# Prepare initial sampling with AI

> The AI reads your customer's request, selects the right VDA or AIAG template and compiles the initial sample inspection report with all evidence. Your quality team reviews and approves.

Source: https://aidera.tech/en/quality/initial-sampling
Provider: Aidera GmbH, Munich, Germany (ISO 27001, hosted in Germany)
Last updated: 2026-10-20

Video (video in German): [Aidera initial sampling with AI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvNzBQXAZMU)

## How the AI compiles your initial sample inspection report

1. **Read the request.** When a customer requests initial samples, the AI reads the request in the quality mailbox. It identifies customer, part number, deadline and the required documents.
2. **Template and specification.** Based on customer and plant, it selects the VDA or AIAG template and checks which specification applies. If anything is unclear, it asks specific questions.
3. **Test results.** It reuses existing test results from the ERP and compares them with the specification. If results are missing, it triggers the lab test.
4. **Compile the package.** It fills in the cover sheet, retrieves evidence such as material data, measurement system analysis and certificates from the file storage and checks the package for completeness.
5. **Approval and dispatch.** Your quality department sees at a glance what the AI has checked and flagged, approves the package and sends it to the customer.
6. **Track the status.** The AI prepares the status entry in the ERP. Every sampling remains traceable with status and documents.

## Your result

- **Complete packages.** The AI checks every package against the requirements of customer and plant.
- **Less lab effort.** Existing test results are reused, and only what is missing gets tested.
- **Traceable at any time.** Status and documents of every sampling are kept in one place.

## Fits into your system landscape

The AI works with your existing systems such as ERP, CAQ, FMEA tool, Outlook and file storage. Our engineers adapt every solution to your processes. Security is ensured by ISO 27001, a dedicated instance per customer and hosting in Germany.

## Frequently asked questions about initial sampling

### What is initial sampling?

In initial sampling, a supplier proves that parts made with series tools and series processes meet the customer's requirements. This is documented in the initial sample inspection report (German EMPB), in the German automotive industry according to VDA Volume 2 and internationally often according to AIAG PPAP.

### What is the difference between PPF and PPAP?

PPF stands for production process and product approval according to VDA Volume 2, PPAP for the AIAG Production Part Approval Process. Both define which evidence a supplier submits before the start of series production, but they differ in forms and submission levels.

### Which evidence does the AI compile?

The AI compiles all evidence that the template and the customer require. This includes, for example, cover sheet, test results, material data, measurement system analysis and certificates.

### Where do the test results come from?

The AI takes existing results from the ERP and compares them with the specification. If results are missing, it triggers the lab test.

### Does the AI write directly to our ERP?

No, the AI prepares the status entry in the ERP, and your team applies it. This way, your experts decide what is saved in the ERP.

### What does initial sampling with AI cost?

Initial sampling with AI is priced individually and based on ROI. The main factors are the number of samplings, your customers' requirements and the systems to be connected.

### How long does it take to roll out initial sampling with AI?

Initial sampling with AI is live in production in less than six weeks, and then the trial phase begins. During this time, our engineers store the VDA or AIAG templates and your customers' requirements and connect your ERP.

### How does initial sampling with AI differ from an ISIR template or conventional software?

Initial sampling with AI is tailored to your requirements and fully integrated into your ERP. With an ISIR template, your team fills in the report and adds the evidence itself. The AI reads the request, selects the right template and compiles the report with all evidence.

### How secure is our inspection and sampling data?

Your inspection and sampling data is protected to the highest data protection standards, and Aidera is ISO 27001 and TISAX certified. Every customer gets a dedicated instance hosted in Germany.

## More quality solutions

- [8D reports from suppliers](https://aidera.tech/en/quality/8d-supplier-complaints)
- [8D reports for customer complaints](https://aidera.tech/en/quality/8d-report)
- [FMEA with AI](https://aidera.tech/en/quality/fmea)
- [Inspection planning and deviation detection](https://aidera.tech/en/inspection-planning)
- [Supplier visits and audits](https://aidera.tech/en/quality/supplier-audits)
- [AI in quality management](https://aidera.tech/en/quality)

## Let's look at your next initial sampling together

We show you the process using a request from your daily work.

Book a demo: https://app.lemcal.com/@aidera/30-minuten-