Challenges in practice
The structured sampling procedure (PPAP / PPF) was first required in the automotive industry and has since become established in many sectors. The acceptance procedure is required for your production parts and their production and assembly processes; this applies to the entire value chain, starting with your purchased parts. As a rule, initial samples are subject to a full inspection; in the case of drawing-based parts, all dimension points often have to be sampled. The initial sample inspection is therefore a key element in series production in order to prevent failures from the outset.
Solution QS1
QS1 offers you all the necessary fully integrated processes for planning and carrying out initial sampling, re-sampling and periodic requalification tests. This naturally includes audit-proof documentation and the creation of the initial sample test reports required by the various standards. You communicate the initial sample inspections directly with your customers and suppliers via the QS1 portals.
In our initial sample inspection report, you can take on the role of the customer and act as the inspecting organisation that carries out the documentation and inspection for your own customer. The ‘supplier’ role, on the other hand, enables you as a customer to pass on requirements to your own suppliers. The supplier portal plays a central role here: documents can be uploaded and specified measured values can be entered directly by the supplier.
With workflow-controlled document management, you can ensure the revision and release status of the required EMPB annexes. By incorporating CAD integration or the parent-child functions of inspection planning, you can reduce the considerable effort involved in initial sampling.
The template documents designed in accordance with the VDA standard or PPAP are fully implemented and are filled automatically. At the same time, it is still possible to customise the structure. Reports can be signed directly in the system, merged and sent to the customer from QS1.
Thanks to the connection to other QS1 modules, process flow diagrams, FMEA, parts history and additional documents and images can be linked directly to the initial sample inspection, for example.
Graphical analyses and detailed evaluations of initial sample inspections enable the display of inspection statuses, approvals or open initial sample inspection orders from suppliers. This ensures transparent and efficient monitoring of the inspection process.
Integrate suppliers easily - directly in the web portal
The integration of your suppliers is crucial for a consistent initial sample inspection. Via the QS1 supplier portal, your suppliers record inspection characteristics, upload EMPB documents and transmit results - directly and in a structured manner integrated into your inspection process.
This is done online, of course, without complex cloud access and replication mechanisms. This makes collaboration more efficient, transparent and fully traceable.
👉 More about the supplier portal
- CAD integration
- Pre-definable standard workflows with integrated message management
- Status tracking and deadline monitoring via integrated workflow management
- Various tests and cross-checks with test comparisons
- Consistent measuring equipment connection
- Audit-proof documentation
Your Advantages
- QS 9000 and VDA-compliant
- Creation of standardised initial sample test reports
- Includes cavities, batches and serial numbers
- Initial inspections, repeat inspections, requalification inspections
- Integration of your customers and suppliers via the QS1 portal solutions
- Complete history and audit trail
