MLA - Maturity Level Assurance

Assuring project management for new parts

Table of Contents

Our Courses in MLA

There are currently no courses planned.

Please contact us for inquiries and further information.

Discover all of our training

What is MLA – Maturity Level Assurance?

MLA (Maturity Level Assurance) is a milestone-based system that ensures the development of new products and associated processes is carried out in a controlled and structured way. The goal is to minimize the risks of project delays and ensure that both the product and the process meet the necessary requirements.

A central requirement in standards such as IATF 16949 is the demand for Control Plans. These plans must be based on a risk analysis of the process, where the design and content of the control plans are tailored to the identified risks.

Milestones in MLA

MLA consists of seven milestones that cover the entire product development process:

1.

Release of innovation for series development.

2.

Handling of requirements for contract issuance.

3.

Specification of supply chain and procurement.

4.

Release of technical specifications.

5.

Completion of production planning.

6.

Availability of parts from production tools and facilities.

7.

Approval of production process and product, as well as transition to production.

Why?

MLA is used to assess the maturity level of projects based on specific criteria. A traffic light system is applied to evaluate each step:

  • Green light: The project’s goals are achieved, and the process can proceed.
  • Red light: The project is paused until actions are taken to address unmet goals.

Benefits of MLA:

  • A structured system to streamline project management.
  • Reduces risks by identifying issues early in the process.
  • Ensures projects comply with industry standards and stay within budget and timelines.
  • Improves communication and decision-making with clear audit reports.
  • Introduces a “pull system” based on defined conditions, making project management simpler and more efficient.

A ‘pull system’ based on defined conditions is introduced, making project management both simpler and more efficient.

Who?

MLA is particularly useful for individuals involved in product development or project management. Roles that benefit from MLA knowledge include:

  • Project Managers
  • Product Developers
  • Procurement Specialists
  • Process Developers
  • Quality Managers
  • Company Executives

Regardless of your role, you should either have practical knowledge of implementing MLA or understand how audit reports are structured and used.

Further Development and Training in MLA

To enhance your skills in MLA, we offer several opportunities:

  • MLA Training – A one-day course providing foundational knowledge of the system and its applications.
  • Consultancy Services – Assistance with adapting your management system and integrating MLA into your processes.
  • Project Audits – Performed using MLA’s framework to ensure projects follow the correct guidelines and standards.

Explore our Course Plan for 2025 below and feel free to contact us to discuss course content, training, or consultancy support.

Course Plan 2025

Tools for MLA

An effective way to monitor maturity levels in projects is to use the JAVA-based tool from VDA QMC. The tool includes all essential components, such as:

  • Risk Analysis
  • Reporting
  • Project Monitoring

The program is available in German and English, and we are working on releasing a Swedish language version in January 2024. The tool is designed to meet the needs of companies looking to streamline their MLA work and digitalize project management.

Read more about the VDA RGA Tool

Frequently Asked Questions about MLA

The MLA – Maturity Level Assurance training is typically one day and provides a comprehensive overview of the system’s principles and applications.

VDA MLA (Maturity Level Assessment) is a method for systematically evaluating a company’s processes and systems. The focus is on analyzing how well the company manages development projects and implements continuous improvements to meet the high demands of the industry.

MLA is primarily used in industries where product development is a central focus, such as the automotive and manufacturing sectors.