APQP, or Advanced Product Quality Planning is an important part of the addition of new products for any company and is a part of the Six Sigma Methodology. There are many factors that must be considered before a new product or service is ever introduced, and much planning goes into this entire process.

There are various characteristics that receive due attention during the Six Sigma Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process and this is also where various concerns are addressed so they may be taken care of before the launch of any new product or service.

Special characteristics are developed early on in the process of APQP. They are derived from new product requirements and past failures. These evolved into actionable items, features and dimensions during the design activity. They are then carried forward to the actual process. These characteristics are the basis for much of the risk assessment and control plan strategy that is developed and must take place in order for the products to come to fruition.

APQP is a crucial part of the launch of any new product no matter what it happens to be, and is performed every time this takes place for companies who adopt this strategy. It not only tells company owners how the product will most likely be received, but it also helps them plan for the future of the product. This is a very important step where product longevity is concerned, and allows company owners and team members to effectively assess what is expected to occur. It can also help them take care of problems early on in the game because they are anticipated. In fact, some problems may be eliminated altogether before they even occur.

Planning for quality requires a great amount of discipline along with the use of many important tools and techniques that have been developed with this purpose in mind. When they are properly deployed at just the right time for the benefits of Six Sigma APQP, the desired results will be achieved.

APQP is essential, especially for companies who adopt the DFSS or Design for Six Sigma Strategy. The tools involved will help company owners reach their goals of seeing new products on the shelves and they will be able to determine the expected results before that ever occurs. APQP also enables them to detect possible problems and take care of them prior to the products’ release which also bolsters further customer satisfaction.