Alman otomotiv devleriyle (Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes vb.) çalışan veya çalışmayı hedefleyen profesyoneller için hazırladığınız bu kapsamlı rehberin İngilizce çevirisi aşağıdadır. Sektörel terminolojiye (VDA, CSR, PSCR, OEM) tam uyumlu, profesyonel bir dil kullanılmıştır.
What is VDA? Understanding CSR, VDA 6.3, and PSCR to Become a Supplier for German OEMs
The German automotive industry sets the global benchmark for quality standards. Giants like the Volkswagen Group, BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz, ZF, and Bosch expect much more than just an IATF 16949 certificate from their suppliers.
This “more” is typically communicated through Customer Specific Requirements (CSR). Without a deep understanding of these requirements, entering or maintaining a position within the German OEM supply chain is extremely difficult. Furthermore, once a topic is included in the CSR, it becomes a mandatory requirement under the scope of IATF 16949 for that specific customer.
Various manuals published by the VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie – German Association of the Automotive Industry) apply in this context. Most commonly, VDA 6.3 and PSCR are the primary requirements demanded by these OEMs.
VDA 6.3 — Process Audit
VDA 6.3 is a process audit standard. The current version, updated in 2023, is more comprehensive and risk-oriented than its predecessor.
The uniqueness of VDA 6.3 lies in this: it is a process audit, not a system audit. While an IATF 16949 audit questions whether your system exists, a VDA 6.3 audit examines how your processes actually function in practice.
The Audit Structure: The Turtle Model
A VDA 6.3 audit utilizes the “Turtle Model” to evaluate each process across six dimensions:
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Inputs: What enters the process? (materials, information, orders)
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Outputs: What leaves the process? (products, documents, data)
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Resources: What is used to perform the process? (machinery, equipment, software)
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Personnel: Who is doing it? (competency, training, responsibility)
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Methods: How is it being done? (procedures, instructions, standards)
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Measurement: How is it evaluated? (KPIs, controls, monitoring)
These dimensions are scored for every process. If a process score is 80% or higher, it is deemed “compliant”; otherwise, an action plan is required.
Who Needs VDA 6.3?
VDA 6.3 audits are applied in three different contexts:
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Potential Analysis (P1): Evaluating a potential supplier during the selection process before mass production starts. Passing this stage is a prerequisite for winning the project.
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Process Audit (P2-P7): Routine audits during mass production. OEMs like Volkswagen Group and BMW expect suppliers to conduct VDA 6.3-based internal process audits at least once a year.
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Supplier Audits: Tier 1 companies audit their Tier 2 suppliers using the VDA 6.3 format.
PSCR — Product Safety and Compliance Responsible
PSCR stands for Product Safety and Compliance Responsible. It is one of the most critical—yet often the least prepared for—dimensions of German OEM requirements.
The core idea is that automotive product safety is not solely the responsibility of the engineering or quality departments. Every supplier must have a specifically designated individual authorized and responsible for product safety and legal compliance. This person is the PSCR.
What Does a PSCR Do?
The responsibilities of a PSCR go far beyond internal coordination:
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Monitors Product Safety Requirements: Tracks legal regulations, OEM requirements, and standard updates, ensuring they are reflected within the company. This is vital for “safety-relevant parts.”
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Evaluates Engineering Changes: Coordinates the assessment of how design or process changes impact product safety.
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Manages Field Issues: If customer or field complaints involve product safety, the PSCR manages the escalation process and coordinates communication with the OEM.
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Ensures Traceability: Especially for safety-related parts, the PSCR audits the integrity of the traceability chain from raw material to the final product.
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Covers the Supply Chain: PSCR responsibility is not limited to internal processes; the product safety performance of sub-suppliers is also evaluated within this framework.
Who Should Be the PSCR?
The PSCR must be a role formally appointed by senior management with defined authorities and responsibilities. Depending on the size of the organization, it can be a full-time position or an additional responsibility assigned to an existing role—but it cannot be left vague as “everyone’s responsibility.”
German OEMs, particularly the Volkswagen Group, specifically verify the identity, competency, and role description of the PSCR during audits. Responding with “We don’t have such an appointment” is recorded as a major deficiency.
Common Deficiencies in the Field
While the Turkish automotive supply industry provides a high volume of parts to German OEMs, several recurring gaps persist:
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Lack of Effective VDA 6.3 Internal Audits: Audits are either not performed or the scoring methodology is misapplied. Simply filling out a form does not mean an audit was conducted correctly.
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Missing CSR Updates: Using outdated versions of customer requirements leads to missing critical new mandates.
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Being Unprepared for Potential Analysis (P1): Realizing the P1 requirement too late during a new project bid. Since P1 is done before the project is awarded, it cannot be rectified afterward.
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Lack of Formal PSCR Appointment: No official role definition or authority limits.
Conclusion: Knowing VDA is Key to the German Market
If you want to join or strengthen your position within the supply chain of Volkswagen Group, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz, IATF 16949 is a starting point—but it is not enough.
Integrating CSR requirements into your system, effectively implementing VDA 6.3 process audits, and correctly defining the PSCR role are the foundations of being a sustainable supplier to German OEMs.
If you want to train your team, evaluate your current implementation, or build your system correctly from scratch, you can review our training programs and document kits.
Norma Systems — From Standards to Working Systems.