Method · reference manual

What is APQP?

Advanced Product Quality Planning

In 30 seconds

APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) is a framework for developing a new product or change through a phased, gate-controlled plan so that it meets customer requirements.

How does it work?

  • Five phases: plan and define; product design and development; process design and development; product and process validation; feedback, assessment and corrective action.
  • Each phase’s outputs (FMEA, control plan, flow chart and so on) become inputs to the next.
  • The process ties into production approval through PPAP.

Often confused with

APQP and PPAP

APQP is the planning and development process; PPAP is the approval package submitted to the customer at its end.

Common mistakes

  • Reducing APQP to a document checklist.
  • Passing phase gates in a way that hides delays.

From a QWorks perspective

APQP is part of the QWorks platform vision; phase and gate decisions are planned to run on the same work and evidence backbone.

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