PPAP vs PPA (AIAG vs VDA)

🔍 Key Differences at a Glance

Category	PPAP (AIAG)	PPA (VDA)
Structure	Based on documentation volume	Based on product sampling + risk
Standard Level	Level 3 (full PPAP)	Level B or C, depending on OEM
Audit Requirements	Only in Level 5	Level D includes mandatory audit
Customer-Specific	Defined in Level 4 or appendix	Integrated into each PPA kickoff
FMEA & Control Plan	Included in Level 3+	Always required for critical parts
Measurement Results	Dimensional + MSA in Level 3+	Test results mandatory from Level B up

---

✅ Summary Tip

• AIAG PPAPis more template-driven and structured around documents.
• VDA PPA is more risk-based, with sampling levels assigned based on part type and maturity.
• For global suppliers, understanding and aligning both systems is critical to meet OEM expectations.

---

🆚 AIAG vs VDA Submission Levels – Documentation Requirements

Aspect	AIAG PPAP (Levels 1–5)	VDA PPA (Sampling Levels A–D)
Structure	Fixed 18-element checklist defined by AIAG (PPAP Manual 4th Edition)	Documentation tailored to part maturity, risk level, and OEM-specific rules
Documentation Philosophy	Submit standardized package (often PDF or electronic format)	Deliver documents in phases or gates (linked to milestones in the project)
Submission Level 1	Only PSW (Part Submission Warrant) – no supporting documents	Level A: Product samples only – no documentation required
Submission Level 2	PSW + selected supporting documents (e.g. dimensional results, MSA, material tests)	Not directly equivalent – usually handled case-by-case
Submission Level 3 (default)	PSW + full set of 18 elements (FMEAs, control plan, MSA, dimensional, capability, test results, etc.)	Roughly similar to Level C – includes all test results, FMEAs, and control plan
Submission Level 4	PSW + only documents specifically requested by the customer	Similar to customized submissions depending on PPA agreement
Submission Level 5	PSW + all 18 elements + on-site audit of documentation and process	Level D: Like Level C plus full customer audit or in-person review
Document Approval Format	Standard PSW form signed by supplier quality rep, sometimes digital	Formal sign-off process may include OEM portal or structured checklist (e.g., VW Formel-Q)
Document Format	Usually Excel/PDF templates (FMEA, control plan, MSA) aligned with AIAG formats	Often VDA-structured FMEA (5-step method), and control plan integrated into OEM-defined formats
Traceability Focus	PSW and document version control	Full traceability via maturity level tracking and versioned approvals
Language Requirements	Usually English (or customer’s preferred language)	Often German required, especially for German OEMs

---

📘 Example: PPAP Level 3 vs VDA PPA Level C – What You Submit

Document	AIAG PPAP Level 3	VDA PPA Level C
Design Records	✅ Required	✅ Required
Engineering Change Docs	✅ Required	✅ Required
DFMEA / PFMEA	✅ AIAG format	✅ VDA format (5-step logic)
Control Plan	✅ Based on key characteristics	✅ Aligned with risk assessment
Measurement System Analysis	✅ Full Gage R&R and bias	✅ Equivalent tests (not always called MSA)
Dimensional Results	✅ Required	✅ Required
Initial Process Capability	✅ Cp, Cpk	✅ Capability or functional testing
Test Reports	✅ Material & performance results	✅ Functional/durability test results
Appearance Approval Report	✅ If applicable	✅ If applicable
Part Submission Warrant	✅ Central approval doc	🚫 Not used – replaced by formal release process
Master Samples	✅ Required	✅ Required
Documentation Archive	✅ Supplier holds copies	✅ Structured and reviewed in project

---

✅ Key Takeaways

• AIAG (PPAP) uses a static, checklist-driven document approach: 18 predefined elements, submitted together (especially in Level 3).
• VDA (PPA) uses a dynamic, phase-based approval process, with documents reviewed progressively based on risk and complexity.
• AIAG = one package, VDA = gated documentation aligned to project steps (e.g., Planning → Realization → Production).
• In Level 5 (AIAG) and Level D (VDA), customer audits and full traceability are expected, including a review of all documentation.