PPAP · part of Launch Quality

PPAP Software Stop rebuilding your PPAP every time a part changes.

Track every PPAP element to a decision, let suppliers upload their own evidence, and see which parts need approving again before your customer asks.

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The basics

What is PPAP, and why does it eat so much time?

PPAP, the Production Part Approval Process, is how a supplier proves to a customer that its process makes a part to specification, at volume, every time. A full AIAG submission has 18 elements, including design records, the process FMEA, MSA, capability studies and the Part Submission Warrant.

The work isn't the hard part. Finding it is. Evidence sits in shared drives, email threads and five versions of the same spreadsheet. When a drawing changes or a supplier moves a line, someone rebuilds the whole package by hand, and nobody can say for sure which revision the customer actually approved.

Features

Everything a PPAP submission needs, in one place

Run approvals in both directions: packages you send to customers and packages you collect from suppliers.

All 18 PPAP elements, tracked

Each element moves from not started to accepted, returned or not applicable, with its evidence and reviewer attached. You see what is blocking sign-off at a glance.

PPAP levels 1 to 5

Pick the submission level and the requirement matrix switches on what to submit, what to retain and what is on request. Edit the matrix to match each customer.

Supplier PPAP portal

Suppliers prepare their package in the portal you already use with them. Your team reviews each element and sends it back with comments, so the whole conversation stays with the part instead of in someone's inbox.

Measured results, not just files

Record ballooned characteristics with nominal, tolerance and readings per sample, plus test results, material certificates and inspection plans.

Requalification on schedule

Expiring interim approvals, requalification dates and parts due for re-approval show on one page, so nothing ships on a stale approval.

Schemes for every customer

Start from AIAG PPAP, a VDA-style approval, aerospace first article or a light first article, then tailor elements, decisions and cover sheet fields.

Connected

PPAP doesn't live alone

PPAP pulls evidence from the products around it. Capability studies from SPC, measurement studies from Gauges and released documents from Document Control are linked, not attached as copies, and an APQP deliverable can open the PPAP and follow its decision.

Standards and industries

PPAP software for automotive, aerospace and defence suppliers

One approval model, configured per industry and per customer.

IndustryStandardWhat you get
AutomotiveAIAG PPAP 4th Edition, IATF 16949Levels 1 to 5, the 18 elements, PSW, interim approval, customer-specific requirements
Automotive (Germany)VDA 2 production process and product approvalRisk-based self-assessment or submission per deliverable
Aerospace and defenceAS9145, AS9102 first article inspectionFull and partial first article, FAI forms as structured data, approval records
General manufacturingISO 9001A light first article: ballooned drawing, dimensional report, certificates and sign-off
FAQ

PPAP questions people ask

Still unsure? Ask our team.

What are the 18 elements of PPAP?

Design records, engineering change documents, customer engineering approval, design FMEA, process flow diagram, process FMEA, control plan, measurement system analysis, dimensional results, material and performance test results, initial process studies, qualified laboratory documentation, appearance approval report, sample parts, master sample, checking aids, customer-specific requirements and the Part Submission Warrant.

What is the difference between PPAP levels 1 to 5?

The level sets how much evidence you send. Level 1 is the warrant only. Level 2 adds samples and limited data. Level 3, the usual default, means the full package. Level 4 is whatever the customer specifies, and level 5 is a full package reviewed at your site. YourBrand switches the required elements for you when you pick a level.

Is PPAP the same as first article inspection?

No. First article inspection checks that one part made by the production process matches the drawing. PPAP goes further and proves the process stays capable at volume, with FMEAs, control plans, MSA and capability studies. Aerospace uses AS9102 first article inside its AS9145 approval, and YourBrand handles both.

Can suppliers submit PPAP documents themselves?

Yes. Suppliers prepare and submit their package through the supplier portal. Your quality team reviews each element, returns anything that is missing with a comment, and records the decision once everything is accepted.

When does a part need a new PPAP?

Usually after a design change, a new supplier or material, a process or site move, or tooling that has been idle for a long time. YourBrand tracks requalification periods and warns you before interim approvals and requalification dates run out.

Do we have to use PPAP if we are not in automotive?

Not by name. Aerospace, valve and pressure equipment, and medical device makers run the same idea under other names. YourBrand ships starter schemes for these, and each one is fully editable.

Get your next PPAP signed off without the scramble

We walk through it with your own parts and documents. It takes about 30 minutes.

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Related: APQP softwareFMEA softwareGauge calibration and MSAIATF 16949AS9145