VDA 6.3 process audit vs IATF 16949 audit
Short answer
An IATF 16949 audit checks whether the whole quality management system meets the clauses of the standard and results in nonconformities (major or minor). A VDA 6.3 audit examines one product’s process chain in depth with a fixed question catalogue scored 0–10, giving a percentage and a grade A, B or C. IATF clause 9.2.2.3 even accepts a customer-specific process audit method such as VDA 6.3 for internal process audits.
Side by side
| Aspect | VDA 6.3 process audit | IATF 16949 system audit |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | One product / process chain, from development to delivery | The whole quality management system of the site |
| Basis | VDA 6.3 question catalogue (P2–P7) | IATF 16949 + ISO 9001 clauses and customer-specific requirements |
| Result | Score in %, grade A (≥ 90 %), B (80–89 %), C (< 80 %) with downgrade rules | Nonconformities: major, minor; opportunities for improvement |
| Who uses it | German OEMs and suppliers; supplier selection and development | Certification bodies, internal system audits |
| Auditor | Qualified VDA 6.3 auditor | Certified IATF auditor (3rd party) or internal auditor |
| Typical trigger | Potential analysis (P1), new project, quality problems | Annual surveillance, recertification every 3 years |
How they complement each other
IATF 16949 asks whether a requirement exists and is implemented across the organization. VDA 6.3 asks how well it works for a concrete product on the shop floor. A supplier can hold a valid IATF certificate and still score a C in a VDA 6.3 audit of a weak process; the process audit finds risks the system audit only samples.
Using VDA 6.3 for internal process audits
Many suppliers use the VDA 6.3 catalogue for the manufacturing process audits required by IATF 9.2.2.3. It gives a structured, repeatable scoring that customers recognise. Note that the official question texts are copyrighted by the VDA; use the published manual for formal audits.