Aerospace AS9100, AS9110, AS9120

Implementing AS9100

There are a number of key steps that need to be considered when implementing an aerospace quality management system:

Step 1: Determine which management standard to adopt
Whilst an ISO 9000 management system is acceptable in many instances, companies supplying the Aerospace industry should design their management system to meet the requirements of AS9100.

Step 2: Purchase the Standard
The road to implementing AS9100 starts with the purchase of the standard. Those involved need a familiarity with the concepts and clauses involved.

Step 3: Review support literature and software
There are a large number of tools that can be very helpful at every stage of the process of implementing any ISO 9001:2000 based QMS. Review our publications pages.

Step 4: Assemble a team and agree your strategy
The process towards implementing AS9100 must start with commitment and buy-in from top management. As part of this, an organizational strategy should be developed, and an implementation team formed.
 
Step 5: Training
Training to gain a deeper understanding of the standard and the route to implementation is advised. There are a wide range of training courses available to assist in this.

Step 6: Choose a registrar
A registrar is a third party, like BSI, who will assess the effectiveness of your quality management system. If the requirements are met, then you will be issued a certificate. This is a sign to customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities that you have implemented an effective quality management system, and that you are committed to the principles on which it is based. 

When choosing a registrar, you should consider industry experience, geographic coverage, price, and service level.

A good place to start is by contacting BSI.

Step 7: Develop a Quality manual
A Quality manual is a high level document that outlines your intention to operate in a quality manner. It outlines why you are in business, what your intentions are, how you are applying the standard, and how your business operates.

Step 8: Understand the additional requirements of AS9100
The major additional requirements are key characteristics of design, and the need to meet regulatory/ customer expectations and needs.

Step 9: Develop support documentation
This is typically a procedures manual that supports the Quality manual. Quite simply, it outlines what you do to complete a task. It describes who does what, in what order and to what standard.

Step 10: Implement your Quality Management System
Once the foundations have been laid, you should implement your quality management system.

The key to this is a commitment to the principles of the system, and effective communication and training, in essence gaining buy-in from staff who should be using the processes that you have developed.

During implementation, the process of maintaining records should begin. These demonstrate that you are doing what you say you are doing.

Step 11: Consider a pre-assessment
A pre-assessment normally takes place about 6 weeks into the implementation of the quality system. The purpose of the pre-assessment is to identify areas where you may not be operating to the standard. This allows you to correct any areas of concern you may have before the initial assessment.

Step 12: Gain registration
Once the preparation and implementation has been completed, registration to the standard can take place. The key to this is a registration assessment. During this process, the registrar will comprehensively review your management system, and should you pass, you will be recommended for registration and be awarded your certificate. 

Certification allows you to advertise your success and promote your business and its commitment to quality management.

Step 13: Continual assessment
Maintaining your registration requires only that you continue to use and be committed to your quality system. This will be periodically checked by your registrar to ensure that it continues to meet the requirements of the standard.

Learn mroe about the Route to Registration with BSI, or order Standards.