--- title: What is a control plan? description: A control plan is a living document that outlines the methods taken for quality control of critical inputs to deliver outputs that meet requirements... image: https://blog.rgbsi.com/hubfs/What's-a-control-plan---1200x628.png --- - [Linkedin](https://linkedin.com/company/rgbsi) - [Facebook](http://facebook.com/rgbsi) - [Twitter](http://twitter.com/rgbsi) - [Careers](https://www.rgbsi.com/careers/) - [Job Search](https://www2.jobdiva.com/portal/?a=u4jdnwo9bfrrb4880orajasydzcctc0430ep5ji4kdp5v8qtsbx70nx09mmm07dy&compid=0#/) - [Get Talent](https://www.rgbsi.com/workforce-management/get-talent/) - [Blog](https://blog.rgbsi.com) - [Contact Us](https://www.rgbsi.com/contact-us/) [![RGBSI](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hubfs/RGBSI_July2018/Images/Logo-inverse-RGB-340-x-156-px-websitepng-01-01-300x138.png) ![RGBSI](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hubfs/RGBSI_July2018/Images/RGBSI-Logo-RGB-340-x-156-px-websitepng-01-300x138.png)](https://www.rgbsi.com/) Search - [About Us](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/) - 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[Whitepaper](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/whitepaper) - [Template](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/template) - [Press Releases](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/pressreleases) # [What is a control plan?](https://blog.rgbsi.com/what-is-a-control-plan) [QLM](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/qlm) ![What's a control plan?](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/What's-a-control-plan---1200x628.png?width=1200&name=What's-a-control-plan---1200x628.png) A control plan is a living document that outlines the methods taken for quality control of critical inputs to deliver outputs that meet customer requirements. It also provides a written description of the measurements, inspections, and checks put in place to control production parts and processes. The document is used in a **[PPAP](https://blog.rgbsi.com/what-to-know-about-ppap)** if there is a process change or if a new process is implemented. Control plans are consistently maintained to reflect real time updates.   ## The Relationship: Control Plan - PFMEA - Process Control Diagram  It is important to note the direct relationship of a control plan to and from a process control diagram and **[PFMEA](https://blog.rgbsi.com/what-is-pfmea)**. These PPAP elements are the source of direct inputs to a control plan. These inputs include: - **[Potential failure](https://www.qualitymag.com/articles/94827-analyzing-potential-failure)** modes - Potential effects of failures - Potential causes of failures - Preventative actions put in place to eliminate risk of failures from happening. ![Control Plan Relationship Diagram](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Diagram%20CP.png?width=600&name=Diagram%20CP.png)   --- ## 3 Types of Control Plans  ##### **Prototype** A [prototype control plan](https://blog.rgbsi.com/prototype-control-plans-product-development) is applicable if a component is in the early phase of development. This is inclusive of descriptions of dimension measurements, materials, and performance tests happening during a prototype development.  ##### **Pre-launch** A [pre-launch control plan](https://blog.rgbsi.com/pre-launch-control-plans-manufacturing-stability) is applicable when the prototype phase is complete for a component but full production has yet to be approved. This is inclusive of dimension measurements, materials, and performance tests conducted after the prototype phase is complete. ##### **Production** A [production control plan](https://blog.rgbsi.com/production-control-plans-consistency-at-scale) is applicable when a component is in full production. The plan is comprehensive of  characteristics, process controls, tests, and measurements conducted through full production. --- [![Download Now: Control Plan Template](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2506444/85080e6e-ce96-44b9-be2d-066270f2a95f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2506444/85080e6e-ce96-44b9-be2d-066270f2a95f) --- ## Control Plan Outline ##### **1. General part and supplier information** - **Part number** - **Supplier name and contact information** - **Approval and revision dates** ##### **2. Process Steps and Support Equipment  ** - **Part/process number** – this matches up to steps in the PFMEA and process flow diagram. - **Process name and description** – thoroughly describes what each process step accomplishes. - **Device reference numbers** – lists any special tools or machines used to carry out the process step. ##### **3. Product and Process Characteristics** - **Characteristic number** - References a unique number of each characteristic being checked. - **Characteristic of product or process** (one or the other) - **Product characteristic** - If the characteristic being checked is on a product then then the product box will be filled in with a description (i.e. screw depth). - **Process characteristic** - If the characteristic being checked is of a process then the process box will be filled in with a description (i.e. drive screw at 45 degree angle). - **Critical to quality (CTQ) feature**– box is marked with a Y for yes and N for no if the characteristic is important to quality. ##### **4. Methods of Control** - **Specification and tolerance** – notes any unique specification and tolerance for each product or process characteristic being checked. - **Evaluation method** –describes measurement technique used to evaluate each characteristic being checked. - **Sample** (only if evaluation method involves a sample) - **Sample size** – the number of part or **[process samples](https://www.qualitydigest.com/inside/quality-insider-article/how-determine-process-sampling-strategies.html)** taken to check from production (i.e. 5 parts). - **Sample frequency** – the interval at which each sample is being taken (i.e. sample checked hourly). - **Control method** – specifies how control is maintained for each characteristic (i.e. error proofed). - **Reaction plan** – describes the reaction the process monitor if an unexpected condition occurs (i.e. re-inspect all products produced after the last inspection). --- ## Why is a control plan important? The development of a control plan not only helps suppliers **[diagnose their quality challenges](https://www.aiag.org/quality/diagnostic)**, but also helps them eliminate production waste and maintain consistency. In addition, suppliers use control plans to establish methods of process control during production and to stop issues from snowballing into something more detrimental. Implementing control plans help suppliers**[overcome critical challenges](https://www.qualitymag.com/articles/95143-critical-challenges-faced-by-quality-departments-and-recommended-actions)** and focus on points that are most important to their customers such as product quality, process efficiency, and expense reduction. ##### **About RGBSI QLM Solutions** Looking for help with control plans, PPAP, or other quality areas? At RGBSI, we provide full service **[quality lifecycle management](https://www.rgbsi.com/qlm/)** (QLM) solutions that optimize manufacturing supply chain initiatives. Organizations within automotive, aerospace, and other engineering segments leverage our expertise to validate, manage, and assess their current processes.  Need help with your quality lifecycle management activities? **[Inquire](https://www.rgbsi.com/qlm/qlm-solutions-request/)**.    [![RGBSI Control Plan Template](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2506444/bee00fe5-a1e7-4c97-a743-b22cf1f5125c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2506444/bee00fe5-a1e7-4c97-a743-b22cf1f5125c) **Tags:** [QLM](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/qlm) ##### Share this entry > [mailto:?subject=https://blog.rgbsi.com/what-is-a-control-plan&body=What%20is%20a%20control%20plan?](mailto:?subject=https://blog.rgbsi.com/what-is-a-control-plan&body=What%20is%20a%20control%20plan?) ### You might also like [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CTA/ppap%20checklist%20CTA%20-%201200x630.png?width=60&name=ppap%20checklist%20CTA%20-%201200x630.png) **Checklist: PPAP Submissions for Tier 1 Suppliers**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/ppap-checklist) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Aerospace%20PPAP%20FAI%201200x628.png?width=60&name=Aerospace%20PPAP%20FAI%201200x628.png) **Quality 4.0 in Aerospace: Digitizing the PPAP and FAI Process**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/quality-4-0-aerospace-digitizing-ppap-fai) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/APQP%20Tier%201%20Suppliers%201200x628-100.jpg?width=60&name=APQP%20Tier%201%20Suppliers%201200x628-100.jpg) **Accelerating APQP: How Tier 1 Suppliers Can Launch Faster with Quality by Design**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/accelerating-apqp-tier-1-suppliers-quality-by-design) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/5%20common%20PPAP%20mistakes%201200x628-100.jpg?width=60&name=5%20common%20PPAP%20mistakes%201200x628-100.jpg) **Top 5 Mistakes in PPAP Submissions and How to Fix Them**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/top-5-mistakes-in-ppap-submissions-and-fixes) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Control-Plan-Checklist-CTA-1200x630.jpg?width=60&name=Control-Plan-Checklist-CTA-1200x630.jpg) **Checklist: Control Plan**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/control-plan-checklist) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/production-control-plan-1200x628.jpg?width=60&name=production-control-plan-1200x628.jpg) **The Use of Production Control Plans for Consistency at Scale**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/production-control-plans-consistency-at-scale) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pre-launch-control-plan-1200x628.jpg?width=60&name=pre-launch-control-plan-1200x628.jpg) **How Pre-Launch Control Plans Optimize Manufacturing Stability**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/pre-launch-control-plans-manufacturing-stability) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/prototype-control-plan-1200x628.jpg?width=60&name=prototype-control-plan-1200x628.jpg) **Understanding Prototype Control Plans in Product Development**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/prototype-control-plans-product-development) ### Latest Posts ![RGBSI](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hubfs/RGBSI_July2018/Images/RGBSI-logo-RGB-inverse-small.png) ### Search ### Contact Us - **Phone** +1 248.589.1135 - **Address** 1200 Stephenson Hwy Troy, MI 48083 ### Connect with Us - - - ### Recent Posts RGBSI © Copyright 2025 - [Linkedin](https://linkedin.com/company/rgbsi) - [Facebook](http://facebook.com/rgbsi) - [Twitter](http://twitter.com/rgbsi) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.rgbsi.com/terms-and-conditions/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Monica Sachdev", "url" : "https://blog.rgbsi.com/author/monica-sachdev" }, "dateModified" : "2025-03-12T15:34:20.266Z", "datePublished" : "2019-03-11T14:06:15.000Z", "headline" : "What is a control plan?", "image" : [ "https://blog.rgbsi.com/hubfs/What's-a-control-plan---1200x628.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.rgbsi.com/what-is-a-control-plan", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.rgbsi.com/hubfs/RGBSI%20logo%20RGB-%20no%20clear%20space%20-%20300%20x%20106%20px.png" }, "name" : "RGBSI" } } ```