GP-12 Inspection Requirements Guide | Automotive Compliance

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

GP-12 Overview: If you’re launching a new automotive component or implementing an engineering change affecting fit, form, or function, your OEM customer likely mandates GP-12 containment. This comprehensive guide explains GP-12 inspection requirements, implementation strategies, compliance timelines, and how third-party verification providers like PTI QCS help suppliers meet these critical quality milestones.

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
4-12 Typical Duration (Weeks)
100% Initial Inspection Rate
Daily Customer Reporting
Ppk ≥1.33 Typical Exit Criteria

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

Q: How long does GP-12 containment typically last?
A: Typical GP-12 duration ranges from 4-12 weeks, depending on production volume, process complexity, and how quickly exit criteria are met.
Q: Can we use our internal quality team for GP-12?
A: Most OEMs mandate independent third-party inspection for GP-12 to ensure objectivity. Review your specific Purchase Order and Quality Agreement for requirements.
Q: What happens if defects are found during GP-12?
A: Defects discovered during GP-12 are segregated and cannot be shipped. You must investigate root cause, implement corrective action, and potentially re-inspect affected inventory.
Q: Who pays for GP-12 containment?
A: GP-12 costs are typically borne by the supplier as part of product launch expenses. These should be factored into program business case and pricing negotiations.
Q: Can GP-12 be done remotely?
A: No. GP-12 requires on-site presence. Inspectors must physically verify parts in real-time during production to catch defects immediately.

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.

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