Introduction:
The aerospace industry is known for its high-quality standards and strict regulatory requirements. To maintain these standards, companies in the aerospace sector must implement robust quality management systems (QMS). One such QMS that has gained widespread acceptance is AS9100. In this article, we will discuss what AS9100 is, its importance, and how to obtain the
AS9100 PDF for your organization.
What is AS9100?
AS9100 is an international standard for quality management systems in the aerospace industry. It was first published in 1997 and has since been revised several times to keep up with the ever-evolving aerospace industry. The latest version, AS9100:2016, is based on the ISO 9001:2015 standard but includes additional requirements specific to the aerospace industry.
AS9100 covers various aspects of an organization's QMS, including design, development, production, installation, and servicing. By implementing AS9100, organizations can demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products that meet customer and regulatory requirements while aiming for continual improvement.
Importance of AS9100
The aerospace industry has some of the most rigorous quality standards in the world, as any defect or failure can have catastrophic consequences. Implementing AS9100 helps organizations to:
- Ensure product safety and quality
- Meet customer and regulatory requirements
- Reduce costs by minimizing defects and rework
- Improve customer satisfaction
- Continuously improve their QMS
By achieving AS9100 certification, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to quality and gain a competitive advantage in the aerospace market.
Obtaining the AS9100 PDF
To obtain the AS9100 PDF, organizations must first implement an effective QMS based on the requirements outlined in the standard. This process typically involves the following steps:
- Conduct a gap analysis to identify areas where the existing QMS may not meet the AS9100 requirements.
- Develop and implement an action plan to address these gaps and align the QMS with AS9100.
- Train employees on the new QMS procedures and ensure their understanding and buy-in.
- Conduct internal audits to verify the effectiveness of the QMS and identify areas for improvement.
- Engage a third-party certification body to perform a final audit and grant AS9100 certification upon successful completion.
Once certified, organizations can download the AS9100 PDF from the relevant certification body or purchase a hardcopy for their records.
Conclusion
This article is aimed at businesses operating in the aerospace industry, as well as professionals and students interested in quality management systems.
AS9100 PDF, aerospace industry, quality management system, ISO 9001, AS9100:2016.