Comparing VDA 6.3 and VDA 6.5 Key Differences

VDA 6.3 and VDA 6.5 are two important quality management standards in the German automotive industry. Each standard has its focus and specific applications.

We’ll look into the key differences between VDA 6.3 and VDA 6.5, exploring their specific uses and benefits for automotive manufacturers. Understanding these distinctions will help you determine which standard to apply to ensure high product quality and efficient processes.

Let's look at their main differences and where they come in handy!

VDA 6.3 Process Audit Standard

VDA 6.3 is about checking how well processes work. It looks at the whole production chain, from planning to making the final product. This standard helps to:

1. Find weak spots in processes

2. Boost how well processes perform

3. Cut down on waste and mistakes

4. Make sure products meet quality standards

Companies use VDA 6.3 to check their processes or to see how good their suppliers are. It's great for spotting issues and fixing them before they cause big problems.

VDA 6.5 Product Audit Standard

VDA 6.5 is about checking the end product. It makes sure that what's made matches what the customer wants. This standard helps to:

1. Check if products meet the specs

2. Find problems with how products look or work

3. Make customers happier with better products

4. Keep track of how good products are over time

VDA 6.5 is perfect for making sure products are top-notch before they reach customers. It's also good for keeping an eye on product quality as time goes on.

Key Differences VDA 6.3 and VDA 6.5

• Focus: VDA 6.3 looks at processes, while VDA 6.5 checks products.
• Timing: VDA 6.3 happens during production, and VDA 6.5 happens after.
• Scope: VDA 6.3 covers the whole production chain, and VDA 6.5 just looks at the final product.
• Goals: VDA 6.3 aims to make processes better, and VDA 6.5 wants to make sure products are good.

Use VDA 6.3 when you want to:

• Make your processes work better

• Find and fix problems early

• Check how good your suppliers are

Use VDA 6.5 when you want to:

• Make sure your products are up to scratch

• Keep your customers happy

• Keep an eye on product quality over time

By utilizing both standards, companies ensure their processes and products are of the highest quality. This leads to overall improvement, increased customer satisfaction, and a stronger market position

VDA Evaluation Criteria and Scoring

VDA 6.3 Evaluation System

We've learned that VDA 6.3 has a scoring system to evaluate how well processes follow the rules. Every question in the audit gets a score of 0, 4, 8, or 10 points.

The score depends on how well the process meets the requirements. A score of 10 shows the process follows all the rules, while 0 means it doesn't follow any. For scores less than 10, we need to make plans to fix things by certain dates.

We figure out how well a process element matches up overall by working it out as a percentage. To do this, we add up all the points given, divide that by the total points possible, and then multiply by 100. This shows us how each process element is doing.

VDA 6.3 has a unique aspect: automatic disqualification. If specific basic requirements aren't met in process control tasks, the audit can lead to immediate disqualification. This helps to keep high standards everywhere.

VDA 6.5 Evaluation System

For VDA 6.5, we take a different path. This standard looks at product audits and has a clear evaluation method. Here's how it works:

1. Audit Planning: We begin by establishing clear goals, outlining the scope, and setting up the audit schedule.

2. Audit Preparation: Our group reviews documents and spots key areas. We check aspects such as size how things work, and how they look.

3. Audit Conducting: We apply set standards to evaluate parts against what's needed. We often use a list to make sure we don't miss anything.

4. Audit Report: We create a straightforward report that highlights any differences. We group problems into three types: A B, and C, depending on how serious they are.

Scoring Comparison

Both standards use systems based on points, but they have some main differences:

 Both systems try to ensure consistency and quality in the car industry. They help check quality management systems and allow suppliers to team up with German car makers. Using these standards helps companies make their processes better, boost product quality, and meet the tough demands of the auto industry.

VDA Audit Software Solutions

To utilize the full potential of VDA audits, software is a key component. 

Developed in Germany and TISAX certified, Mobile2b offers a complete solution for digitalizing and automating VDA 6.3 and VDA 6.5 audits. 

The platform specializes in VDA standards, providing fully customizable audits and preconfigured international standards.

Key Benefits of Mobile2b for VDA Audits:

• Digital Workflows: Streamline your audit processes by digitizing workflows and documentation, making operations more efficient and traceable.

• System Integration: Seamlessly integrate audit processes with existing systems and international standards, ensuring compliance and cohesion.

• Task Automation: Automate routine audit tasks, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors, leading to more consistent audit processes.

• Real-Time Tracking: Track audit progress and findings in real time, allowing for timely corrective actions and fostering continuous improvement.

• Comprehensive Reporting: Generate detailed reports easily, providing clear insights into audit results and areas for improvement.

• Customizable Checklists: Use customizable checklists tailored to your specific VDA audit needs, ensuring thorough and accurate assessments.

Book a free VDA Audit and Inspection demo now or try the VDA App.

Impact on Quality Management

VDA 6.3 Quality Influence

We see that the VDA 6.3 process-based audit standard helps assess and improve control in manufacturing companies when introducing new products and in production processes. 

VDA 6.3 has a major impact on promoting consistency in effective management across the car industry. This ensures we keep up quality production at every step. The standard also helps us validate our Automotive Quality Management System (AQMS) and allows us to supply to German car makers.

VDA 6.5 Quality Influence

VDA 6.5 quality management system gives us a clear-cut way to assess how well products and processes in the car industry match up to standards.

The main goal of VDA 6.5 is to spot possible flaws, differences, or non-compliance that might hurt product quality, safety, or following regulations. This standard involves a deep look at product features, specs, and how well it works to make sure it meets what customers want and industry rules.

Conclusion

VDA 6.3 and VDA 6.5 play crucial roles in quality management in the automotive industry, especially when used with the right software. VDA 6.3 audits processes to refine manufacturing methods and manage risks, while VDA 6.5 audits products to ensure they meet quality benchmarks. 

Together, these standards help companies improve processes, reduce waste, and maintain high quality throughout the production cycle, meeting the strict demands of German car manufacturers and contributing to long-term success.

VDA FAQs

What distinguishes VDA 6.3 from IATF 16949?

VDA 6.3 is akin to a detailed inspection, rigorously examining every aspect of a process to ensure no detail is overlooked. On the other hand, IATF 16949 is comparable to a holistic review, assessing the overall effectiveness of a system, including elements like ambiance and service, alongside the main focus on product quality.

What is the meaning of VDA 6.3?

VDA stands for Verband der Automobilindustrie. VDA 6.3 is a process-based audit standard utilized to evaluate and enhance controls within the processes of new product introduction and manufacturing in organizations.

At what stage in the product life cycle is VDA 6.3 utilized?

VDA 6.3 is applicable throughout the entire life cycle of a product or service, including the post-launch phase, specifically within the automotive industry.

What does a VDA 6.5 product audit entail?

A VDA 6.5 product audit is a method used to verify product compliance with specified requirements through a thorough examination. The specific requirements assessed can vary depending on the client.