Product Audit (VDA 6.5)

VDA 6.5 is the methodology used for PRODUCT audits in the automotive sector. It assesses samples taken from series production against customer requirements and the technical drawing, from the customer's viewpoint. The aim is to catch early any deviations that appear to meet specification but are unacceptable to the customer.

• Automotive suppliers running series production
• Manufacturers experiencing a customer complaint or field problem
• Quality teams wanting to train a product auditor

Not mandatory; IATF 16949 requires a product audit to be carried out, and VDA 6.5 is the commonly used methodology for it. Customer-specific requirements may define a particular frequency and method.

• Product-audit planning and frequency
• Auditor competence and independence
• Sample selection and the audit environment
• Comparison against the technical drawing, specification and customer requirements
• Visual, dimensional and functional assessment
• Assessment from the customer's viewpoint and defect classification
• Reporting findings and corrective action
• Trend analysis of audit results

1. 1Determining Scope and ProgrammeThe sites and processes to be audited, and the audit duration the scheme requires, are determined.
2. 2Pre-assessmentA gap analysis is optionally carried out; gaps become visible before the main audit.
3. 3On-site AuditRecords review, site observation and worker interviews are carried out against the scheme's checklist.
4. 4Reporting of FindingsFindings are reported according to the scheme's classification. The output of these schemes is an audit report, not a certificate.
5. 5Corrective Action and Follow-upA corrective action plan is submitted for the findings; it is closed with a follow-up audit under the scheme.

The validity period of audit reports is set by the scheme and is mostly between one and two years. The report is used for the period the buying brand accepts.

• Organisation and site details
• Headcount and shift pattern
• Legal permits and licences
• Relevant policies and procedures
• Payroll, time and personnel records

There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.

• The number of sites to be audited and the headcount
• The audit duration the scheme prescribes
• Whether a pre-assessment (gap analysis) is requested
• Whether a follow-up audit is required

Most of these schemes produce audit reports, not documents, and are subject to the scheme owner's (e.g. Sedex, amfori, RBA) own approval system; Accreditation in the classical sense is not found in every scheme. Auditor competence and report validity are determined by the scheme owner's rules.

The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.

• IATF 16949Automotive Quality Management
• VDA 6.1Automotive Quality Management System Audit
• VDA 6.3Process Audit
• ISO 26262Functional Safety
• ISO/SAE 21434Vehicle Cybersecurity
• TISAXAutomotive Information Security Assessment
• UNECEVehicle Type Approval
• E-MarkVehicle Homologation