Maturity Level Assurance (MLA) has been developed by the VDA and German automotive industry as a method for controlling and managing new projects. It involves both customers and suppliers in assessing the progress of the project throughout the development phase. The model stems from the quality management standard “VDA – Product Creation – Maturity Level Assurance for New Parts” and the aim is to achieve and continuously improve the quality of new products in the automotive industry.
Parts and assemblies are assessed based on risk, using a structured approach. This risk assessment determines the level of collaboration between the customer and the supplier as the project matures.
The objective of this model is clear:
to improve the launch quality and delivery of products, through the application of a structured approach, as the project moves through the various maturity levels.
8 clearly defined maturity levels are set, underpinned by clearly defined expectations and assessment criteria. Interfaces between maturity levels are continually assessed as the project matures, maintaining a focus on risk. Maturity level assurance creates a common understanding of definitions and contents, leads to the early detection of errors and deviations from project goals, and enables early measures to stay on the right course.
Detailed expectations are set which must be satisfied prior to project progress. Each maturity level is assigned a set of specific measurement criteria that are defined at the start of the project by the project team and also between the customer and supplier. All measurement criteria must be formulated in such a way that they can be clearly answered with a “yes” or “no”. Each individual measurement criterion is evaluated with a traffic light colour (red, yellow or green) and regular status reports must be prepared and reviewed by the project team in order to be able to control the project.
All of the necessary information is presented in milestone meetings. It should be noted that issues can occur if project reviews are not carried out consistently enough, or if the results of the project review are not taken into account in follow-up projects. Therefore, proper implementation and documentation of project reviews are essential.
This risk-based approach to project management and advanced product quality planning was developed together with high-profile German manufacturers, and some customers (including Daimler and Volkswagen) will mandate the use of Maturity Level Assurance to support new product introduction.
In addition, MLA is one of the Automotive Core Tools which must be passed prior to sitting for the VDA 6.3 examination or when renewing a VDA 6.3 auditor card. There are similarities between MLA and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), but there are significant differences that must be known to pass the Core Tools quiz.
ENCONA is an accredited license partner of the VDA – join one of our VDA Maturity Level Assurance (MLA) for New Parts training seminars to ensure your organisation is prepared for working within this methodology the next time you are involved in a new product launch.
What is Maturity Level Assurance (MLA)?
What is Maturity Level Assurance (MLA)?