Effective quality management in the aerospace industry has unique requirements. Many companies seek to earn AS9100 certification to deliver products and services within the aviation, space, and defense spheres. This AS9100 standard has quality management system requirements with the challenges of the aerospace industry in mind.

In this blog, we will guide you through definition, importance, eligibility, and how to become an AS9100 certified company. 

What is the AS9100 standard? 

AS9100 is a standard that applies to aerospace organizations' quality management system requirements like aviation, space, and defense organizations. The International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) developed the standard itself after collecting input from representatives in aviation, space, and defense-related entities. 

The IAQG compiled this standard to create a quality standard that effectively reduces organizationally-unique requirements, implements effective quality management systems, and defines industry-wide good practices. These measures will guide all levels of an organization's supply chain effectively to perform more consistently regarding quality, cost, and delivery.

Organizations can achieve AS9100 certification through all levels of the supply chain around the world to improve quality, cost, and delivery performance. This can be achieved through the effective implementation of the quality management system, reduction or elimination of organization-unique requirements, and broader application of good business practices.

The AS9100 works in conjunction with ISO 900. It is a general industry standard that helps in establishing foundational quality management system standards. Since AS9100 is based upon the requirements of ISO 9001, it adds several other requirements that apply specifically to the aerospace industry. Some of these additions include:

• Additional configuration management 

• Special risk management

• Industry-critical items

• Increased focus on timely delivery

• Focus on product management

• Approval process and scope for suppliers

• Prevention of counterfeit parts

Why do you need AS9100 in your organization? 

Through AS9100, organizations can deliberately address quality enhancement goals and create a comprehensive quality system. Through this standard, the manufacturers and suppliers can effectively design, manufacture and deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality products to the ASD industry. Moreover, this standard helps businesses adhere to the rules and requirements demanded by the aerospace industry.

The AS9100 certification helps you with the following; 

• Global Recognition

• Product improvement

• Supply chain access

• Entry onto the IAQG Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS database)

• Access to large OEMs

• Proving business credentials

• Customer satisfaction

• Process effectiveness

Who does this standard apply to?

AS9100 is an industry-specific quality management system standard. Hence, this standard is mainly used by companies that provide products and services for the defense, space, and aviation industries. However, it not only applies to all the organizations that work in the aerospace industry but also to partners in the aerospace industry. This includes; 

• Manufacturers of aircraft components and materials

• Designers of aerospace parts and assemblies

• Quality management organizations working with aerospace manufacturers

• Any other company who is working in the aerospace industry regularly or irregularly.

How to become AS9100 certified? 

AS9100 Certification has a lot of requirements. First, you need to learn all the requirements for this standard. Then you can apply them to your business, such as quality assurance, process documentation, and data management. Below written are some steps that you can apply to become certified; 

Internal audit: 

The first step that you need to do is get an internal audit of your QMS that will take place at your business location. 

Management reviews:

AS9100 needs management reviews, where they will assess your company's progress, evaluate its data, and analyze how effective its QMS will be.

Third-party audit: 

An authorized third-party registrar will perform your Stage 1 and 2 audits. You must provide records and other relevant materials for QMS assessment, including proof of our internal audit and management reviews.

Conclusion 

AS9100 standard is an international standard that is built on the requirements for a Quality Management System. This certification allows your tenders. All the managers and the employees of the organization should be involved in the implementation of the AS9100 quality management system (QMS) requirements. 

They should work together to prepare for a third-party audit confirming the company's compliance with the standard's requirements. If you complete the AS9100 certification audit, then the certification body can issue a certificate that you can distribute as objective proof that you comply with the standard.

KSQA is an auditing firm that helps organizations evaluate businesses' implemented systems to ensure their QMS leads to sustainable growth.