The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) have jointly published a harmonised handbook for statistical process control (SPC) in the automotive sector. The publication is the second AIAG-VDA core tool after the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) handbook, establishing a common framework for assessing, monitoring and improving manufacturing processes.

The SPC handbook provides a unified methodology for machine and process performance assessment, capability studies, deviation detection and process approval, consistent with relevant international standards. It introduces common terminology across global supply chains and links SPC to established quality tools including FMEA, Control Plans and measurement systems analysis.

The handbook is available from the VDA QMC webshop from 1 July 2026. Developed with experts representing the full automotive value chain, it aims to reduce parallel quality processes within international supply chains.

In a statement, Jürgen Mindel, Managing Director, VDA, said: “Today, quality is created within globally interconnected value-added networks. With the joint SPC manual, the AIAG and the VDA are establishing a unified basis for statistical process control across the entire supply chain. This strengthens international cooperation, enhances the comparability of quality requirements, and supports companies in making their processes even more robust and efficient.”

Source: VDA