How to prepare for a VDA 6.3 process audit without stress

The VDA 6.3 process audit is a powerful tool for evaluating production processes, one-of-a-kind in the automotive industry with its focus on preventing risks and driving continuous improvement. Unlike general audits, it involves a deep dive into process-specific details to ensure workflows meet the sector’s exacting safety and quality standards.

For Supplier Quality Engineers, preparing for a VDA 6.3 audit is more than a checklist: it’s an opportunity to demonstrate expertise and build stronger supplier partnerships. Learn how to prepare for an audit without stress in this article —steps, tools, and more!

Importance of preparing for a VDA 6.3 audit

The VDA 6.3 process audit is highly thorough, requiring an in-depth assessment of processes across the supply chain, from planning to delivery. This framework developed by the German Association of the Automotive Industry evaluates compliance, identifies risks, and ensures alignment with strict quality demands internationally. 

Given its complexity, allocating sufficient time to prepare accordingly allows organizations to review workflows, address non-conformities, and carry out corrective actions well ahead of the audit, ensuring readiness and reducing stress. Other benefits include:

• Alignment with audit expectations: A structured preparation plan ensures that processes and documentation meet the specific requirements of the VDA 6.3 standard, minimizing risks of non-compliance during the audit.
• Ensuring audit success: Addressing gaps and aligning operations early means that organizations can face the audit confidently. This approach fosters trust with suppliers and demonstrates a commitment to quality excellence.

Steps to prepare for a VDA 6.3 audit

We’ve assembled a list of 6 steps to prepare for a VDA 6.3 audit, compiling the key aspects you should consider beforehand, from requirements to training, and documentation.

Define the scope and objectives

The VDA 6.3 audit evaluates the performance of manufacturing processes in the automotive industry. Its primary goal is to assess whether production workflows, from planning to delivery, meet industry standards, comply with requirements, and align with customer expectations. Among the professionals involved, there’s:

• Certified VDA 6.3 auditors, often from within the organization or as outside specialists
• Supplier quality engineers coordinate the audit, support data collection, and help to implement corrective actions
• Suppliers provide access to their facilities, processes, and documentation

Understand the VDA 6.3 requirements

The VDA 6.3 audit is structured into seven key process elements, each of which represents a stage in the product’s lifecycle: Potential Analysis (P1), Project Management (P2), Planning Product and Process Development (P3), Product and Process Development (P4), Supplier Management (P5), Process Analysis and Production Control (P6), and Customer Service (P7).

Its scoring system assigns ratings based on compliance levels, ranging from 0 (no compliance) to 10 (full compliance). Scores are then aggregated to determine an overall grade (A, B, or C), reflecting the manufacturing process’s capability and areas for improvement.

Assemble and train the audit team

A skilled and well-trained audit team including Supplier Quality Engineers and certified VDA 6.3 auditors, who understand the audit methodology, process elements, and scoring system, is essential for conducting effective audits. It is critical to ensure that the audit team has the necessary skills and knowledge to assess processes and provide valuable insights.

Perform a pre-audit assessment

A thorough pre-assessment minimizes surprises and sets the foundation for a successful audit outcome. Considering VDA 6.3 guidelines, focus on reviewing key processes, documentation, and supplier operations to ensure alignment with requirements.

Utilize tools like the VDA 6.3 process audit checklist to pinpoint risks or inefficiencies and prioritize corrective actions. Pay special attention to compliance, process robustness, and risk mitigation strategies, as these will be closely evaluated during the audit.

Organize documentation and records

Start by categorizing records according to the seven process elements (P1 to P7) to help auditors easily access relevant materials. Verify that all documentation is complete, accurate, and aligned with VDA 6.3 requirements. Use consistent templates and formats to standardize reports and maintain both digital and physical copies of key documents for easy retrieval. An adequate organization of documents allows for a smooth and efficient audit.

Schedule and communicate the audit plan

When you’re ready, select a suitable date and time that accommodates both the audit team and supplier personnel to communicate the audit plan so everyone can collaborate towards success. Determine dates and times for all stages, outline the processes or systems to be reviewed, and name the responsible individuals in charge of each task.

Tools for a stress-free audit experience

More than often, supplier quality engineers face challenges in the midst of an audit, such as managing incomplete or disorganized documentation, that can lead to stress and affect the final outcome. A well-structured preparation plan not only streamlines the audit process but also builds confidence and sets the stage for success.  

Discover an innovative way to handle audits without stress. Prepare for the VDA 6.3 process audit using our on-demand, cloud-based solution that streamlines and automates your supplier quality processes. Gather all information in one place and receive real-time metrics to help you better understand your organization’s performance.  

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