APQP&CP
Is APQP&CP required for all companies certifying in ISO 9001:15?
The Advanced Product Quality Planning and Control Plan (APQP&CP) is a Core Tool and it is necessary to be certified in IATF 16949:2016.
ISO 9001:15 never specifies as a “major requirement” APQP&CP.
Interesting enough, point 8.3 of the Standard ISO9001:15 establishes the foundations to understand and implement APQP&CP.
Most “major requirements” of the Standard ISO9001:15 are in section 8.3.
Anyone who has implemented the Standard ISO9001:15 will agree that is easier to use the Core Tools for point 8.3, and then, to check that the requirements are met.
In conclusion, answering the questions established, yes, the Standard ISO9001:15 requires the use of the core tool APQP&CP but its not consider a “major requirement.” Similarly to this dilemma, we could analyze all requirements of the standard and other core tools.
Personally, the industry shouldn’t have the mindset of fulfilling requirements and giving them priority if its “major” or “minor.” The purpose of having requirements fulfilled should be on making sure that they are actually helping the company be more productive. Changing our mindset from having to do something to doing it because its continuously improving the company.