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Difference Between AS9100 and AS9120 Certification

Aerospace standards are not only meant to work towards customer satisfaction but also help with providing improved quality and timely delivery. They are also used for problem identification and risk mitigation. Moreover, these standards help to reduce the overall cost of projects by cutting risks and potential for error by developing sound business processes that ensure quality outputs are consistently achieved. Both AS9100 and AS9120 work towards streamlining and reducing the number of required audits along the aerospace supply chain and include aspects of the ISO 9001 standard plus specific areas of importance related to quality for the Aerospace industry.

Important Note: Differentiation is made between the new information added in the AS Standards by Bold and Italics.

The true difference between the two AS standards and the reason your organization should be certified to one over the other lies in the type of aerospace organization that you operate – whether you create products and services or whether you distribute products within the aerospace industry.

AS9100 and AS9120 are internationally recognized standards for quality management for the aerospace industry that are operated by IAQG or the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG).

When discussing the benefits of these standards, it must be kept in mind that these standards facilitate and monitor continuous improvement but also open market opportunities. The standards help demonstrate and validate transparency and traceability through a supply chain network which helps reduce costs, increase efficiency and ultimately save time, money and resources. They also help ensure that a system is monitored and supported by the regulatory authority which helps engage, motivate and involve the staff. Moreover, certification helps with trade as it is often considered a requirement in the aerospace industry.

Important Note: While AS9100 mentions several guidance standards that do not require certification, these only provide guidance and specifications.

What is AS9100?

QMS for quality assurance in design, development, production, installation, and servicing

AS9100 is an international standard containing requirements for establishing and maintaining a quality management system for the aerospace industry. Its official name is AS9100 Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space and Defense Organizations and it is intended to be used by organizations that design, develop, and produce aviation, space, and defense products and can be applied throughout the supply chain.

Because the aerospace industry has high standards of customer satisfaction and strict laws imposed by regulatory authorities AS9100 focuses on how the products are made to ensure the organization produces and continuously improves products that meet these high industry standards. This standard establishes the elements that a quality management system must have for companies to consistently provide safe, quality products that are delivered on time.

The design and implementation of this standard will be influenced by the size and organizational structure of the company, its needs, its objectives, processes and the products it provides.

What is AS9120?

QMS for quality assurance in stockholding and distribution of aerospace/defense parts

AS9120 is a standard that specifies the requirements for a quality management system (QMS) for stockist distributors in the aerospace industry. The standard addresses chain of custody, traceability, control, and availability of records. AS9120 was developed for stockist or pass-through distributors of aerospace commodity items. This standard is part of the AS9100 series, and it includes all of the ISO 9001 requirements, plus specific requirements related to aerospace distributors.

Distributors of aerospace commodity items directly impact the performance of these items if they are mishandled or traceability is lost between the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and final customer. AS9120 has been developed to help distributors minimize the occurrence of anything that could negatively affect the performance of their commodities.

This certification is intended for organizations that procure parts, materials, and assemblies, and sell these products to a customer in the Aerospace industry. This includes organizations that procure products and split them into smaller quantities. This standard is not intended for organizations that rework or repair products.

Summary & Notes

It is important to note that the AS Standards mentioned in this article are not product standards since they do not define product quality. They only ask you to control processes in order to meet customer requirements for your outputs. Since these are not personal standards, an individual cannot become certified to them, they can only become a third-party auditor of the standards.

An organization can become certified to the AS standard through a 3-year process with annual audits conducted by internal and external auditors and recommendation for certification by an accredited certification body. This is done to ensure an organization’s processes and quality management system are inspected by an impartial third-party at regular intervals to ensure compliance with the AS Standard.

With various representatives for departments of aviation, space, and defense companies in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, AS9100, AS9110 and AS9210 standardize not only quality management system requirements but can be used at all levels of the supply chain by different organizations around the world, in order to ensure improved quality, reduced costs, consistent outputs, and improved delivery performance.

This is accomplished through the reduction or elimination of organization-unique requirements, effective implementation of the quality management system, and wider application of good practices.

The benefits of AS9100 AND AS9120 include not only market acceptance but the opening of international opportunities as both the standards are endorsed by all major aerospace bodies and regulators including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

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AS9100 & The Importance of OASIS - ISOUpdate.com

As competition grows, the need for quality management is becoming more and more critical for every industry. Many industries have taken the backbone to all quality management system standards, ISO 9001, and added elements to ensure it works perfectly for them. The Aviation, Space and Defence industry was one of the first to do this when they released their own unique management systems standard in 1999. If you have been working in the aerospace industry, you understand the importance and criticality that the AS9100 standard now plays.

Defining AS9100

AS9100, which can also be written as EN 9100, was released in October of 1999, by the Society of Automotive Engineers and the European Association of Aerospace Industries. The intent was to create an aerospace standard that would ensure the safety of the consumer and provide the best quality to the customer. Almost all major aerospace companies have adopted these standards in their operations as well as throughout their supply chains.

AS9100 has also been endorsed by the major regulators in the industry: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The AS9100 series of quality standards adds over 100 requirements to the ISO 9001 standard that apply specifically to the aerospace industry, including the following:

  • 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

Did you know? The AS9100 document was originally introduced by the American Society of Automotive Engineers and the European Association of Aerospace Industries. The document was subsequently picked up by the IAQG as a method of maintaining industry quality levels on a global scale. – Source

What are the Benefits of AS9100 to you as a Business Owner?

AS9100 is an effective way to promote that your organization is consistently capable of providing products and services that meet customer requirements and comply with all relevant and regulatory requirements. AS9100 also demonstrates your organization’s ability to enhance customer satisfaction and improve both processes and practices, and products and/or services.

Engagement in Employees

Understanding the value of engaging employees and having conversations directly about QMS and quality can improve not only the processes they are actively involved in but also the quality of their workmanship. ISO 9001 and AS9100 work to make the most efficient improvements throughout your organization, but engaging employees creates employees who are fully absorbed by and enthusiastic about their work and so take a positive action to further the organization’s reputation and interests. – Source

Engaged employees are more likely to: positively influence other employees; be more productive and profitable; provide better customer service; be more enthusiastic about their work; be comfortable staying in their role; offer positive suggestions for the organization, and offer word of mouth promotion for your organization.

Read a more detailed look into employee engagement.

Customer Satisfaction

Being customer-centric means you are able to extract and fulfil customer requirements and then follow up with feedback and steps that act upon that feedback. Happy customers are repeat customers, and in a study by Bain & Company detailing e-commerce shoppers, the study demonstrated that repeat customers can actually increase their profitability by attracting more clients to your organization through referrals.

Lower Costs

A study undertaken through the American Society for Quality (ASQ) showed that for every $1 spent on your QMS, you could expect to see an additional $6 in revenue, a $16 reduction in costs, and a $3 increase in profits. On average, they saw that quality management systems reduced costs by 4.8%.

Another study undertaken by the Harvard Business School showed that companies that adopted ISO 9001 had the following benefits:

  • Higher rates of survival
  • Increased Sales
  • Growth in employment
  • Increased wages
  • Less waste
  • Improved worker productivity

Read more about the ROI of Quality

The AS9100 Certification Process

AS9100 certification is conducted through an external and impartial audit by an accredited certification body. AS9100D certification is for 3 years, with your first audit being the certification audit, and 2 surveillance audits happening each consecutive year after certification. Every 3 years, if your organization wishes to continue to be certified to AS9100, your certification body will conduct a recertification audit and 2 surveillance audits in this same order.

It is important to note that before the certification audit can take place, your organization will need to internally assess that all AS9100 requirements are met. Consider this in layman’s, the period your organization needs to prepare for and study for a test.

You should also note that because of the complementary nature of ISO 9001 and AS9100, any organization seeking AS9100:2016 certification must first comply with ISO 9001:2015.

More on the Relationship Between ISO 9001 and AS9100

Some of the most important alterations between the 2008 and 2015 iterations of ISO 9001 that directly relate to AS9100 include:

  • A 10 clause structure based on the Annex SL formatting model
  • An increased focus on external processes, products and services
  • An expanded focus on stakeholder satisfaction and company performance
  • An improved approach to risk-based thinking and risk mitigation

Source

The AS9100 Certification Process starts with your organization understanding the guidelines that have been set out by AS9100 and ensuring the requirements are being met. Your organization might want to consider looking for a Consultant to help implement processes. To remain impartial, your AS9100 auditor and your Certification Body cannot offer suggestions to help you pass requirements, you will need to work with a third party to ensure success for your certification.

Find a Consultant here.

After you’re satisfied that your efforts will meet AS9100 requirements, your organization will then appoint an internal auditor that periodically checks whether those standards are being conformed to or not. In the case that an internal employee with the capability or experience does not exist, outsourcing to an auditor should be considered.

After your organization is satisfied with your capacity to achieve certification, you will want to start finding quotes from AS9100 Certification Bodies. Consider your choice of Certification Body carefully as you will be working with them consistently through the certification process, and at least once per year during recertification and surveillance audit periods.

It is important to note that if you are dissatisfied with your current CB, you can transfer your certificate to a different Certification Body at any time during the process. There is a transfer fee involved in moving your certificate, and to transfer your data in OASIS. However, you might find it is worth the investment.

You can find a Registrar here.  

What is OASIS

OASIS or Online Aerospace Supplier Information System, is an online directory of members of the IAQG that houses information on certified suppliers and their audits, accredited certification bodies, AQMS auditors, accreditation bodies, and participating National Aerospace Industry Associations (NAIA). – Source

The IAQG website defines themselves as “a cooperative organization within the aerospace & defence industry comprised of 3 sectors (Americas – AAQG, Asia/Pacific – APAQG and Europe – EAQG)” … and their purpose is defined to “establish and maintain a dynamic cooperation based on trust between aerospace & defence companies on initiatives to make significant improvements in quality performance and reductions in cost throughout the value stream”. – Source

The Importance of OASIS

Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS) is a database used to assist in the management and transparency of AS9100. OASIS is free to join and provides organizations with access to a list of CB’s, training providers, and accreditation bodies. OASIS can also be used to find other certified organizations or auditors who can perform AS audits.

Did you know? Through OASIS, you can check other organizations’ certification status and additional information regarding their certification such as approval status and the date of their last audit. The results of an organization’s audit can also be requested through OASIS.

While OASIS is a free database, it is mandatory. If any aerospace certified supplier refuses to be a part of OASIS or refuses to set up an OASIS administrator, Certification Bodies are required by the IAQG to revoke their certificate of registration. Your CB will be responsible for collecting and uploading information, including certificates, pertaining to individual aerospace companies into OASIS.

Why is AS9100 and its regulation so important? Consider the relationship you have and want to portray to your customers, suppliers, clients, and major interested parties. Certification to AS9100 is a way to demonstrate to these bodies that you are taking an active interest in promoting quality and efficiency in your industry. AS9100 is a cost-effective ROI, a confidence builder, and employee engaging solution to your inefficiency problems.

Get a Quote for AS9100D Certification

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What are NADCAP Special Processes for Aerospace? - ISOUpdate.com

The term ‘special processes’ was first mentioned by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), which publishes a series of international quality assurance and management standards that help organisations document, monitor and improve their quality systems. Standardized quality assurance aims to improve customer satisfaction and overall organisational performance. One of the requirements to meet these standards is a series of special processes that need validation for service and product provision. But, what are NADCAP special processes for Aerospace?

Special Processes & Aerospace

The aerospace industry has implemented its own quality standards based on ISO 9001 which contain additional requirements specific to the industry. AS9100, AS9110 and AS9120 are the International Standards for Aerospace Quality Management Systems.

In the AS9100 series of standards, special processes refer to a set of linked procedures that lead to the creation of products and services whose end results would not otherwise be measured, monitored or verified before being released to the customer. Hence, these products and services require special attention during production to ensure that they are free of defects.

NADCAP

Nadcap-Flag-ISOUpdate.comIn the aerospace industry, the National Aerospace and Defence Contractors Accreditation Programme (NADCAP) plays a major, and mandatory, role acting as an approval body of the process used and ensuring the product is correct.

The accreditation process involves specific audits based on NADCAP requirements. For a NADCAP audit to take place, a company must first be AS9100 certified.

NADCAP Special Processes & Aerospace

Since special processes include procedures that alter or change the mechanical, chemical or physical parts of products within the operation or process, they require rigorous, standard-specific practices as well as qualified personnel or employees.

Organisations must have a well-defined procedure for review and approval for both equipment and qualifications of its employees.

Aerospace companies must provide evidence that proves their ability to achieve planned or expected results. This can be done by showing and keeping records of the processes involved in creating the product. This will allow the auditor to compare the processes to the existing standard requirements or procedures.

Examples

For instance, if a certain product was produced at a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then the same temperature should be used in observation during the audit and still produce the same product. This serves to improve and display trust in the validity of the product and the set of processes the industry follows.

Revalidation is an important aspect of special processes, especially when changes are made to a product.

Using the previous example, when a product that was initially manufactured at a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit is now being manufactured at 98 degrees Fahrenheit, the company must ensure the product’s validity and functionality remains the same.

Documenting Change

A key aspect to process change is documenting the change.

When changes are made to the process of making a product, the company, with the help of an auditor must ensure the process is revalidated to ensure that the product still meets the same specifications as it did before the changes were made.

The process of revalidation also emphasises the importance of industry standards such as ISO 9001 and AS9100 especially in a highly engineered industry such as aerospace.

In conclusion, special audited processes are very important in the aerospace industry because they determine the validity of a product by ensuring companies adhere to international standards, improving and increasing the production of quality products, and customer satisfaction.

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