Special audit (technical review)

"technical review" (also referred to as a "TRL") is a special audit which is carried out principally by manufacturers as part of supplier management covering their serial production suppliers.

A technical review is characterized by the following criteria :
Timing arranged at sort notice (ca. 1 – 2 days before the date)
Based on events (complaints, rejects, customer requirements/ legal requirements not met, etc.)

• The technical review lasts ca. 4 to 7 hours


• It is restricted to individual components / assemblies


• There is a specific check-list (a questionnaire with ca. 10 to 15 questions regarding the serial production process) with YES/NO answers


• A report is written on site, with an action plan if appropriate


• Results are displayed in the form of traffic lights


• If threshold limits are not achieved (the traffic light is red) an escalation procedure is initiated

Before a technical review is carried out the procedure should be contractually agreed with the supplier.

Reference Volume (and volume-specific, additional or differing definitions to the standard):
VDA volume 6.3