Automotive Industry
AIAG & VDA Publish New Joint SPC Manual
A new harmonised approach to Statistical Process Control has been introduced for the global automotive industry.
The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) have jointly published a new Statistical Process Control (SPC) manual, creating a harmonised approach to SPC across the global automotive supply chain for the first time.
Published in July 2026, the AIAG & VDA SPC Manual – 1st Edition brings together previously differing AIAG and VDA approaches into a common framework for assessing, monitoring and continually improving manufacturing processes. It follows the joint AIAG & VDA FMEA Manual and becomes the second automotive Core Tool to be harmonised by the two organisations.
A Move Towards Harmonisation
The publication follows the same direction seen with the joint AIAG & VDA FMEA methodology — reducing differences between regional approaches and creating greater consistency for organisations operating across international automotive supply chains.
For suppliers working with multiple customers, sites and regions, a common SPC approach can help reduce conflicting expectations and create a more consistent foundation for training, implementation and process control.
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More Than a Manual Update
The introduction of a harmonised SPC approach is an opportunity for organisations to look beyond documentation and consider how effectively statistical process control is actually being used.
SPC delivers the greatest value when teams understand the behaviour behind the data and use that information to support better process decisions — rather than simply producing charts to satisfy a requirement.
Preparing for the New Approach
01
Understand the Difference
Become familiar with the new joint approach and identify where it differs from the SPC methods currently used within your organisation.
02
Review Current Practices
Consider how SPC is currently applied across procedures, Control Plans, manufacturing processes and supporting quality activities.
03
Assess Capability
Identify whether employees who create, maintain or interpret SPC information will require updated knowledge or training.
04
Plan the Transition
Determine how any required changes can be introduced in a controlled way without unnecessarily disrupting established processes.
