APQP Template (Excel): Plan, Checklist and Filled Example
This APQP template is a working plan and checklist in one table. It lists the standard APQP deliverables by phase, with owner, due date, status and percent complete, so you can replace the example rows and export a plan in Excel or PDF.
| APQP phase | Deliverable | Owner | Due date | Status | Percent complete (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The rows are an example plan for a new automotive component. Replace them with your own deliverables, add rows for customer-specific requirements, and use the status column as your checklist. Dates are placeholders.
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How to use this APQP plan and checklist
Start by deleting the example rows that do not apply and adding the deliverables your customer requires. Assign one named owner per line, not a department. Set due dates backward from the PPAP submission or start of production date, then update status and percent complete at every APQP team meeting. Export to Excel to circulate the plan or attach it to a customer review. The average percent complete at the bottom gives a quick health reading, but it treats every line equally, so also look at blocked items and the next gate date.
- One owner per deliverable
- Work backward from the launch date
- Review at every phase gate
- Use Blocked for items waiting on the customer or a supplier
The five APQP phases and typical documents
Advanced Product Quality Planning is structured in five phases: plan and define, product design and development, process design and development, product and process validation, and feedback, assessment and corrective action. Typical APQP documents include the design FMEA, process flow diagram, process FMEA, special characteristics list, control plan, measurement system analysis, initial process capability study, packaging specification and the PPAP package. Customers may add their own forms, so confirm requirements in your customer-specific requirements list before you freeze the plan.
A filled APQP plan example and how to read it
The example shows a program in phase 2: goals and the preliminary process flow are done, the design FMEA is 60 percent complete and the special characteristics list is in draft. Phase 3 items are not started, which is normal because process FMEA and the control plan depend on a stable design FMEA and characteristics list. If a phase 3 line shows progress while its phase 2 inputs are open, treat that as a risk and note it. Percent complete should reflect reviewed output, not hours spent.
Common mistakes
Teams often list documents instead of outcomes, so a control plan shows complete while the PFMEA it should reflect is still being rewritten. Others keep one plan owner for everything, which hides who is actually late. Customer-specific requirements are frequently found late, so read them in phase 1. Finally, an APQP plan that is not reviewed at gates becomes a file nobody opens. Tie each phase to a dated review with management attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this APQP template free?
Yes. You can edit the rows in the browser and export to Excel, PDF or CSV without an account. The example plan is generic and meant to be replaced with your program deliverables and customer requirements.
What documents are in an APQP package?
Commonly the design FMEA, process flow, process FMEA, special characteristics list, control plan, MSA, capability studies, packaging spec and PPAP submission. Exact content depends on the customer and the product risk level.
How is APQP different from PPAP?
APQP is the planning framework used throughout development. PPAP is the evidence package submitted to the customer to show the process can produce conforming parts at rate. PPAP is one output of APQP phase 4.
Can I use this for non-automotive programs?
Yes. Aerospace suppliers use similar planning under AS9145, and any complex new product introduction benefits from phase gates. Rename the phases or deliverables to match your own process.
If your APQP deliverables live across ERP, PLM and spreadsheets, Netray can add a private AI layer that pulls status from those systems on your own infrastructure. The template here works fully without us.
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Free tools
- APQP Checklist WorksheetAn editable APQP checklist by phase with owner, evidence and status columns. Track deliverables across the five phases and export to Excel.
- APQP Phase Gate ChecklistA phase by phase APQP readiness checklist with critical deliverables flagged and an exportable score.
- APQP Timing Plan WorksheetAn editable APQP timing plan by phase with owners, dates and weighted completion, exportable to Excel.