D&D monitoring, validation suppl., prototypes (IATF only)
Plain-language summary
Measure design projects at defined stages and report to management (and customer if required); validate per customer requirements including any industry/government timing; run a prototype programme with control plan when the customer requires one.
What the clause is really asking
Three additions: project measurements (quality/cost/timing) monitored at defined stages and reported; validation aligned to customer programme timing and any regulatory schedules; prototype programme with its own control plan, using production-intent suppliers/tooling/processes wherever possible, with subcontracted services controlled.
What auditors look for
Auditors ask for project status reporting evidence (open issues, timing vs plan), validation timing against the customer milestone plan, and the prototype control plan with conformity records for prototype parts.
Typical evidence
Project dashboards/status reports; validation schedules tied to customer milestones; prototype control plans and results.
How to comply — recommendations
Run a one-page project scorecard (timing, open issues, risks) per active project, reviewed monthly. Write the prototype control plan as a draft of the production one — same document maturing, less work.
Common nonconformities
No measurable project tracking; validation slipping past customer milestones unflagged; prototypes built with no control plan or records.
Related clauses
Builds on ISO 9001 8.3.4
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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