QM Bench

APQP Project Plan: 5 Phases, Deliverables and Gantt Chart

Enter the SOP date and the length of the project. The five APQP phases and their deliverables are scheduled backwards, with a Gantt chart and status tracking.How to use ↓
  1. 1Enter your data
  2. 2Read the verdict
  3. 3Download the PDF report

Enter the SOP date

The five APQP phases and 42 deliverables are scheduled backwards from the start of production.

Where this tool fits

APQP Project Plan
Next step
FMEA WorksheetPhase 2–3: DFMEA and PFMEARun at Rate CalculatorPhase 4: prove capacity

How to use the APQP plan

  1. Enter the start of production and the APQP duration.
  2. Phases overlap as in the AIAG reference manual; deliverables are spread evenly inside their phase.
  3. Overwrite due dates to match your customer milestones, set owners and update the status.
  4. The timeline shows each phase, the done share, deliverables (red = overdue) and gates. The PDF is landscape for project reviews.

Frequently asked questions

›What are the five phases of APQP?

1. Plan and define the program, 2. Product design and development, 3. Process design and development, 4. Product and process validation, 5. Feedback, assessment and corrective action.

›How long does APQP take?

For a new automotive component typically 18 to 36 months from nomination to SOP, depending on the complexity, tooling lead times and customer milestones.

›Is APQP required by IATF 16949?

IATF 16949 requires a documented product realisation process; most OEMs require APQP (AIAG) or VDA MLA through their customer-specific requirements.