The VDA 6.3:2023 edition, published in January 2023, is the latest revision of the German automotive process audit standard. Key updates focus on software integration, procurement activity requirements, and alignment with modern quality management systems like Automotive SPICE®. Key Updates in VDA 6.3:2023
Software Integration: Software-related requirements are now embedded across almost all process elements (P2 to P7) to address the growing role of software in automotive products.
Questionnaire Changes: The total number of questions has increased from 58 to 59. Specifically: P1 Potential Analysis: Questions reduced from 36 to 35.
Asterisked Questions (*): These high-impact risk questions have been partially redefined and reassigned across various sections.
Procurement Requirements: New emphasis on purchasing activities has been added to sections P3 (Planning) and P4 (Implementation).
Audit Flexibility: The 2023 version officially recognizes remote and hybrid audits, providing guidance on when these methods are appropriate based on risk.
Deletions: Chapter 4 (Audit Process) was removed as it now aligns with ISO 19011. Content related to automotive service audits has been moved to a separate publication, VDA 6.8. VDA 6.3:2023 Excel Checklist Tools
Standardized Excel tools are essential for documenting findings, calculating scores, and generating reports.
VDA 6.3 FAQs | Clear Answers to Common Audit Questions Guide
22 Dec 2025 — Essential changes in new version VDA 6.3:2023: Software-related matters considered in the questionnaire. Harmonization of content, www.encona.org Your Challenge is our Passion - GAB Global
The VDA 6.3:2023 standard is the latest update to the German automotive industry's process audit requirements, replacing the 2016 version to better address modern manufacturing needs like software integration and remote auditing. Organizations often use Excel-based tools to manage these complex checklists, evaluate supplier quality capability, and generate standardized reports. Key Changes in VDA 6.3:2023
The 2023 edition introduces several significant modifications compared to the 2016 version:
Software Integration: Software considerations are now embedded across almost all process elements (P2 to P7) to align with Automotive SPICE.
Procurement Reinforcement: New requirements for purchasing activities have been added specifically to process elements P3 (Process Development Planning) and P4 (Realizing Process Development).
Audit Methods: Official guidance for remote and hybrid audits is now included, though on-site remains the preferred method.
Questionnaire Updates: The main questionnaire now contains 59 questions (up from 58), with 17 critical asterisk (*) questions that have been partially redefined.
Streamlined Manual: The manual's size was reduced by moving the glossary online and deleting Chapter 4 (Audit Process), as it is already covered by ISO 19011. VDA 6.3:2023 Checklist Elements vda 63 2023 checklist excel hot
The audit is structured into seven process elements (P1–P7) that cover the entire product life cycle: VDA 6.3 Audit Checklist Template | PDF - Scribd
The VDA 6.3:2023 revision is a critical update to the German automotive process audit standard, focusing on strengthening supply chains and integrating requirements for software-supported processes. An Excel-based checklist for this standard typically automates the A, B, or C rating calculation based on the fulfillment of seven core process elements ( Core Structure of the 2023 Checklist
The audit evaluates the product life cycle through these specific modules:
P1: Potential Analysis – Used to evaluate new, unknown suppliers before awarding business.
P2: Project Management – Focuses on organization, resource planning, and escalation processes.
P3 & P4: Product and Process Development – Checks the planning and realization phases, ensuring feasibility and resource availability.
P5: Supplier Management – Monitors incoming materials and supplier performance metrics.
P6: Process Analysis / Serial Production – The largest section, covering personnel, equipment, and production flow stability.
P7: Customer Satisfaction – Evaluates field failure analysis and customer service performance. Key Updates in the 2023 Version
Software Integration: New requirements address software-specific activities within the process development.
Supply Chain Resilience: Increased focus on procurement activities and risk identification within the supply chain.
Auditor Qualifications: Revised criteria for internal and external auditors to ensure technical competence. Finding and Using Excel Templates
While the official VDA QMC Webshop is the authoritative source for the full manual and scoring tools, practitioners often use community-shared Excel forms to streamline data entry: VDA 6.3 Audit Checklist 2023 Excel | PDF - Scribd
The VDA 6.3:2023 Process Audit is the latest evolution of the gold standard for quality management in the automotive industry. This 2023 update modernizes the previous 2016 version by integrating software development requirements, harmonizing with Automotive SPICE (ASPICE), and introducing more rigorous scoring for supplier evaluations. Core Changes in the 2023 Edition
The transition from the 2016 to the 2023 edition brought several strategic updates designed to reflect modern manufacturing complexities:
Software Integration: Software-related requirements are now embedded across nearly all process elements (P2 to P7), reflecting the industry's shift toward "Software Defined Vehicles". The VDA 6
Harmonization: The checklist is now aligned with VDA MLA (Maturity Level Assurance) and Automotive SPICE®.
Purchasing Requirements: Specific requirements for procurement activities have been added to process elements P3 (Process Development Planning) and P4 (Realizing Process Development).
Remote Audits: Guidelines for conducting remote or hybrid audits have been added, though on-site remains the preferred method.
Structural Reductions: To streamline the manual, Chapter 4 (Audit Process) was removed as it is now covered by ISO 19011, and logistics service audits were moved to the new VDA 6.8. The VDA 6.3 Checklist Structure (P1–P7)
The audit is structured into seven process elements, typically managed via Excel tools or the official VDA Analysis Tool 2.0:
P1: Potential Analysis: Used for evaluating new suppliers (35 questions).
P2: Project Management: Focuses on organization, resources, and escalation paths.
P3 & P4: Product/Process Development: Planning and realization phases, now including software and procurement.
P5: Supplier Management: Monitoring quality and performance of incoming materials.
P6: Process Analysis (Production): The core of the audit, evaluating personnel, equipment, transport, and fault analysis.
P7: Customer Care: Evaluating customer satisfaction and service. Scoring and Evaluation Guidelines
The scoring system remains risk-based, using a 0, 4, 6, 8, or 10 scale for each question: 10: Full compliance; requirements satisfied. 8: Minor non-conformity with low risk. 6: Requirements partially met; carries more risk.
4: Major non-conformity; high risk to customer or organization. 0: No implementation or completely unaware of the topic.
Final classifications are assigned as A (Quality Capable), B (Conditionally Quality Capable), or C (Not Quality Capable). Critically, a low score (0 or 4) on an asterisk (*) question—which denotes high-risk areas—can trigger an automatic downgrade to "C" regardless of the overall percentage. Finding an Excel Checklist
While the official VDA Analysis Tool 2.0 is the industry standard for reporting, many organizations use Excel templates for internal prep:
GAB Global: Offers free downloads of a VDA 6.3 2023 Heatmap and evaluation templates in Excel format. Critical new question: "Are lessons learned from previous
Scribd: Hosts various community-uploaded versions of the VDA 6.3 2023 Audit Checklist.
Audit-Now: Provides downloadable VDA 6.3 PDF Checklists that can be adapted into Excel for internal tracking. VDA 6.3 Audit Checklist 2023 | PDF - Scribd
VDA 63:2023 Checklist in Excel - A Comprehensive Guide to Hot Forming
The VDA 63:2023 standard is a widely recognized quality management system for the automotive industry, specifically focusing on the requirements for production parts, raw materials, and semi-finished products. One of the critical aspects of this standard is the control of hot forming processes, which involves shaping materials at high temperatures. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the VDA 63:2023 checklist in Excel, specifically tailored for hot forming processes, to help organizations ensure compliance and improve their quality management systems.
Understanding VDA 63:2023
The VDA 63:2023 standard is published by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and is designed to ensure that products meet the required quality standards for the automotive industry. The standard covers various aspects, including quality management, production control, and testing. For hot forming processes, the standard specifies requirements for material selection, process control, and inspection.
Hot Forming Process Overview
Hot forming is a manufacturing process that involves shaping materials at high temperatures. The process is commonly used for producing complex geometries and high-strength components, such as those found in the automotive industry. Hot forming can be applied to various materials, including steel, aluminum, and titanium.
VDA 63:2023 Checklist for Hot Forming
To ensure compliance with the VDA 63:2023 standard, organizations can use a checklist to verify that their hot forming processes meet the required quality standards. The following checklist is a comprehensive guide to help organizations prepare for audits and improve their quality management systems.
VDA 6.3 uses a 10-8-6-4-0 scoring system. Your Excel sheet must have:
You might ask: Why not just use a PDF form or VDA’s own software?
| Feature | Static PDF | "Hot" Excel Checklist (2023) | VDA Software | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Real-time Calculation | No (manual math) | Yes (Hot: Auto % & Risk) | Yes | | Cost | Free/Print | Low to Free | High (Licensing) | | Macro Automation | No | Yes (Auto-color coding: Red/Yellow/Green) | Yes | | Customization | Hard | Easy (Add company logo/fields) | Difficult | | Offline Access | Yes | Yes (The "Hot" factor: Works offline) | Sometimes |
A "Hot" Excel checklist specifically refers to a file that:
P6 is the longest section. In Excel, split this into sub-sections clearly using color formatting: