Advanced Quality Planning: A Commonsense Guide to AQP and APQP is the first book dedicated to explaining with clarity and detail the total advanced quality planning (AQP) process and how to set quality planning in the framework of a business strategy. The book provides a close look at the basic and advanced concepts of AQP so that both the novice and experienced user will be able to apply AQP appropriately and effectively. In addition, you will learn the Big Three automotive companies' required use of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), a specialized version of AQP that emphasized the product orientation of quality. A clear itemized list of Chrysler, GM, Ford, and Tier I suppliers requirements is included, illustrating what they would like to see implemented in their suppliers' processes. Written in a practical format, the book takes you step-by-step through the advanced quality planning methodology, providing you with an overview and discussion of the role of teams in AQP, and its key components including: scheduling, creating a product definition, prototype development, manufacturing preparedness, analytical techniques, documentation, reliability and maintainability, and their implementation. Also included are checklists to help plan the actions that will be appropriate for their respective projects, and appendixes containing a sample business plan and a case study of Chrysler's Process Sign-Off, which demonstrates the results of effective AQP implementation.