What is AS9100?

The Aerospace Industry developed and generated their own specific standard which were based on ISO 9000 with modifications to address the needs of their customers. In response, AS 9000 Standard came into existence in 1997 which was also based on ISO 9000 requirements. Later in 1999, the standard was updated and made it suitable for global application

Since 1999 there has been 4 revisions:

• AS 9100 A (2001) changes were due to specific updation in ISO 9001 requirements.
• AS 9100 B (2004) was a minor administrative revision
• AS 9100 C (2009) was written to address the perceived ineffectiveness of the standard to ensure on-time delivery of high quality parts. Also adding additional requirements were thoroughly researched and added to quantify conformance and delivery performance, and to emphasize risk management. Auditing was also made more rigorous and evidence-based to find the root cause such that corrective actions are planned and implemented.
• AS 9100 D (2016), the current version, was updated to include the entire ISO 9001:2015 standard, and added guidance in the areas of safety and counterfeit parts. Another notable addition to the AS9100D standard was the recognition of human factors, like stress, fatigue, and distraction etc.

What is AS 9100 and Why choose to go with this specific Standard?

AS 9100 is specially designed standard for Aerospace industry to achieve high quality management system in Aviation, Space and Defence. It is a well proven and systematic strategy to build a standardized quality management system in designing or manufacturing aerospace products along with its maintenance and product distribution.

Implementing this standard will provide national and international consistency and also address the specific regulatory, safety, reliability requirements demanded by aerospace sector.

The AS 9100 Aerospace series covers the following standards

• AS 9100 – Quality Management System Requirements for Design and/or Manufacture of Aerospace Products
• AS 9110 – Quality Management System Requirements for Aviation Maintenance Organizations
• AS 9120 – Quality Management System Requirements for Distributors

The standard mainly helps manufacturers and suppliers to design, manufacture and deliver safe, reliable and high-quality products to the industry. Essentially, the standard helps businesses adhere to the rules and requirements demanded by the aerospace industry.

AS 9100 is applicable to?

• The standard specifically applies to business ventures providing products in aviation, space and defence industry.
• Other organization responsible for design, manufacture, maintenance, distribution of products.

Critical Points for AS 9100 Management Review

Internal Audit – Frequent internal audit will indicate the critical problems and changes needed to have a quality management system.

Improvement Opportunities – Internal audits will make sure the area of improvements, but also outside the audit process the different/new opportunities should be identified and effectively planned.

Corrective Action – For every non-conformity, the corrective actions should be addressed. An effective and timely planned action will be highly appreciated to form a system.

Effectiveness of the processes, products and services – Addressing this point one will know the smoothness of the processes and what more changes can be done to improve the process, product and services.

Customer Satisfaction – An assessment needs to be carried out on how effective customer demands are met along with assessment of on time delivery performance.

Adequacy of Resources – Avaibility of Resources is more important to make the QMS system to function properly.

This is the critical points that are needed to be taken into consideration to form a Management System. QMS is all about planning and improvement activities set to achieve quality objectives set by the top management which are key for the success of the company. This will allow the company to achieve strategic direction set for the future.

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Internal & External Benefits of Opting AS 9100

Internal

• Conformance to Legal and Regulatory Requirements
• Controlled consistency of manufactured products
• Improved customer perception of the organization’s image, culture and performance.
• Improved internal and external Communications
• A better understanding of the organizational processes
• Clear responsibilities and authorities agreed for all staff
• Greater involvement of the top management in the QMS
• Risk-based thinking in the QMS
• Higher emphasis on performance monitoring

External

• Reduce risks, failures as well as waste
• Ensure consistency and traceability of products and services
• Demonstrate effective and proven quality management
• Continually improve the quality throughout the supply chain
• Managed productivity and efficiency and control costs
• Improve time and resource management
• The desired level of assurance in the quality
• Increased organizational Profitability

Conclusion

The AS 9100 Standard provides a comprehensive and professional platform for building a Quality Management System (QMS) in the Aerospace Industry. The process of implementing the standard maybe demanding and time consuming, but the benefits of it justify the efforts put in by the organization.

If you have any questions about AS 9100 implementing process or any other specific question related to this standard, please PQSmitra our expertise and knowledge would surely provide a better understanding and an efficient platform in achieving the certification.