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VDA 231-301 expands the existing recommendation by introducing a structured data model for the digital transmission of test results in JSON format. The goal is to standardize and automate data exchange between OEMs, suppliers, and testing institutions. Enhanced traceability and system integration, in particular, support quality assurance throughout the entire supply chain.

The new standard is now available for purchase in the VDA web shop:
https://webshop.vda.de/VDA/en/vda-231-301-022025

material.one AG was involved in the implementation of the standard. Their cloud platform of the same name for industrial release and verification management, material.one, enables the automated processing of structured test reports and their integration into existing PLM and QMS systems, among other things. This means that new requirements of the VDA recommendation can be directly transferred into business practice.

Digitization of standards as part of preventive quality assurance in the product development process

The introduction of VDA 231-301 is an example of an overarching trend: the increasing digitalization of standards-based information as a component of preventive quality assurance. Structured requirements, digital inspection plans and automated verification procedures play a central role in the product development process in particular – especially in industries with complex supply networks such as the automotive industry.

Digital standards in combination with highly standardized processes help to ensure quality even better before a product goes into series production. This makes approval and verification management much easier. In times of increasing regulatory requirements and growing customer expectations, quality is becoming an increasingly important strategic issue – also as a differentiating factor in the market.

In this context, material.one is not only involved in the technical implementation of individual VDA recommendations but also contributes its expertise to higher-level standardization initiatives. This includes involvement in DIN SPEC 91383, which was published jointly with the prostep ivip association. This specification describes how material and surface requirements can be mapped CAD-neutrally in JT format and used across systems.

material.one is also involved in the further development of digital standard formats as part of the Digital Standards Initiative (IDiS) of DIN and DKE. The aim is to make machine-readable standard content available that can be automatically linked to requirements and test plans – an essential building block for consistent quality assurance and more efficient engineering processes.

Contribution to industrial transformation

VDA 231-301 is a further step towards structured, digital sampling processes in the automotive industry. In combination with the developments surrounding DIN SPEC 91383 and the digitization of standard content, a clear trend is emerging: Digital access to structured standard information and its integration into IT systems is becoming increasingly important – not only for reasons of efficiency, but also to minimize risks regarding recalls, rework, and legal requirements.

Cooperation between industry, associations, and specialized providers plays a key role in introducing these new standards and ensuring their further development.
"Standardized, digital test data is a key to greater efficiency in industrial quality processes. If you want to ensure quality systematically and at an early stage, you need consistent, automated data flows – and this is precisely where VDA 231-301 makes an important contribution."

– Bernd Löhle, CEO material.one

Further information can be found at:
en.material.one
material.one/news-and-articles/vda-and-materialone-collaboration
resources.material.one/ProduktDaten_Journal_1_2024_prostep+Sonderdruck+materialone-EN.pdf
www.linkedin.com/pulse/digital-standards-more-than-pdfs-jens-schmidtmann-pbh1e/