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Divisional Procedure
Designating Special
Characteristics

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1. PURPOSE:
This procedure defines the process that is used for identifying various types of Special
Characteristics on Powertrain Systems engineering drawings or specifications. The
designation of these characteristics is to communicate to either manufacturing
operations or suppliers the significance of these characteristics and the need to ensure
the production process has inherent capability or sufficient control for meeting the
specification/tolerance limits.
2. SCOPE:
This procedure applies to all Powertrain Systems technical centers and manufacturing
sites. This procedure applies to new and revised products released after the effective
date of this procedure.
Staff Areas Affected;

Finance
X Engineering
Global Supply
X
Management

Production Control
Sales and Marketing
Human Resources
and Health & Safety

Manufacturing
X
Operations and Lean
X Customer Satisfaction
Program Management

3. DEFINITIONS:

Attribute Data: Go / No-Go. Where variation causes two distinct measurable

conditions to occur such as correct or incorrect part, present or missing, etc. If the
evaluation of attribute data does not yield zero defects, it is defined as
nonconforming product, requiring corrective actions, not continuous improvement.

Capability Indices: A statistical measurement of process variation and centering

combined, relative to specifications: Cpk, Ppk or Cmk. (Reference Training Material,
AIAG or VDA Standards). In limited situations during production process studies,
where the processes purposely do not target nominal to maximize tool life, Cp and
Pp may be used as capability indices.

Control Characteristic (CC): A process characteristic or parameter (e.g. speed, feed,

pressure, temperature, etc.) measured with variable or attribute data that controls or
affects a product characteristic.

Customer Interface Characteristic (CI): A product attribute characteristic that

interfaces /mounts/fits to customer product / application or important product
feature / appearance. Detection controls shall be in place on all customer interface
CIs. Continuous reduction of variation may not be required. These characteristics
must be verified preferably at final assembly, final functional test or at the last
manufacturing segment before being shipped outside of mfg. facility. (i.e., external to
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Divisional Procedure
Designating Special
Characteristics

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manufacturing plant). They require 100% verification (inspection, gaging, error

proofing, internal no build, etc.). No minimum capability is required when 100%
verified.
These characteristics are typically Go/No-Go in nature because variation within the
specification gives little or no loss. If characteristic is outside of specification
customer satisfaction is lost.

Key Product Characteristic (KPC): A characteristic for which reasonably anticipated

variation could significantly affect the customers satisfaction with the products:
(a) Safety or compliance with government regulations (S/C), or
(b) Fit, function, performance, appearance, or reliability (F/F).
These characteristics are usually evaluated with variable data; therefore continuous
reduction of variation around an optimized target is required, due to its impact on
customer satisfaction as described by the loss function in Figure 1.
KPCs require a control plan and control methods to ensure that the variation in a
Safety/Compliance or Fit/Function KPC is stable, capable, and targeted. These
ongoing controls must be documented in manufacturing and data retention
requirements apply.

VariationReductioVarniation

In the rare event a KPC can only be evaluated with attribute data, continuous
improvement is not required since all products must be conforming.

Reduction

Require
d

LowerLimSpec
it

CentMeearning

(CustLosomesrDiFusnacttisiofanction)

UppLiemrSpec
it

Figure 1

Key Control Characteristic (KCC): A process parameter for which variation must be
controlled and reduced around some target value to ensure that a KPC is
maintained or minimized around its target value.
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Characteristics

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Loss Function: The loss function describes the loss that occurs when a process
does not produce a product that meets a target value. Loss is minimized when there
is no variability, and the best response is achieved. (Breyfogle III, F.W., Implementing Six
Sigma)

Pass Thru Characteristic - A Pass-Thru Characteristic is a customer interface that is

fabricated at another manufacturing facility and flows through your manufacturing
system without modification or alteration.

Product Characteristic: A characteristic or feature of a product (e.g. dimension,

relation, finish, property, presence, orientation, appearance, composition, chemistry,
performance, function) that is defined on an engineering drawing or specification and
can be measured with variable or attribute data.

Quality Characteristic (QC): A product characteristic or parameter (e.g. fuel pump

speed, air flow, fuel pressure, etc.) that is defined on an engineering drawing or
specification and can be measured with variable or attribute data. These
characteristics can either control or affect:
a) Function, reliability or
b) Product manufacturability (characteristic(s) critical for downstream
processing).
This function is best characterized with reference to the square quality loss
function. It is one where the customer is equally satisfied across the entire
specification but the loss function is steep outside of the specification. See Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Quality Control Characteristic (QCC): A process parameter that must be controlled

around some target value to ensure that a QC is maintained around its target value
(as applicable). Continuous reduction of variation may not be required.

Special Characteristics: For Powertrain Systems, the Special Characteristics

designation will encompass Key Product Characteristics (KPCs-Safety Compliance
or Fit Function), Customer Interface (CIs) and Quality Characteristic (QCs).
Customers may have other designations for special characteristics; refer to each
customers specific requirements; in certain cases it may be necessary to add a
cross reference chart to the customer drawing.

Standard Care: The usual and customary practices that are applied in the
manufacturing environment to ensure that requirements are consistently met.

Standard Product Characteristics: Those characteristics that require only standard

care because reasonably anticipated variation during manufacturing is unlikely to
significantly affect customer satisfaction.

Variable Data: Where variation is continuous and measurable on a continuous scale

such as millimeters, grams, etc. Continuous improvement is defined as reducing the
variation around an optimum target value.

Characteristic Type

Targeting

Variation
Reduction

S/C

Required

Required

F/F

Required

Required

Customer Interface

CI

Attribute
Minimum

Not Required

Quality
Characteristic

QC

Not Required if
Capable

Not Required if
Capable

Standard Product

Standard

May Be
Required

Not Required

Identification
Key Product
(Safety Compliance)
Key Product
(Fit / Function)

Drawing
Symbol

None

Table 1
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4. RESPONSIBILITIES:
It is the responsibility of the Director of Engineering, Customer Satisfaction &
Program Management to assure continuous review and formal revision to this
Divisional Procedure. Individual responsibilities are set forth in the procedure
flowchart.
4.1 Engineering is responsible for making sure that each drawing or specification
captures all relevant characteristic(s) required for that specific document,
independent of value stream or value stream changes.
4.2 Manufacturing Engineering, Purchasing, Supplier AQE, and Manufacturing
must ensure that appropriate measurements, error proofing, detection, etc.,
are designed and implemented prior to SOP.
4.3 Manufacturing must ensure constant discipline in the maintenance and use
of measurements, error proofing, detection, devices, etc.
4.4 Deviations from the designation or adherence to the requirements of Special
Characteristics must be approved by the Chief Engineer, or Quality Director,
or designated alternate.

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Divisional Procedure
Designating Special
Characteristics

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5. PROCEDURE:
5.1 Process Flow Diagram:
RESPONSIBILITY/
INTERFACE
Product Engineering /
Manufacturing Engineering /
Project Team

PROCEDURE
FLOW

Identify Special Product

Characteristics

Product Engineer/
Designer

Designate Special
Characteristics on Engineering Drawings
or Specifications

Manufacturing Engineer /
Quality Engineer /
Supplier Quality Engineer

Deploy Characteristic Designations into

associated Quality Planning and
Process Documentation

Manufacturing Engineer /
Product Engineer /
Quality Engineer /
Supplier Quality Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer /
Product Engineer /
Quality Engineer /
Supplier Quality Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer /
Product Engineer /
Designer

Determine Control Characteristics,

Process Capability Requirements,
Measurement Techniques and
Control Strategy

Determine Continuous Improvement

Requirements of Characteristics

Review Engineering Drawings and

Specifications for Special
Characteristics that may be Removed

REFERENCES/
NOTES/PARAGRAPH
Paragraph 5.2

Paragraph 5.3

Paragraph 5.4

Paragraph 5.5

Paragraph 5.6

Paragraph 5.7

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Designating Special
Characteristics

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5.2 Identification of Special Characteristics

5.2.1 The identification of Special Characteristics requires a team approach and
should begin as soon as possible after the customer requirements and
product requirements are known. Waiting until the engineering drawings
are complete is too late for effective quality planning.
5.2.2 All new or revised product designs will be reviewed to identify Special
Characteristics in accordance with the Delphi PDP process and the
customers requirements for Key Characteristic Designation. It is not
required that a Special Characteristic be designated for every part or
product.
Note: Previous design(s) are not required to be updated per procedure effectivity
date.
5.2.3 Special Characteristics will be identified using the guidelines listed below
unless otherwise specified by the customer.

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Divisional Procedure
Designating Special
Characteristics

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Effective Date

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Could reasonably anticipated

variation significantly affect
safety or compliance with
government regulations?

YES

The Product Characteristic

is a Safety/Compliance KPC

YES

The Product Characteristic

is a Fit/Function KPC

YES

The Product Characteristic

is a CI

YES

The Product Characteristic

is a QC

YES

The Product Characteristic

is a QC

NO

Could reasonably anticipated

variation significantly affect the
customer's satisfaction with the
product's fit, function, performance,
reliability or appearance?
NO

Is the characteristic a Customer

Interface (e.g., mounting hole,
connector, appearance, thread,
stud, fitting, shaft, etc.)?

NO

Is the characteristic important to

the product's fit, function,
or reliability & reducing variation will
not increase customer satisfaction?
NO

Is the characteristic important to

product manufacturability and
reducing variation will not improve
customer satisfaction?

NO

It is a Standard Product
Characteristic

Note: The terms reasonably anticipated variation and reducing variation are typically in
reference to the tolerance zone established between the upper and lower specification limits,
(See Figure 1).

5.3 Designation of Special Characteristics

5.3.1 Engineering shall designate characteristics requiring more than standard
care on the engineering drawings or specifications using the appropriate
symbols. When required by the customer, their terminology and/or
symbols should be used to designate Special Characteristics identified on
outline drawings and FMEAs. If the customer does not require the use of
their symbols and terminology, Special Characteristics shall be designated
as follows:
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Divisional Procedure
Designating Special
Characteristics

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(a) Safety/Compliance KPC using S/C or

(b) Fit/Function KPC using F/F or
(c) Customer Interface using CI or

(d) Quality Characteristic using QC

5.3.2 A number shall be included in the KPC, CI or QC symbols for the purpose
of linking to other documents such as FMEAs or Control Plans; this
number will be associated with the feature where it is created. The
numbering of KPCs, CIs and QCs are consecutive (reference Delphi
Corporate Design Standards). The total number of KPCs, CIs and QCs
on a given document shall be recorded. Once a number for a symbol type
is used, it is not to be reused in order to maintain traceability of earlier
documentation.
5.3.3 KPC, CI and QC symbols may appear either in the margins or in the text
of a specification, whichever would be more practical.
5.3.4 When the Special Characteristics have been designated on the respective
engineering drawing or specification, the responsible engineer shall then
proceed to release the drawing/specification.
5.3.5 Customer Interface and Quality Characteristic Symbols: The only valid
symbols (See Figure 3) to be used on engineering drawings and
specifications to identify CIs and QCs.

/
Figure 3.
5.3.6 The CI or QC (Customer Interface / Quality Characteristic) symbols should
be oriented such that it points directly toward the specific feature identified
with no specific directional requirements (i.e., the symbols may point either
towards the right, left, up, down, etc.).
5.3.7 Each drawing or specification must display all relevant characteristic(s)
required for that specific document. KPCs/CIs/QCs must flow from
outline, and/or assembly, to component level drawings and from
component level to outline drawing until the point that the feature is no
longer distinguishable. This applies to product drawings controlled within
the Delphi Quality Management System.

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Characteristics

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5.4 Deploying Characteristics into Quality Planning Documentation

5.4.1 All Special Characteristics identified on Engineering Drawings and
Specifications must be identified in Process Flow Diagrams (PFD),
PFMEAs, Process Control Plans, and Standard Cell Documentation to
ensure they are addressed with an adequate control strategy. Special
Characteristics may be identified in DFMEAs, in those instances where
the DFMEA gets to the specific detail of dimensions, performance
characteristics, features, material properties, etc. which fit the criteria in
paragraph 5.2.
5.4.2 CIs and QCs may also be addressed in preventive maintenance plans in
cases where the controls involve items not included in PFDs or PCPs
(e.g., tool wear checks, equipment pressure controls, etc.).
5.4.3 The requirement for addressing Special Characteristics in PFDs,
PFMEAs, operator work instructions and PCPs also applies to suppliers
products, where Delphi Powertrain Systems is design responsible and has
identified such characteristics on drawings or specifications.
5.5 Measurement Techniques, Process Capability, & Control Strategy
5.5.1 Special Characteristics must be dimensioned and toleranced with respect
to their functional relationship to the customer application. This is typically
accomplished using geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
5.5.2 Consideration should be given to how Special Characteristics will be
measured and/or gaged. The verification of a characteristics functionality
may require an attribute gage (e.g. plug gage, ring gage, pin) or error
proofing that simulates the mating feature of the customers application.
The process targeting of a characteristic requires a variable measurement
technique (e.g. calipers, micrometer, CMM).
5.5.3 Refer to Divisional Procedure 814, Production Part Approval
Requirements and Divisional Procedure 267, Equipment Qualification for
specific short term process capability information regarding KPCs, and
QCs that are evaluated using variable data. CIs can be evaluated using
attribute or variable data, (also see Table 2).
5.5.4 Per TS 16949 requirements, plants shall maintain manufacturing process
capability or performance as specified by the customer requirements. If
the customer does not specify requirements, refer to the proper
automotive quality standard manual (AIAG, VDA, etc.).

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Characteristics

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5.5.5 Delphi Powertrain suppliers must meet the required standards of TS16949.

Special
Characteristic
Name

KPC Safety /
Compliance

Symbol

Initial Process Studies

(PPAP/MQ1/ MQ2)
Ref. DP267

Ongoing Production Process

Studies

Capability Indices 2.0 Min

Target/Mean Centering

KPC - Fit /
Function

Capability Indices 2.0 Min

Target/Mean Centering

CI Customer
Interface

Requires 100% verification

system to detect presence or
absence of customer interface
feature preferably at final
assembly or the last
manufacturing segment before
being shipped outside mfg.
facility.
Or the CI failure mode must be
detected in 100% functional
test, (attribute or variable).
No min. capability requirement
when 100% verified

QC-Quality
Characteristic

Capability Indices 2.0 Min

Mean Centering desired but
not essential

Capability Indices 1.67

Target/Mean Centering required
Continuous Improvement
Layout inspection and functional
verification
Capability Indices 1.67
Target/Mean Centering required
Continuous Improvement
Layout inspection and functional
verification

Requires 100% verification

system
to detect presence or absence of
customer interface feature preferably
at final assembly or the last
manufacturing segment before being
shipped outside mfg. facility.
Or the CI failure mode must be
detected in 100% functional test,
(attribute or variable).
No min. capability requirement when
100% verified
Layout inspection and functional
verification
Capability Indices 1.67 (normal
distribution - variable)
Control strategy that meets 100%
conformance to specification (nonnormal distribution - variable or
attribute).
Variation reduction not required if
capable.
Mean Centering may be required
Layout inspection and functional
verification

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Divisional Procedure
Designating Special
Characteristics

Standard Care

None

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All parts are within

specification
Variation Reduction not
required
Targeting may be required

All parts are within specification

Variation Reduction not required
Targeting may be required
Layout inspection and functional
verification

Table 2
(Note: this is not checking the dimension of the CI; the dimensions are controlled at
fabrication segment. Pass-Thru CIs are not required to have a 100% internal
verification system. Although the project team should evaluate all Pass Thru CIs for
any potential quality risk and determine if an internal verification system should be
added).
5.5.6 Although efforts for further reduction of variation for CIs and QCs may not
provide any significant improvement in customer satisfaction, meancentering or targeting of the process may be required to ensure process
capability.
5.5.7 For those KPCs, CIs and QCs that are evaluated using attribute data,
unless authorized otherwise, verification or error proofing must be used, to
ensure customer satisfaction, since all products must conform to
specifications.
5.5.8 Control Plans (prototype, pre-launch, or production) shall define the
methods used to control/maintain Special and Standard Characteristics
that ensure customer satisfaction.
5.6 Continuous Improvement
5.6.1 KPCs that are evaluated with variable data require continuous reduction of
variation around an optimized target value.
5.6.2 KPCs that can only be evaluated with attribute data (very rare) do not
require continuous reduction of variation.
5.6.3 CIs and QCs that are evaluated with variable data do not require
continuous reduction of variation once capability has been demonstrated.
5.6.4 CIs, that are evaluated with attribute data (typically customer interfaces) do
not require continuous reduction of variation.
5.7 Removal of KPC Designation
5.7.1 The Manufacturing Engineer may request the removal of the KPC
designation from a characteristic demonstrating a high degree of long-term
process capability and further efforts in reducing variation will not provide
additional benefit. The Project Team should remove the KPC designation
with the customers approval and designate the characteristic as a QC to
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Divisional Procedure
Designating Special
Characteristics

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maintain the associated process control activities. The control

characteristics are no longer designated as special characteristics (KCCs)
but instead (QCCs).
5.7.2 In order to remove or change a KPC, the change management process
must be followed, (See DP295- Change Management). Once approved,
the change must be reflected in Engineering drawings, Process Flow
Diagrams, Process Control Plans, and any other documents containing the
KPC or KCC designation.
6. How to Handle Previous Documents
6.1

Current drawings and related documents will retain their current symbols and
do not have to be updated. However, updates can be made to use the new
symbols provided engineering follows the Change Management Process.
Refer to Special Characteristics training material on PT Product Design
Standards SharePoint site for additional detail.

7. REFERENCES:
Delphi PDP
Delphi Business System
ISO/TS 16949
Delphi Data Retention
DP814, Production Part Approval Requirements
DP267, Equipment Qualification
DP295, Change Management Process
AIAG Statistical Process Control
VDA 2 Quality Assurance in Supplies
PT Product Design Standards
8. REVISION RECORD:
Revision
Initial Release
1. Mean centering added in QCI definition.
2. Symbol location added in Quality/Customer
Characteristic Symbol definition.
3. Figure 2 clarified.
1. Procedure expanded to include both Special
Characteristics and Quality/Customer Interface
Characteristics designation.
1. DFMEA reference added to 5.6

Date of
Revision
01SE00

Contact for
Questions
(1) 810-257-7288

02MR01

(1) 810-257-7633

08JN01

(1)937-455-6803

11FE02

(1)937-455-6803

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Characteristics

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Proc. No.

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1. Significant rewrite to add definitions, clarify QCIs and

eliminate GM 1805 callouts

14OC02

(1)248-813-4752
(1)248-813-4750

1. The numbering of KPCs and QCIs are consecutive

was independent
1. Updated ongoing capability requirements to meet TS16949 and referenced DP814 and DP267 for capability
requirements on KPCs and QCIs.
1. Added Sub-Section Numbers
2. Removed Important from Document & Title - Header
3. Updated Definitions section; added CI and QC
Sect.3
4. Added Characteristics Table 1 Sect 3
5. Definitions placed in alphabetical order. Sect. 3
6. Added addition responsibility content - Sections 4.1
thru 4.4
7. Updated Identification Guidelines Sect. 5.2.3
8. Added new symbols Sect. 5.3.1
9. Added Initial and Ongoing Studies table and Note
Sect 5.5
10. Added How to Handle Previous Documents Sect. 6
11. Added VDA and PT Product Design Standards to
Reference Sect. 7.0
12. Removed reference to General Motors, Ford and
Chrysler in Special Characteristics Definition
section.

11DE07

248-732-0739

12JUL10

248-732-0739

01Oct12

248-732-0739

9. APPROVAL:
The Engineering Organization, in cooperation with the Customer Satisfaction
Organization, has approved this procedure and has responsibility for on-going review
and formal revisions.
_____________________________________________________________
Director of Engineering, Customer Satisfaction and Program Management
Contact for questions in regard to this procedure:
Staff Engineer Design and Analysis: (1) 248-732-0739

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