What is VDA 6.3?

Alexander Pavlović Date published: Jun 01, 18

With any kind of manufacturing, having a defined process is essential for ensuring the safety of the finished product. If you are involved with vehicle manufacturing, then you may be asking what is VDA 6.3 and what does it mean for you?

These days, vehicles have become computers on wheels. Intelligent systems, smart devices and connected technologies provide a more enjoyable and safer experience for drivers. However, all too often, these systems go wrong. This leads to defects, waste and recalls, which costs the automotive industry billions.

In this article, we've interviewed Chris Webster, Ideagen’s Operations Manager to learn how VDA 6.3 helps prevent automotive issues, and what Ideagen can do to help you implement the requirements.

What is VDA 6.3?

The below quote is a good starting point in explaining what this standard is about:

“VDA 6 x is a quality management system standard which is mandatory for German car makers. However, the standard can actually be applied to other businesses, such as manufacturing or FMCG environments.

The standard is an extension of ISO 9001:2015 and aims to help automotive companies meet growth, innovation and compliance goals.

VDA 6.3 is a specific part of the VDA family of documents. VDA 6.3 focuses on process audits for production parts and services, whereas VDA 6.5 is a product audit and VDA 6.1. is a system audit.”

• System audit -> IATF 16949 / VDA 6.1 -> Verify the overall effectiveness of the management system.
• Process audit -> VDA 6.3 -> Verify the effectiveness of the product realisation processes.
• Product audit -> VDA 6.5 -> Verify the product conforms to defined specification throughout the manufacturing and dispatch processes.

What are the main aspects of VDA 6.3?

VDA 6.3 is a process audit so it is all about assessing the product life cycle. As with all standards and regulations, there is an increasing emphasis on identifying, assessing and managing risk.

It involves understanding the suppliers, managing change and a focus on customer requirements and satisfaction.

How does Ideagen help businesses manage VDA 6.3?

Ideagen provides integrated quality management system software used widely across the automotive industry. For VDA 6.3, we have engineered a fantastic tool which saves our customers weeks every month. It's an extension within our internal audit software which enables the business to efficiently conduct VDA 6.3 audits on any device, and then instantly sends reports, findings and actions to all the relevant people. The tool is ideal for any business which has a complex supply chain with many T1, T2 or T3 suppliers to audit, or a complex product life cycle.

Our software provides complete, incorruptible audit trails, assigns roles and responsibilities, and provides a framework for managing all processes - essential for implementing a best practice governance, risk and compliance management system.

So, what is VDA 6.3 can be summarised as a standard within German car manufacturing which requires businesses to have a quality management system to ensure the continuity and safety of their processes. Discover how Q-Pulse can assist with managing quality and demonstrating that you are complying with VDA 6.3.