Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is the automotive industry's formal method for validating that a supplier's production process can consistently manufacture parts to specification. Defined by the AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group), PPAP requires suppliers to submit a package of documents proving process capability before production shipments can begin.
A full PPAP submission (Level 3) typically includes 18 elements: design records, engineering change documents, DFMEA, process flow diagram, PFMEA, control plan, measurement system analysis (MSA), dimensional results, material and performance test results, initial process studies (Cpk data), qualified laboratory documentation, appearance approval, sample production parts, master samples, checking aids, and the Part Submission Warrant (PSW).
While PPAP originated in automotive, its principles have spread to aerospace (AS9102 First Article Inspection), medical devices, and other industries that require evidence of process validation before production. Manufacturers that maintain organized quality data — dimensional results, capability studies, and process documentation — can assemble PPAP packages efficiently rather than scrambling to reconstruct data after the fact.