AS 9100 - AEROSPACE QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
AS9100 (D) is based on ISO 9001:2015, and include additional requirements referring specifically to aerospace. The current standard applies to management systems that cover quality in design, development, production, installation, distribution, and servicing as well as purchasing, validation, and shipping. AS9100 also supports the FAA’s FAR Title 14 Part 21 requirements.
Understanding AS9100D - Aerospace Quality Management Systems
The AS9100D standard contains the elements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard and its corresponding guidelines. Specific items have been added to AS9100D to support aerospacespecific quality and reliability requirements:
- Configuration management process. Variations to key characteristics of a product must be managed for fit, performance, service life, and manufacturability.
- Product Safety. Now in a separate clause with supporting requirements added throughout other clauses.
- Risk. Combined with new ISO 9001:2015 requirements to create a stronger emphasis on risk identification and, as appropriate, mitigation.
- Planning product realization. The standard emphasizes planning for in-process verification when a product can’t be verified at a later point. Tooling design must also be used to ensure that process data will be captured.
- Design-and-development with in-process control points. Design outputs are used to provide identification of key characteristics.
- Design-and-development validation. AS9100 provides information on documentation, testing, and results.
- Identifying and maintaining suppliers. AS9100 includes additional expectations for supplier approval and management.
- Supplier Control. Inspection, validation, and acceptance of products from suppliers is addressed. Whether managed on-site or by the supplier, the process and controls must be managed by the system.
- Supplier Management. Each supplier is responsible for managing its sub-tier suppliers according to AS9100 standard, including source requirements, critical processes, and its sub-tier suppliers.
- Communication requirements. The standard also addresses issues such as engineering requirements, testing samples, and access and inspection of suppliers’ facilities.
- Human Factor. Now a consideration in nonconformity and corrective action.
Benefits of Certification
Companies that seek AS9100 certification strive to exceed government requirements, improve their performance through excellence in management practices, track and communicate their progress and work with independent auditors to enhance and certify their management systems.
Through independent certification, aerospace companies and vendors can certify that they have an effective system in place. In addition, Quality Management Systems guide firms in assessing their needs, building performance goals and reporting progress to the public.
The other benefits of AS9100 certification:
- Increased customer satisfaction
- On-going operational improvements that cut waste and reduce costs
- Fewer errors and lower return rates
- Greater productivity and improved performance
- Simplified documentation
- Greater audit and surveillance efficiency
- Greater access to new markets
- Meets requirements for suppliers of the major aerospace manufacturers
Elevate Your Aerospace Standards
Achieve excellence in quality management and regulatory compliance with AS 9100 certification. SQC’s expert consultants will guide you through every step, ensuring that your business meets the rigorous demands of the aerospace industry. Improve process efficiency, boost customer trust, and secure your place in the global aerospace supply chain.
Ready to enhance your aerospace quality management? Contact us today to begin your AS 9100 certification journey!