Try it while you read
Open the free VDA 6.3 Process Audit tool and click Load sample: it reproduces the case study below.
Theory: scoring a process, not a system
VDA 6.3 is the process audit standard of the German automotive industry (VDA QMC), widely used by OEMs and tier-1 suppliers to evaluate supplier processes. Unlike a system audit, it evaluates how a specific product’s process is planned and run, from project management to customer care.
Process elements
- P1 potential analysis (separate, before nomination).
- P2–P4: project management, planning and implementation of product and process development.
- P5: supplier management.
- P6: process analysis in production, split into P6.1 input, P6.2 process flow, P6.3 personnel, P6.4 material resources, P6.5 effectiveness, P6.6 output.
- P7: customer care, satisfaction and service.
Scoring
Every question is scored 10 (full compliance), 8 (minor deviations), 6 (larger deviations), 4 (serious deviations) or 0 (not met).
| Grade | EG | Downgrade to B | Downgrade to C |
|---|---|---|---|
| A, quality capable | ≥ 90 % | element < 80 % or starred question with 4 points | element < 70 % or any question with 0 |
| B, conditionally capable | 80 to < 90 % | element < 70 % or any question with 0 | |
| C, not capable | < 80 % |
Key point
Step by step with the tool
- Start an audit with supplier, part and auditors.
- Mark n.e. for elements not in scope (e.g. P2–P4 for a running series process).
- Score each question; click the star to change whether a question is starred.
- For scores of 6 or less record the finding, action, owner and date.
- Read EPn, EG and the grade with the downgrade reason, and download the PDF.
Case study: supplier audit of a die-cast housing
A customer audits Acme Castings for housing 4711, die casting and machining (the Load sample audit), 54 questions.
- EG = 93.7 %, which alone would mean grade A.
- Element results between 80 % (P6.2 process flow) and 100 % (P6.3 personnel).
- Starred question 6.2.3 (special characteristics controlled) scored 4: Cpk of the bore diameter 1.21 against 1.67 required.
- Downgrade A → B: conditionally quality capable.
- Second finding: customer care process for field issues not defined for the new product (question 3.4, 6 points).
The supplier commits to a capability improvement plan with 100 % inspection of the bore until Cpk ≥ 1.67 is proven, verified with the capability study, and defines a contact and escalation matrix for field issues. A re-audit of P6.2 is scheduled after three months.
Result
Common mistakes
- Scoring on statements instead of evidence on the shop floor.
- Ignoring starred questions until the grade surprises everyone.
- Action plans without dates or owners.
Frequently asked questions
Why was my audit downgraded although EG is above 90 %?
Downgrade rules apply on top of EG: an element below 80 % or a starred question with 4 points lowers A to B; an element below 70 % or any question with 0 points gives C. One serious gap cannot be averaged away.
Are these the official VDA questions?
No. The checklist follows the process elements with our own wording. For an official audit use the licensed VDA 6.3 questionnaire from VDA QMC and enter its scores; the downgrade rules have changed between editions, so check the edition your customer requires.