Hey everyone,

Does anyone know anything about the German standard VDA? I did a quick search but didn't find what I was looking for - specifically, I'm looking for Volume 1 (?).

Thanks,
-R.

Rachel,

Try this site.

http://www.vda-qmc.de

Rachel,


This might work for you, unless you can read German.

http://elsmar.com/pdf_files/Good_Bye_QS9000.pdf

Thanks, Jay...here's my conundrum.

I'm reviewing a customer's quality policy and there's a section that reads "For parts with increased requirements for documentation (see also VDA Vol. 1), quality records are to be kept on file by the supplier and it ssubcontractors for at least 15 years after discontinuation of production."

I don't know if our part requires increased documentation...
Any insight as to where I can find a guide/list or something?

I'm reviewing a customer's quality policy and there's a section that reads "For parts with increased requirements for documentation (see also VDA Vol. 1), quality records are to be kept on file by the supplier and it ssubcontractors for at least 15 years after discontinuation of production."

I don't know if our part requires increased documentation...
Any insight as to where I can find a guide/list or something?

My first sugegstion would be to ask your customer for a copy of the VDA Vol. 1 that applies to the product(s) you have.

I personally do not have a copy so I can't you too much there. If your customer values supplier development they should be helpful.

:yes:

VDA 1 is called quality evidence

In general the requirement for 15 years is for saftey parts these are D parts-on the drawing is a large D. Attached is the most relevant part of VDA 1
DwSpA =Documents with special archiving
If you have one you should know it.
As always check with the customer.

Lifted from somewhere else:

VDA 6.1 is the German Quality Management System for the automotive industry. Verband der Automobilindustrie e. V. (VDA) issued the 4th edition in December 1998 and it became mandatory for all German car manufacturers on April 1, 1999.

Based on ISO 9001:1994, it includes all elements of QS-9000, with an additional four requirements specific to VDA 6.1 as follows:

* Element 06.3 Recognition of product risk - These are the risks of the product fulfilling its own function and its effect on the whole assembly.
* Element Z1.5 Employee satisfaction - The perception of the employees of the company, as well as the needs and expectations of the employees that will be met through the company's quality approach.
* Element 07.3 Quotation structure - A customer or market is offered products for purchase or made available to own or to use.
* Element 12.4 Quality history - The system describes the quality history of customer supplied product and gives an overview of the situation during a particular period.

The VDA standard is broken into two parts, with the first classed as management and the second focusing on Products and Processes. Any company who goes through an audit must achieve at least 90 percent correct on all questions to obtain registration.

There are available sanctioned interpretations of VDA 6.1. These clarify some of the elements to help companies and registrars understand them better and can be found at http://www.vda-qmc.de . There are a number of other manuals, which must be read in conjunction with the VDA 6.1 manual to help ensure full compliance

Dear Rachel:

I found the following very interesting article on VDA when I visited one of the advertisers. Hope this helps.

Charmed :)

****************

What is VDA ?

http://www.symphonytech.com/articles/vda6.htm

It is Verband der Automobilindustrie e. V. (VDA) i.e. Association of automobile industries. The members are both automotive manufacturers & suppliers in Europe.

Niranjan Nadkarni,
General Manager,
TÜV SÜDDEUTSCHLAND, INDIA

Thanks everyone - lots of good information.
Cheers,
-R.