subject: As9100 For The Aircraft, Space And Defense Industry [print this page] The International management system standard for the Aircraft, Space an Defense (AS&D) industry is AS9100. It is based upon ISO 9001 but there are additional requirements for anyone providing products to be used in the aerospace industry. It is used by companies whether they are the designers, manufacturers, or those companies which provide maintenance for their own products.
AS9100 Rev. C is the latest iteration of the standard. It will be effective beginning in quarter 3, 2010. The changes from Rev. B to Rev. C are to incorporate changes on ISO 9001:2008.
With the implementation of AS9100, the business will be better able to retain and increase their market share, which in turn will improve revenue.
The importance of AS9100 Rev. C is the additional requirements to improve the consistency of product output. The quality system will be constantly monitored, as in Rev. B, but additional procedures need to be added to ensure that corrective action is taken as soon as defects occur. This not only improves quality, it actually reduces cost. It will also require the business to identify any current practices that are not efficient or have become obsolete. The new procedures should also make it easier for newer employees to understand and follow.
Gaining the AS certification is similar to certifying any quality management system. The present procedures are analyzed for necessity and compliance to the requirements, and an AS9100 registrar is required. The AS9100 registrar will come into the business and conduct an in-depth audit of policies and procedures. Once the audit has been successfully completed, certification will be issued, and registration will occur. As with any other quality management system certification, periodic audits must occur to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
