A method for error proofing body shop component begins by scheduling the production of a vehicle body using an assembly plant controller. A version of a sheet metal component is then selected. The version of the sheet metal component determines what body type will be produced. To insure that the proper body type is being produced, the assembly plant controller verifies the version of the sheet metal component by using a plurality of sensors. If the wrong sheet metal component is detected, then the body shop process is stopped and the wrong sheet metal part is replaced with the correct sheet metal part. Once all correct sheet metal parts are in place, they are spot welded together to produce a vehicle body.