirements

and the increased use of electronic components and software lead to greater
product complexity.

The expectations of end customers can no longer be expressed in specifications

alone. Automobiles manufacturers and the supplier industry are required to
identify these product characteristics independently and to implement them in the
products. This approach must also be taken into account when conducting
product audits.

Product audits should indicate the quality level of internally/externally manufactu-

red products in the process chain.

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08     1 Preface

This third edition of VDA Volume 6 Part 5 – Product Audit – replaces the second
edition from 2008.

The production process, which consists of numerous individual processes, must

take rational and economic aspects into account in order to achieve an optimum
in quality, time and costs. In order to support this, the German Automotive Industry
Association (VDA) recommends the application of the following quality and audit
standards.

Quality Standards of the German Automotive Industry (VDA 6)

VDA 6 VDA 6 QM-System Audit VDA 6 QM-System Audit VDA 6 QM-System Audit
Part 1 Part 2 Services Part 4 Production
Serial Production
Certification Equipment
requirements for

VDA 6.1
VDA 6.2 VDA 6 Process Audit VDA 6 Process Audit
VDA 6.4 Part 3 Part 7
Serial Production and Services Production
Equipment

VDA 6 Product audit

Part 5

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 2 Purpose and area of application    09

2 Purpose and
area of application
Product audits serve as a management tool for the independent evaluation of
products from the customer‘s perspective (both internal and external) and identify
any potential for continuous improvement.

During product audits, the specified product properties and requirements (e.g.
conformity with the parts list, product dimensions, material, functionality, reliability,
packaging, marking) as well as known customer expectations are determined in a
certain product condition (e.g. packed, ready for delivery, after use).

Product audits can be conducted on:

• intermediate and/or end products, individual parts

e.g. screws, hoses, crankcases

• assembly parts
e.g. electronic components, control units, transmissions, bodies,
complete vehicles

Product audits do not serve:

• as repetition of in-process tests,

• as direct process control and process confirmation,

• as substitute for the CoP (Conformity of Production) tests in accordance with

approval laws or regulatory requirements,

• as the sole evidence of compliance with the customer‘s specification based on

layout inspection and functional testing according to IATF 16949, or

• as the sole evidence of the effectiveness of the quality management system.

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10     2 Purpose and area of application

The distinction of the product audit from other tests is also shown in the subse-
quent table 1.

This guideline describes the area of application of the product audit and provides
suggestions for the management of an audit program.

An important prerequisite for the successful execution of systematic and indepen-

dent product audits is the existence of an appropriate organizational structure.
This explains the necessary audit activities and requirements for auditors.

Main areas of complaints and quality trends may be identified by regular product
audits. If applicable, weak points in the system or process can be traced back and
the implementation of further audits, such as process and system audits, can be
derived.

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 Product audit 1 In-process tests Layout inspection and functional testing 2

Content/Purpose The purpose of a product audit may be the following: • Process control (e.g. process • Requirement IATF 16949:
• Requirement of IATF 16949 parameters, SPC, tensile Complete dimensional6 and function
• Evaluation of product quality according to an strength, torques, material and test7 in consideration of the applicable
internal quality standard that fulfills at least the electrical characteristics, joints, customer requirements for material and
customer´s requirements micrograph analyses) function specified in the control plans
• Identification of potential improvements • Evidence of compliance with • Layout inspection and functional testing
• Assessment of the product from the customer's specified product characteristics of the product:
perspective (internal/external) • Evidence management of Complete validation of all product
• Evidence of reliability requirements product liability cases approval requirements
• Evidence of interplay of product characteristics see also VDA 2 – (PPA) and/or PPAP
(functional testing)
• Evidence of characteristics that are not covered in
the control plan 3
• Evidence of compliance with product
characteristics that may influence customer
satisfaction 4
Table 1: Distinction of the product audit from other tests

• Evidence of product characteristics that are

2

examined in in-process tests by means of

equivalents 5
• Evidence of packaging and labeling
Frequency of • According to internal audit program • According to the control plan • According to customer requirement or

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execution • According to customer requirement • Production order-related as specified within the organization
• Incident-related • According to the control plan

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• Audit report • According to the control plan • Part of the contract with the customer or
• Part of management review as specified within the organization

1 Results of the product audit can be used for proof of layout inspection and functional testing.
2 Test parts of a layout inspection and functional testing can be used for a product audit (e.g. reliability test can be carried out of individual components after a measure and function test).
3
Not all product characteristics are examined in the control plan. This may be because there is no requirement from an FMEA or due to a lack of economical test methods.
4 Customer relevance; subjective perception of product specified characteristics
5 For example, a specific characteristic is the volume flow, via the pressure equivalent a test is made in series.

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6 Layout inspection according to IATF 16949 is the complete measurement of all product dimensions shown on the design record(s).
7 Functional testing according to IATF 16949 includes testing of customer requirements for function, durability and material characteristics.

Note: Scope of layout inspection and functional testing has to be agreed between customer and organization, according to VDA 2 Production Process and Product Approval (PPA).
Purpose and area of application    11
12     3 Product audit sequence

3 Product audit sequence

This diagram shows the individual steps of a product audit. For better orientation,
the chapter covered is marked in yellow on the following pages.

Chap. 4 Audit program

Audit plan 3
Audit plan 2
Audit plan 1
Chap.
5

Execution of
Chap. 6
product audits

Chap. 7 Audit report

Initiation of
Chap. 8
audit follow-up actions

Figure 1: Overview of the product audit sequence

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 4 Audit program    13

4 Audit program

Chap. 4 Audit program

Audit plan 3
Audit plan 2

Chap. Audit plan 1

5

Execution of
Chap. 6
product audits

Chap. 7 Audit report

Initiation of
Chap. 8
audit follow-up actions

The audit program of product audits contains all activities that are necessary for
planning, organization, and execution in order to carry out the planned audits
efficiently and effectively within the given time frame. This also includes the
provision of human and testing resources.

Responsibility for the audit program lies with the person in charge of quality
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14     4 Audit program

Determine the audit program

- Determine the products to be audited
Input criteria - Define the associated audit objectives
- Define responsible persons
- Plan resources
- Approve audit program

Implement the audit program

- Communicate the audit program
Review and - Provide the necessary resources
improve the - Ensure the execution of audits
audit program - Record audit activities
- Evaluate and confirm audit reports
- Ensure the execution of audit follow-up actions

Monitor the audit program

- Verify the achievement of the objectives
of the product audits and the audit program

Figure 2: Process sequence for the management of an audit program

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 Audit Program - Annual Planning Created, date:

Product Product Part Responsible for Audit objective Resources Responsible Target date References
groups designation number(s) product

Customer end Y Series YP14xx Letsche Inspection of the interior 3 vehicles, 8 person days Mayer 02/28 Summary of customer
Table 2: Example audit program

product (e.g. comfort functions after development and quality satisfaction survey from
complete major software update previous year
vehicle) Index D according to
Instruction B13

Assembly 1.6 TD 77 kW L1234; L1280; Meier Confirmation of required 5 units, 8 person days test Karl 01/15 Test instruction DAHBA 1
parts (e.g. L1281 durability facility, 800 h test bench AP
units)

2.0 TD 90 kW M5678 Schulz Review of customer 2 units, 2 person days test Karl 05/30 Customer satisfaction report
complaints about facility, 2 days sound measuring IBT 15, "Trade Press" report
excessive noise levels in chamber, 2 days mobile test M5678AA
the full load range and bench MAP
identification of the
cause

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6-speed manual 6G0 123 A…L Krauß In-process auditing 6 transmissions per month, 2 Schulze continuous Internal audit plan for manual
transmissions auditors, final function test transmissions
bench 3 hours per month, audit

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room building 2 SG

Individual RA 12 mm series 12124- Schmitt Fulfillment of durability 30 parts, 4 person days test Mayer 04/30 Spec. DH12, drawing
parts 12254 requirements & drawing facility, 100 h test bench 2, 10 h
(e.g. bearing dimensions CMM
bushes)

…..

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4 Audit program    15
16     4 Audit program

The structure of the audit program must be adapted to the respective product
portfolio of the organization, (e.g. individual parts, assembly parts or customer final
product).

4.1 Input criteria for determining the audit program

The following general input criteria should be considered and may be supplemen-
ted by others:

• customer requirements (specified)

• customer expectations recognized by the company that have a significant effect on

customer satisfaction (not specified)

• internal specifications

• product and process changes

• maturity level of product and process

• complaints from internal and external customers

(e.g. early failures, warranty data, field data)

• findings from risk assessments (e.g. FMEA)

• results of customer satisfaction surveys

• test reports

• results, conclusions, and measures from previous product audits

• statutory and regulatory requirements on the product

• strategic importance of the product, opportunities and risks for the organization

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 4 Audit program    17

In addition, special in-plant conditions/incidents must be considered when

preparing and updating the audit program, e.g.:

• changes of machines/equipment

• staff turnovers, substitutions, shifts

• relocations, changes of supplier

• deviations that are difficult to detect or concealed

• technical characteristics of the product (complexity)

• product variants

• batch size (large series, small series, individual production)

• production line (variance of production processes)

• critical manufacturing and measurement processes

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18     4 Audit program 4 Audit program    20

4.2 Specifications of the audit program

Table 3*: Example of a decision matrix for determining the audit program
Based on the input criteria, the products to be audited and objectives for product
audits are derived in the audit program. With a large number of similar products,
Field/guarantee
one way to optimize the number of required product audits is to create product Strategic Customer complaints
feedback, results of Findings of risk
Special customer
expectations Financial Internal
New process
Ineffective processes, high
measurement uncertainty,
Compl.
Product
Product range customer assessments VDA audit results or process changes, New technology points for
families. importance (internal & external)
satisfaction (e.g. FMEAs)
specified /
not specified
risks quality
changes of supplier
difficult to detect /
concealed errors
planning
audit
surveys

The objectives for the respective product audits derived from the input criteria

Product groups

responsible for
Part number(s)
designation

Evaluation

Evaluation

Evaluation

Evaluation

Evaluation

Evaluation

Evaluation

Evaluation

Evaluation

Evaluation

Evaluation
Product

product
Person

Yes/No
should be used as input variables for the creation of the audit program and the

1,3,9

1,3,9

1,3,9

1,3,9

1,3,9

1,3,9

1,3,9

1,3,9

1,3,9

1,3,9

1,3,9
Info Info Info Info Info Info Info Info Info Info Info

audit plans, for selecting auditors, for determining the scope of the audit, etc.

Table 3 shows an example of how a matrix can be used to evaluate different criteria
L1234;
and thereby prioritize product audits. 1.6 TD 77kW L1280; Meier 3
Standard
product
3
Some goodwill
claims
1 normal 3 average risks 3
Minor defects
in ET
3
Smooth
running, sound
3 1 12 ppm 1 1 1 23 Yes
L1281;

Discontinued Smooth

Units
1.9 T FDQI M1050 Schulz 1 1 normal 1 normal 3 average risks 1 No complaints 3 1 1 0 ppm 1 1 1 15 No
model running, sound

Complaint Complaint New engine

2.0 TD Quantity about running about running Smooth New suppliers, design, new
M5678 Schulz 9 9 9 3 average risks 1 No complaints 3 9 High volume 1 25 ppm 3 9 1 57 Yes
90 kW carrier smoothness, smoothness, running, sound warehouse materials in
consumption consumption valve train

Complete vehicles
Completely new Cooperation of
Customer
Software line in hardware &
Complaints expects High-quality
Failure codes conversion Audit not yet assembly, software of comfort
Y Series YP14xx Letsche 9 Image carrier 3 3 about comfort 9 9 9 impression of 3 product, low 3 9 1 9 67 Yes
in memory identified as carried out machining, and functions difficult to
functions maximum quantities
problematic at supplier test during
quality
locations production process

Bearing bushes BA
1st
RA 12mm 12124- application Audit not yet New machining
Schmitt 9 1 normal 1 none yet 3 average risks 9 1 3 9 3% rejects 3 9 New patent 1 49 Yes
series 12254 new carried out center
generation

….. …….

* Explanation of Table 3:
In the examples shown, all input criteria were rated equally, and prioritization was carried out by adding the ratings.
The
Tab. rating
3: can beofadapted
Example a decision to theforspecific
matrix company,
determining or additional input criteria can be integrated.
the audit program

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22     4 Audit program 4 Audit program    23

4.3 Scope of an audit program 4.5 Monitoring and evaluation of the audit program
In consideration of the input criteria, the following should be specified in the The implementation of the audit program must be monitored and evaluated at
audit program: appropriate intervals and reported to the responsible bodies (e.g. in the manage-
ment review).
• products from the product portfolio to be audited.

• audit objectives/scope as contents of the audit plan The evaluation of the audit program should take the following into account:

• responsibilities (e.g. the creator of the audit plan) • input criteria for the audit program

• resources (e.g. test equipment, auditors) • results

• start of the first product audit (e.g. preseries phase) • achievement of targets

• date/frequency of the product audit • conformity with the audit process

(e.g. approved and competent auditors), audit program records
• reporting
• alternative or new audit methods/practices
Taking customer requirements into account, the organization defines targets for • ensuring the comparability of audit results
product quality and derives on the achievement of these targets a risk-based
frequency for product audits (e.g. frequency increase in the start-up phase, Results of evaluated audit programs with nonconformance of the organization´s
product changes). requirements and targets have to lead to corrective and preventive actions and
have to be addressed as part of continual improvement.

4.4 Implementation of the audit program

When implementing an audit program, it must be ensured that:

• The audit program is approved by the responsible authority.

• The audit program is announced, and the audits are coordinated and
scheduled.

• The necessary resources are provided.

• The audits are executed according to the audit program.

• Records of audit activities are monitored.

• Audit reports are evaluated and confirmed.

• Audit reports are created, distributed, and archived.

• The execution of audit follow-upDokument

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24     5 Audit plan

5 Audit plan

Chap. 4 Audit program

Audit plan 3
Audit plan 2
Audit plan 1
Chap.
5

Execution of
Chap. 6
product audits

Chap. 7 Audit report

Initiation of
Chap. 8
audit follow-up actions

The audit plan derived from the audit program describes all activities and resour-
ces required for the execution of a product audit, as well as the time and sample
size. Moreover, the test method and test equipment used to test the product
characteristics are determined in the scope of inspection planning.
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 5 Audit plan    25

5.1 Inspection characteristics

The inspection characteristics defined in the audit program are specified in the
audit plan. These may concern, for example:

• material

• dimensions

• appearance, odor, and haptics

• functionality (electric/mechanical)

• software quality

• connectivity

• packaging

Other characteristics in the scope of reliability or durability tests include:

• corrosion resistance

• temperature behavior

• static and dynamic behavior

• robustness of electronic components

5.2 Test equipment and number of parts to be tested

Suitable and effective measuring and testing equipment must be used to conduct
product audits.

Failure catalogs/limit samples agreed with the customer must be used when
inspecting attribute characteristics. In order to keep the standard for evaluation
consistent and constant, a regular evaluation comparison must be carried out.

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26     5 Audit plan

The following must be considered when determining the number of parts to be

tested in the product audit:

• production volume

• production complexity

• process controllability

• process and product maturity

5.3 Specifications for controlling the test parts

5.3.1 Parts removal
The product to be audited is removed according to the audit program. If the parts
removal is not specified, it can be carried out randomly. In each case, the removal
of the product must be initiated by the auditor, independent of the audited area.

The designation of a product as a test part must not be recognizable for the
production area until it is removed.

Products removed for product audits must have passed the planned tests in the
process, such as intermediate tests, construction progress tests and final tests,
without any faults and therefore be in a condition ready for handover or delivery.

5.3.2 Parts labelling

The removed test parts must be clearly labeled in order to ensure their removal
from the production process and to allow the individual measurements to be
correlated with the audited product. Logistical processes must be considered.

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 5 Audit plan    27

5.3.3 Transport and packaging of parts

The test parts must be protected against damage during the audit and during
transport (e.g. against corrosion, EMC, ESD, mechanical damage). The transport of
the parts must not influence the characteristics to be tested.

5.3.4 Return of products

It’s generally allowed to return audited products to the process if their characteri-
stics correspond to those of new parts. The products must be restored to their
original state at the time of removal (e.g. corrosion protection, prescribed packa-
ging). It must be ensured that there are no deviations from the approved product.
Defective parts must be handled in accordance with internal specifications of the
organization.

5.4 Reference documents

The following reference documents can be used as a reference basis for the
product audit:

• legal and statutory requirements

• standards

• reports of previous product audits

• drawings and other specification documents

• customer requirements/customer requirement profile

• supply agreements (packaging and labeling requirements)

• control plan, production flow charts, process descriptions

• test specifications

• FMEAs

• failure catalogs

• boundary samples
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28     5 Audit plan

• specifications for methods of analysis

• assessment/quality

• material data sheets

• approved production deviations (special approval)

• complaint classification (for example, major defect A, major defect B, minor

defect C) with assessment category

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 6 Execution of
product audits    29

6 Execution of
product audits

Chap. 4 Audit program

Audit plan 3
Audit plan 2

Chap. Audit plan 1

5

Execution of
Chap. 6
product audits

Chap. 7 Audit report

Initiation of
Chap. 8
audit follow-up actions

Product audits are conducted according to the specifications in the audit plan by
specially trained auditors (see Chapter 9 Qualification of product auditors). In an
audit, relevant departments are informed about the removal of products to allow
the production quantities to be adjusted where necessary.
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30     6 Execution of
product audits

In-house checklists related to the products and tests can be used.

If the audit is conducted for a current reason (e.g. complaint), the batch from
which the parts were removed can be withheld until the audit is completed.

If reasons for complaint regarding safety-relevant characteristics are discovered,

immediate measures must be taken immediately after their discovery (see also
Chapter 8.1 Immediate measures).

Chap. 6 Execution of
product audits

Notification of
a relevant departments

Removal of parts
b from the production
process

c Labeling of
the parts

Execution of the tests

d acc. to
the audit plan

Documentation
e of the results

Figure 3: Execution sequence of product audits

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 7 Audit report    31

7 Audit report

Chap. 4 Audit program

Audit plan 3
Audit plan 2
Audit plan 1
Chap.
5

Chap. 6 Execution of
Product audits

Chap. 7 Audit report

Chap. 8 Initiation of
audit follow-up actions

The results of an audit must be documented in a report. Deviations are to be

described in an understandable, standardized way and, if necessary, weighted
according to complaint categories. The audit report must contain all information
necessary for the determination of key indicators for the evaluation of product
quality with reference to the audit objectives. In the event of non-conformity, the
failure elimination process is initiated based on the audit report. Moreover, a
product improvement can be derived from the audit report if necessary. The audit
report is to be distributed to the areas defined by the organization and archived
according to defined rules.
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32     7 Audit report

The evaluation of the results of product audits is company-specific, varies from

product to product, and depends on the use of the product. What is important is
that the evaluation type is retained over a longer period of time for the purpose of
comparability.

In addition, management reports provide a general overview of multiple product

audits conducted, for example, at different intervals or for specific main areas of
complaints. The key quality indicators should be presented together with the
planned objectives.

7.1 Notes on the classification of deviations and

their evaluation
In order to structure different complaint characteristics and effects, it is recom-
mended to use gradations of complaint categories. This allows deviations identified
in the audit to be assigned to a defined complaint category.

Example of complaint categories:

• major defect A

• major defect B

• minor defect C

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 8 Initiation of audit follow-up actions    33

8 Initiation of audit
follow-up actions

Chap. 4 Audit program

Audit plan 3
Audit plan 2
Audit plan 1
Chap.
5

Chap. 6 Execution of
Product audits

Chap. 7 Audit report

Chap. 8 Initiation of
audit follow-up actions

If deviations are discovered, the implementation of measures must be initiated.

Generally, the quality management system should specify the procedures for
managing measures for deviations.

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34     8 Initiation of audit follow-up actions

8.1 Immediate measures

Immediate actions must be taken depending on the severity of the deviation, for
example noncompliance with legal/official requirements or functional restrictions.
These can be (for example, a closure with an additional action, and if applicable a
risk assessment for products that have already been delivered).

8.2 Knowledge transfer

In addition, the findings from product audits form the basis for the auditing of
comparable products (at other sites, if necessary).

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 9 Qualification of
product auditors    35

9 Qualification of
product auditors

9.1 Product auditor

Qualification requirements for product auditors have to be defined by the organi-
zation. Auditors with a job profile tailored to the respective audit program are
required to conduct product audits.

The qualification of the auditors must be geared towards the fulfillment of this job
profile.

Table 4: Example of product auditor qualification

Qualification Examples
Training – training in a specific profession
Specialist – experience in manufacturing
requirements – product, manufacturing, and process knowledge
– use of the audited product
– testing technology
– measuring technology
– basic terms of Q-methodology
– knowledge about complaints
– knowledge about customer requirements on the product
– report generation
– evaluation of products based on product-specific
requirements (evaluation standards)
– foreign language skills (if necessary)
Personal qualities – social skills
– objectivity
– physical aptitude, e.g. eye test
– personal reliability

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36     9 Qualification of
product auditors

It must be possible to verify the qualification of the employed product auditors by

means of suitable documentation (e.g. qualification matrix, certificates of participa-
tion in further training courses).

The qualification of auditors must be sustained and extended through regular

updates, especially concerning customer requirements and expectations regarding
the product to be assessed.

The product auditors must also be compared on a regular basis as part of the
qualification process. This applies especially in the case of multiple production
sites with comparable products within a single organization with regard to the use
of failure catalogs/complaint classifications.

9.2 Additional roles

The organization must define qualification requirements for other roles responsible
for creating audit programs and audit plans.

For example, the following requirements must be taken into account:

• product and process knowledge

• knowledge of test methods

• customer requirements for the product (see also ISO 19011)

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 10 Reference documents    37

10 Reference documents

This volume takes the requirements from the following documents into
account:

• ISO 9000, Quality management systems – Fundamentals and vocabulary

• ISO 9001 Quality management systems – Requirements

• VDA 6.1 QM System Audit: Series Production

• IATF 16949 Quality management system requirements for automotive

production and relevant service parts organizations

• ISO 19011 Guidelines for auditing management systems

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38     11 Definition of
terms and glossary

11 Definition of
terms and glossary

Product
In distinction to standard ISO 9000 (Section 3.7.6), this volume treats products in
the following product categories:

• hardware (e.g. crankshafts, electronic components, assembled circuit boards,

seat systems, axles)

• software (e.g. for control unit, navigation)

• process-engineering products (e.g. lubricants)

A product (e.g. complete vehicle) may also comprise a combination of the above
components.

Audit [Source: EN ISO 9000]

A systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining objective
evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which audit
criteria are met.

Audit client [Source: ISO 19011]

An organization or person that requests an audit.

Auditor [Source: ISO 19011]

A person who carries out an audit.

Audit team [Source: ISO 19011]

One or multiple persons who carry out an audit, where necessary with the support
of experts.

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 11 Definition of
terms and glossary    39

Audit programm [Source: ISO 19011]

Specifications for a set of one or multiple audits planned for a specific period and
directed towards a specific purpose.

Audit plan [Source: ISO 19011]

Description of the activities and arrangements for an audit

EMV
Electromagnetic compatibility

ESD
Electrostatic discharge

CoP
CoP is the abbreviation for „Conformity of Production“, i.e. the conformity of
production with the legal requirements.

Layout inspection and functional testing

(see IATF 16949 and FAQ: https://www.iatfglobaloversight.org)
Execution of a complete dimensional1 and function2 test in consideration of the
applicable customer requirements for material and function specified in the control
plans.

1)
Layout inspection (IATF 16949) is the complete measurement of all product dimensions shown on the design
­record(s).
2)
Functional testing (IATF 16949) includes testing of customer requirements for function, durability and material
characteristics.
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40

Quality Management in the Automotive Industry

You can find the current status of the published VDA volumes on Quality Management in the
Automotive Industry (QAI) in the Internet at http://www.vda-qmc.de.

You can also place direct orders at this homepage.

Reference:
Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V. (VDA)
Qualitäts Management Center (QMC)
Behrenstraße 35, 10117 Berlin
Telephone +49 (0) 30 8978 42-235,
Fax +49 (0) 30 8978 42-605
E-Mail: info@vda-qmc.de, Internet: www.vda-qmc.de
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 Qualitäts Management Center
im Verband der Automobilindustrie 6 Part 5

Quality Management in the Automotive Industry

Product Audit
Guideline

Volume 6 Part 5 – Product Audit

3rd, revised edition in March 2020

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