A Standard Specifically for Aerospace
The AS9100 is the first international standard, which defines the ways through which the aerospace manufacturers can improve their Quality Management System. The standard was developed to improve the production quality in the aerospace industry by providing outstanding service and customer satisfaction. It follows the rules defined by its predecessor, which is the ISO 9001 standard meant for defining ways to improve the quality management systems.
There are several benefits which could be availed through the AS9100 standard as it gives consistent verification methods along with easy audit procedures. The standard was released in October 1999 by the European Association of Aerospace Industries in Europe and by the Society of Automotive Engineers in America. Different versions of the standard were also released in Asia and Japan which provided corporate benefits to the aerospace organizations all over the world.
The AS9100 standard defines ways on how to address issues in the Quality Management System and provides methods to bring up a solution for them. Basically, the main methodology behind this standard is to improve the performance of aerospace systems and make them follow the same steps for monitoring quality of manufacturing aerospace technologies. The experts who have documented this standard along with the representatives who provided an authentication believe that the principals given by the AS9100 standard are vital to ensure process, product, quality and service safety. All of the quality management systems are meant to address the basic requirements of the customers and the AS9100 standard defines the approaches which must be followed to create a robust quality management system. This system should contain realistic methods on how to handle complex processes within the organization.
Similar to its Predecessor, ISO 9001
The requirements and clarifications provided in the standard are followed mostly from the ISO 9001 standard, but some improvements are made in the AS9100 standard which are beneficial for the aerospace manufacturers. The best practices are outlined along with ways to manage the quality management for your organization. Mostly, the standard focuses on key areas such as process, performance service and quality management. It is also required for the organization to develop a document consisting of work process and it should be maintained regularly. Planning the product realization is mandatory for an efficient and effective process.
The standard focuses on detailed supplementation in the development and design processes. You are required to maintain the verification of quality management as your product is being manufactured. The Process data must be saved for future audits to avail the AS9100 certification. The standard covers the planning required for development activities and ensure to maintain quality of the product being manufactured. It is essential to develop notes for design and development verification to show what the areas of emphasis where during the work process.
Very soon we will be in the newest phase of AS9100, rev D. Business that wish to maintain compliance will need to revisit the standard to make sure they meet the new requirements.
Are Consultants Necessary for Implementation?
Larger businesses and corporations typically have the resources to hire quality managers with necessary auditing experience, but consulting for AS9100 is available for small businesses that wish to implement the standard and do so cost effectively. Training programs (see video) are also available for companies wishing to find the least expensive option.