The automotive industry uses complex contracts. Besides internationally applicable Technical Standards, each vehicle manufacturer sets out his own specific requirements (Customer Specific Requirements), for instance with respect to the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) or ISO/TS 16949. In Germany, the standard VDA 2 (dated 11/2012) in particular is applicable to initial sampling. Standards such as VDA Field Failure Analysis are also included therein.
Contract management is based on knowledge as to how product safety and production process safety can be generated by clearly determined and documented processes in order to minimize statutory liability. Discipline regarding the processes within one’s own organization is the essential tool for self protection.