GP-12 Inspection Requirements: Complete Compliance Guide for Automotive Suppliers
Everything you need to know about GP-12 early production containment, requirements, implementation, and third-party verification
What is GP-12 Containment?
GP-12 Definition
GP-12 (General Product Development Process – Phase 12) is a quality control requirement mandating 100% third-party inspection and verification during early production phases of new automotive programs or significant engineering changes.
Primary Purpose: Prevent defective parts from reaching OEM assembly plants during the critical production ramp-up period when processes are still stabilizing and risk of defects is highest.
GP-12 originated within General Motors’ Global Product Development System but has been widely adopted across the automotive industry. Ford, Stellantis, and other OEMs have similar requirements under different names.
When is GP-12 Required?
Understanding GP-12 triggers is critical for program planning. Common scenarios that mandate GP-12 containment:
New Part Launch
Any completely new component or assembly being supplied to a customer for the first time requires GP-12 verification during initial production runs.
Engineering Changes
Design modifications affecting fit, form, or function trigger GP-12 requirements. This includes dimensional changes, material substitutions, or process alterations.
Manufacturing Location Changes
Moving production to a new facility—even if the part design remains unchanged—requires GP-12 verification at the new location.
Significant Process Changes
Major equipment replacements, process methodology changes, or new sub-tier suppliers may trigger GP-12 based on customer assessment.
Restart After Extended Shutdown
Restarting production after prolonged shutdown (typically 6+ months) often requires GP-12 verification to ensure process stability.
Post-Quality Issue
Following significant quality escapes or customer complaints, OEMs may mandate GP-12 containment as a condition for continuing production.
⚠️ Important: Customer-Specific Requirements
GP-12 requirements vary by customer and program. Always review your specific Purchase Order, Quality Agreement, and Customer-Specific Requirements (CSRs) for exact GP-12 triggers and duration expectations.
GP-12 Implementation Timeline & Phases
GP-12 containment follows a structured timeline aligned with production milestones:
Phase 1: Pre-Production Planning (60-90 days before Job 1)
- Review customer GP-12 requirements
- Select third-party verification provider
- Develop containment plan and inspection criteria
- Submit plan to customer for approval
- Procure necessary inspection equipment
Phase 2: Initial Production – 100% Verification (First 2-8 weeks)
- Third-party inspectors on-site full-time
- 100% inspection of all characteristics per control plan
- Daily reporting to customer quality team
- Real-time defect notification and containment
- Process capability data collection
Phase 3: Reduced Inspection Phase
- Transition from 100% to sampling inspection
- Continue critical characteristic verification
- Weekly reporting instead of daily
- Gradual reduction based on PPM performance
Phase 4: GP-12 Exit & Transition
- Document sustained process capability (typically Ppk ≥ 1.33)
- Demonstrate acceptable PPM performance
- Submit GP-12 completion report to customer
- Receive formal approval to exit GP-12
- Transition to normal production quality controls
GP-12 vs. GP-9: Understanding the Difference
Suppliers often confuse GP-12 with GP-9. While related, they serve different purposes:
Aspect | GP-9 (Prototype) | GP-12 (Production) |
---|---|---|
Phase | Prototype and pre-production | Production launch and ramp-up |
Purpose | Validate design feasibility | Verify production process stability |
Timing | 12-18 months before production | At production launch |
Volume | Low (dozens to hundreds) | Production volume (thousands+) |
Duration | Per build event (days to weeks) | Continuous over 4-12+ weeks |
GP-12 Exit Criteria
Typical GP-12 Exit Requirements
- ✓ Process Capability: Ppk ≥ 1.33 for all critical characteristics
- ✓ PPM Performance: Zero defects or below customer threshold
- ✓ Minimum Duration: Typically 4-8 weeks minimum
- ✓ Volume Requirement: Minimum 10,000-50,000 pieces produced
- ✓ Stability Demonstration: Process under statistical control
- ✓ Customer Approval: Formal sign-off from OEM quality
Selecting a GP-12 Third-Party Provider
Choosing the right GP-12 verification partner impacts launch success. Evaluate providers on:
OEM Approval
Verify provider is on customer’s approved third-party list
Industry Experience
Proven track record with similar components
Geographic Coverage
Can support your manufacturing locations
Technology Platform
Real-time dashboards and digital reporting
Equipment
Advanced measurement and inspection tools
Scalability
Ability to scale resources as needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Need GP-12 Third-Party Verification Services?
PTI Quality Containment Solutions provides expert GP-12 inspection and verification services for automotive suppliers nationwide.
Why Choose PTI QCS for GP-12:
- ✓ OEM-Approved Provider
- ✓ 20+ Years Experience
- ✓ All Shifts Coverage
- ✓ Advanced Equipment
- ✓ Real-Time Dashboards
- ✓ Nationwide Coverage
PTI Quality Containment Solutions
18615 Sherwood St, Michigan, 48234
Phone: (833) 784-9675
Email: info@ptiqualitycontainment.com
About PTI Quality Containment Solutions: PTI QCS specializes in third-party quality verification services for automotive suppliers, including GP-12 early production containment, launch support, and emergency quality response.