Op. planning suppl. & confidentiality (IATF only)
Plain-language summary
Product planning must include customer requirements and technical specs as inputs, plus logistics, feasibility, project planning and acceptance criteria — and you must keep customer projects and product information confidential.
What the clause is really asking
8.1.1 forces the APQP-style inputs into planning; 8.1.2 requires confidentiality of customer-contracted products, projects and related information — including while still under development.
What auditors look for
Auditors check planning inputs for a sampled part (customer specs present? feasibility on file?) and test confidentiality practically: NDAs, drawing control, who can access customer data, prototype parts visible to visitors on plant tours.
Typical evidence
APQP/planning checklists; confidentiality agreements; access controls on customer data; visitor controls in development areas.
How to comply — recommendations
Add a confidentiality clause to employment contracts and supplier POs, mark customer documents as controlled, and keep development parts out of sight during plant visits — simple habits, full compliance.
Common nonconformities
Customer drawings on open network drives; prototype parts photographed by visitors; planning files missing customer technical specs.
Related clauses
Builds on ISO 9001 8.1
In the book
Chapter 8 — Operation — Where the Product Is Won or Lost treats this clause family in full: what it is really asking, what auditors look for, the evidence that satisfies, how to make it work on a real floor, and where companies stumble. This IATF requirement is covered in the Automotive Edition, in the same six blocks as the ISO clause around it.
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