How can you evaluate and improve your APQP effectiveness?

1 Use a cross-functional team

APQP is not a one-person or one-department job. It requires the collaboration and coordination of different functions, such as engineering, manufacturing, quality, sales, marketing, purchasing, and customer service. A cross-functional team can help you identify and address the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, avoid silos and conflicts, leverage diverse skills and perspectives, and ensure alignment and accountability throughout the APQP process.

3 Conduct regular reviews and audits

Reviews and audits are essential for monitoring and measuring the progress and results of the APQP process. They help you identify and resolve any issues, risks, gaps, or deviations that may affect the quality of the product or process. You should conduct regular reviews and audits at each phase and task of the APQP process, involving the relevant team members, managers, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. You should use objective criteria and evidence to evaluate and improve your APQP effectiveness.

4 Implement corrective and preventive actions

Corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are actions taken to eliminate the root causes of nonconformities or potential nonconformities in the APQP process. They help you prevent recurrence, reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction. You should implement CAPA as soon as possible after identifying and analyzing the problems, using appropriate tools and methods, such as the 8D or PDCA approach. You should also verify the effectiveness of the CAPA and document the results and learnings.

5 Seek feedback and improvement opportunities

Feedback and improvement opportunities are valuable sources of information and insight for evaluating and improving your APQP effectiveness. They help you understand the performance and perception of the product or process from the customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. They also help you identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the APQP process. You should seek feedback and improvement opportunities throughout the APQP process, using various methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, benchmarking, or lessons learned.