PPAPvs APQP
Two acronyms buyers hit constantly, and they are not the same thing. APQP is the process you follow to develop a part. PPAP is the evidence package that proves the process works. Here is how they fit, plus where FAI and AS9102 land.
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The difference, in one line
APQP is the process. PPAP is the proof.
APQP, Advanced Product Quality Planning, is the structured framework a team follows while developing a part and the process that makes it. It runs through design, process design, and validation, catching risk early with tools like DFMEA, PFMEA, and a control plan.
PPAP, Production Part Approval Process, is the package of evidence produced at the end of that work. It proves to the customer that the process reliably makes parts that meet the drawing. You do APQP; you submit PPAP.
The five APQP phases
1. Plan and Define
Translate customer needs and program goals into a design and quality plan.
2. Product Design
Develop the design, run DFMEA, and confirm the part is manufacturable.
3. Process Design
Design the manufacturing process, PFMEA, process flow, and the control plan.
4. Validation
Run a production trial, prove the process, and assemble the PPAP package.
5. Feedback
Monitor production, reduce variation, and act on corrective actions.
The five PPAP submission levels
A PPAP can carry up to 18 elements, from the design records and FMEAs through the control plan, measurement system analysis, dimensional results, and the Part Submission Warrant that signs off the package. How much of it you submit is set by the level the customer requires.
| Level | What is submitted |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Part Submission Warrant (PSW) only, sent to the customer. |
| Level 2 | PSW plus product samples and limited supporting data. |
| Level 3 | PSW plus samples and complete supporting data. The common default. |
| Level 4 | PSW plus other requirements defined by the customer. |
| Level 5 | PSW, samples, and full data reviewed at the supplier location. |
Where FAI and AS9102 fit
PPAP comes from automotive, governed by the AIAG. Aerospace uses First Article Inspection to AS9102, documented on Forms 1, 2, and 3. Different industries, same goal: prove the first production parts conform to the drawing and that the process is capable of repeating them.
If you are in automotive you will ask for PPAP; in aerospace or defense you will ask for FAI to AS9102B. Glide provides either, matched to your program. See the full quality standards we run.
Common questions.
APQP is the process; PPAP is the proof. APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) is the structured framework a team follows to develop a part and its manufacturing process. PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) is the evidence package produced at the end of that work to prove the process reliably makes conforming parts. You run APQP during development and submit PPAP to get the part approved for production.
There are five. Level 1 is the Part Submission Warrant alone. Level 2 adds samples and limited data. Level 3, the most common default, is the PSW with samples and complete supporting data. Level 4 is whatever the customer specifies. Level 5 is full data reviewed at the supplier's site. The customer sets the level.
A full PPAP has 18 elements, including the design records, DFMEA and PFMEA, process flow, control plan, measurement system analysis, dimensional results, material and performance test results, initial process studies, appearance approval, sample parts, and the Part Submission Warrant that ties it together.
They serve the same purpose in different industries. PPAP comes from the automotive world (AIAG). First Article Inspection to AS9102 is the aerospace equivalent, documented on the AS9102 Form 1, 2, and 3. Both verify that the first production parts conform to the drawing and that the process is capable. Glide provides either, matched to your industry.
No. PPAP and full APQP are for regulated or high-volume production programs, automotive, aerospace, medical, defense. A prototype or low-volume run usually does not need a formal PPAP. We scope the documentation to the program so you are not paying for paperwork you do not need.
ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified, with PPAP, APQP, ISIR/FAI, and AS9102B first-article documentation available on production programs. CMM inspection, dimensional reports, material certs, and certificates of conformance are provided on request.
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