Slow and Steady: Making the AS9100 Cut Requires Adequate Preparations (Demo)

There are hundreds of aerospace- and defense-related companies around the world that have AS9100 certification, but that stamp of approval didn’t come easy. A 2010 post on the U.S. Aerospace Alliance’s blog says:

Over the last several years, I’ve worked hard to get many companies through the AS9100 certification process. That—and making sure they remain compliant. This process is different for every company. Each will implement the requirements differently. It might take one company 3 or 4 months to get ready for and schedule a certification audit–and another company twice that. It depends on how motivated they are to get it done—and the factors that are driving their need.

With a world becoming ever more interconnected by air and sea travel, there’s an overriding importance to do better on current technology. Central to this is adherence to the AS9100 standard, and standing even the most remote chance of getting that nod requires putting all hands on deck. A company that runs AS9100 certification programs like the International Standards Authority (ISA), Inc. can help you push the boundaries. A prime element that auditors look for is the existence of a working quality management system (QMS). The author reflected on his experiences of working with a certain company over three months to assemble their own QMS and hone it so that an Accredited AS Registrar will have little problems auditing it over one full cycle. What was key to the QMS’ completion, he adds, was an upper management that was willing to get it done for the company’s benefit. In seeking AS9100 certification, reputable auditing firms like ISA will stress the key components in making sure the related QMS is up to par. They include accuracy of product design specs, risk management, and effective handling of the supply chain, especially when you have subcontractors working for you. You will even have to provide auditors with data on your clients, approval methods, and the employees’ job descriptions. The effects of lack of compliance with AS9100 can be too visible to ignore down the line. The author noted that there were aerospace companies that were comfortable transacting with customers who didn’t have AS9100 as a prerequisite- things changed later on when a customer’s new job order addressed to them suddenly had compliance stipulations. He added that some companies actually held out against accreditation for years before undergoing the process. A famous wrestler once wrote in his autobiography that “All it takes is all you’ve got.” If your firm is gunning for AS9100, prepare for a long road. The prize, however, will be more than worth it. (Source: Considering AS9100 Certification, read part 1 of this series first…, U.S. Aerospace Alliance)