In the automotive industry, quality is not a given: it is demonstrated and measured. Every component, every reference and every process must comply with technical specifications, internal standards and customer requirements. One of the most recognized methodologies to ensure this conformity is the Product Audit according to VDA 6.1, which allows a structured evaluation of the effectiveness of the quality management system in series production.
What is a VDA 6.1 product audit?
VDA 6.1 (Quality Management System Audit – Serial Production) is a standard developed by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA – Verband der Automobilindustrie). Its purpose is to assess the maturity and effectiveness of the quality management system of an organization that mass produces components for the automotive industry.
Main objectives of a VDA audit
- Verify conformity: Check that the product complies with the established technical specifications.
- Evaluate quality: Ensure that the final product meets the defined standards.
- Analyze effectiveness: Evaluate the effectiveness of the quality system.
- Ensure compliance: Verify that legal regulations and customer requirements are met.
How is a VDA 6.1 audit evaluated?
Each requirement is rated according to the degree of compliance observed during the audit:
- 10 points → Fully complies.
- 8 points → Partially complies.
- 6 points → Partially complies with minor deficiencies.
- 4 points → Partially complies with significant deficiencies.
- 0 points → Does not comply.
The results are weighted according to their relative importance within the system. This weighting is key, as it accurately reflects the real impact of each area on the quality of the final product.
Finally, an overall system score (Q-Punkte or Quality Points) is calculated, which ranks the organization’s performance on a scale:
- > 90 %: Excellent
- 80 – 89 %: Good
- 70 – 79 %: Acceptable
- < 70 %: Not in compliance
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How is a product audit performed in Kapture.io?
Kapture.io is a QMS that allows to digitize the entire audit flow, from the definition of features to the automatic generation of reports with quantitative and traceable results.
In practice, the process starts when a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) collects the data and saves it in a file with all the measurements of the 3D survey.
This file is then uploaded to Kapture.io, where the results of each measured point are displayed with its status (green, yellow or red) according to tolerance.
The main objective is to generate the report and calculate the QKZ index, since the individual results are already available on the platform.
Sample selection
The auditor can select a sample of products directly from the Control Guide module, which centralizes the inspection and dimensional or visual control programs. This module acts as a metrological guide, allowing to upload datasheets and specifications once all the measurements of the reference have been performed with the CMM. In Kapture.io the file with all the measurements is loaded, the reference > part is accessed, and the one to be audited is chosen.
The system first shows the base indexes and then allows to generate the product audit.
2. Analysis and weighting of characteristics
Once the product audit is generated, Kapture.io displays a QZK index, and each user fills in the corresponding data according to their area or function.
Each product characteristic can be defined, measured and weighted according to its criticality.
The system automatically associates nominal tolerances and allowable limits, recording the measured values of each component.
This provides an objective and accurate assessment based on real data.
The system automatically calculates the QKZ index, which represents the level of product conformity.
In the above example, the system automatically calculates the QKZ index, which represents the conformity level of the product.
For example: if 1 out of 12 possible defects is detected, the QKZ will be 91.67%, which allows to measure the overall quality of the batch.
3. Documentation and full traceability
The Product Audit Report module allows you to record all relevant information:
- Customer references.
- Engineering level.
- Responsible auditor and validator.
- Dates of creation and validation.
- Number of samples reviewed.
In addition, the system generates a traceable and exportable digital report, ready to be shared with clients or integrated into the PPAP system.
Advanced analysis with Control Guide Analytics
Product audits are not only used to detect defects, but also to generate quality intelligence. With the Control Guide Analytics dashboard, users can visualize in real time the evolution of inspections, identify trends and measure overall process performance. This view presents key metrics such as:
- Progress of audited samples.
- Distribution between OK, Warning and Error.
- Monthly or weekly activity.
- Comparisons by program or reference.
This advanced analysis makes it possible to detect deviations, prioritize corrective actions and strengthen the culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
Advantages of conducting VDA audits with Kapture.io
- Complete digitalization of the audit process.
- Integration with metrological systems and control plans.
- Automatic calculation of the QKZ indicator.
- Time savings and reduction of human error.
- Full traceability and access from any device.
Conclusion
The VDA product audit is much more than an inspection: it is a strategic tool to ensure quality and customer satisfaction.
With Kapture.io, this process is transformed into a digital, efficient and data-driven experience, enabling quality teams to make decisions based on real and up-to-date information.
