PPAP to distributors or catalog parts???

[Gaby]

During our last ISO/TS surveillance audit we got an NC documented as "PPAP has not been systematically required to all suppliers", my concern is how to handle PPAP requirements to distributors or catalog parts?

We manufacture electrical wire harnesses and cable assembly.

Cove gurus your advice will be greatly appreciated.

[Marc]

I'm a bit confused. You were cited for not requiring PPAP from suppliers. How does this relate to the up-stream end (distributors)?

[Gaby]

We have several suppliers, some of them are only distributors and others just sell catalog parts, so we don't know how PPAP can be applicable to them. That's why I'm confused too.

[Stijloor]

Originally Posted by Gaby

We have several suppliers, some of them are only distributors and others just sell catalog parts, so we don't know how PPAP can be applicable to them. That's why I'm confused too.

Do you have the PPAP manual handy?

Look at page 1:

Applicability.

PPAP shall apply to internal and external organization sites (see Glossary) supplying production parts, service parts, production materials, or bulk materials. For bulk materials, PPAP is not required unless specified by the authorized customer representative.

An organization supplying standard catalog production or service parts shall comply with PPAP unless formally waived by the authorized customer representative.

Emphasis (in red) mine.

Stijloor.

[silentrunning]

So, as the customer, he has a right to waive the PPAP - correct?

I'm confused on this one.

[Stijloor]

Originally Posted by silentrunning

So, as the customer, he has a right to waive the PPAP - correct?

I'm confused on this one.

If you are a distributor, your customer can waive PPAP requirements.
You need to get this in writing.

Stijloor.

[DrM2u]

Great quotes, Stijloor!

Gaby, to translate/interpret the quotes a little, you probably are the authorized customer representative who can formally waive the requirement for your 'organizations supplying standard catalog production or service parts' to comply with PPAP. In other words, you either issue a waiver or you request compliance from your suppliers. You have to have records of your decisions and the reason for your decisions (i.e. PPAP compliance requirements are waived for <supplier name> because items purchased are catalog items). Hope this helps along with the other feedback.

[Miner]

A PPAP from most distributors is a waste of trees or electrons because they distribute commodity parts from the cheapest source. The source that was PPAPed may not be the source of the next shipment received.

If you go to the length of PPAP make sure that you have a contract that specifies the specific source with no substitutions allowed.