CHARACTERISTIC: A distinguishing feature, dimension or property of a process or its output (product) on which variable or attribute data can be collected. (P39 APQP)
CHARACTERISTIC, CRITICAL, CHRYSLER DEFINITION: Characteristics applicable to a component, material, assembly, or vehicle assembly operation which are designated by Chrysler Corporation Engineering as being critical to part function and having particular quality, reliability and/or durability significance. These include characteristics identified by the shield, pentagon, and diamond. (49 PPAP)
CHARACTERISTIC, CRITICAL (INVERTED DELTA), FORD DEFINITION: Those product requirements (dimensions, performance tests) or process parameters that can affect compliance with government regulations or safe vehicle/product function, and which require specific supplier, assembly, shipping, or monitoring and included on Control Plans. (P49 PPAP)
CHARACTERISTIC, CRITICAL, GM DEFINITION: See Key Product Characteristic. (P49 PPAP)
CHARACTERISTIC, KEY CONTROL (KCCs): Those process parameters for which variation must be controlled around a target value to ensure that a significant characteristic is maintained at its target value. KCCs require ongoing monitoring per an approved Control Plan and should be considered as candidates for process improvement. (P49 PPAP)
CHARACTERISTIC, KEY PRODUCT (KPC): Those product features that affect subsequent operations, product function, or customer satisfaction. KPCs are established by the customer engineer, quality representative, and supplier personnel from a review of the Design and Process FMEA’s and must be included in the Control Plan. Any KPCs included in customer-released engineering requirements are provided as a starting point and do not affect the supplier’s responsibility to review all aspects of the design, manufacturing process, and customer application and to determine additional KPCs. (P49 PPAP)
