AS9100 Certification Process & Benefits

Quality in the aerospace industry

As a supplier in the aerospace industry, it is crucial to adhere to the stringent requirements for safety and quality throughout the entire supply chain. Your organization can demonstrate this by getting an AS9100 certification with DQS Inc., who is ANAB accredited to certify to the AS9100 standard.

Proof of quality in the aerospace industry recognized in the U.S. and Canada as well as internationally

Fulfillment of OEM requirements

Listing as a competent supplier in the IAQG OASIS database

Traceability and end-to-end verification

How does AS9100 AS9120 define quality management?

The AS9100 series of standards was first published in 1998 by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG). It defines the requirements for a quality management system for companies in the aerospace and defense industry. The standard upholds customer-specific requirements for processes at the interfaces of the supply chain based on the specifications of the aerospace authorities.

The set of standards for quality management in the aerospace industry are divided into three parts, including the following offered by DQS Inc.:

AS9100:2018: for all manufacturers that design, develop and/or provide aerospace, space and defense products and services, and for organizations that provide post-delivery activities, including the provision of maintenance, spare parts or materials for their own products and services

AS9120:2018: for distributors and retailers who purchase parts, materials, and assemblies to resell these products to customers in the aerospace and defense industry. AS 9120 also applies to organizations that purchase products and divide them into smaller quantities, as well as those that coordinate a customer- or government-directed process on the product.

The requirements specified in the standards are in addition to contractual and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. If processing activities are performed on aerospace components, you need certification according to AS9100 or AS9110.

The globally recognized standards of the 9100 series bear the designation of the regionally responsible IAQG sectors before the name of the standard: EN for Europe (i.e. EN 9100, AS for America (i.e. AS9100), JISQ/SJAC for Japan/Asia/Pacific (i.e. JISQ 9100 or SJAC 9100). In terms of content, the standards are identical and recognized as equivalent worldwide.

Please Note: These are not ISO standards. The ISO 9100 series of standards deals with closures for glass containers.

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The revision of AS9100 AS9120

The AS9100 series of standards was fundamentally revised with the revision of ISO 9001:2015. The innovations include the changeover to the so-called High Level Structure (HLS), increased risk and process orientation, product safety, prevention of counterfeit parts, human factors, and a stronger focus on the needs of the relevant interested parties.

In this way, all innovations from ISO 9001:2015 have been adopted, but the top management representative is still required. The requirements of the AS9100 standards for your quality management are also:

Implementation of an appropriate configuration management process
Initial sample inspection
Risk management
Verification and marking/traceability throughout the supply chain and life cycle for companies in the aerospace industry
Mandatory reporting and establishment of a contingency plan in case of detection of delivered defective products

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Is the AS9100 certification suitable for my organization?

While the international standards AS9100 and AS9120 were designed for the aerospace and defense industry, they can also be applied in other industries where a quality management system with additional requirements beyond ISO 9001 is required.

Aerospace and defense organizations must deliver safe and reliable products and services that meet or exceed customer requirements. They are also held accountable to legal and regulatory requirements to their customers and must continuously improve them to ensure customer satisfaction.

Given the growing responsibilities of the industry, it is more important than ever to maintain reliable technology of the highest standard. The globalization of the aerospace industry and the resulting diversity of regional and national requirements and expectations has further complicated this objective.

Organizations are faced with the challenge of acquiring products and services from external suppliers around the world and at all levels of the supply chain. External suppliers face the challenge of having to deliver products and services to multiple customers who have different quality requirements and expectations.

This makes it vital to clearly meet the stringent quality standards of the series.

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How can the AS9100 certification benefit my company?

By having your quality management system independently and expertly audited, the management of aerospace companies can be assured that the system is compliant with the requirements of the industry-specific standards. In addition, the DQS Inc. industry-experienced auditors focus on identifying potential for improvement.

The advantages of AS9100 certification at a glance:

Visible sign of conformance with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) requirements
Listing of your company as a competent supplier in the Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS) database of the IAQG. Only this entry provides proof of an internationally recognized, accredited certificate.
Economic benefits through clear structuring of product and process information by means of a quality management system
Binding processes and responsibilities that support the continuous improvement of processes and their results
Risk-based thinking and complete verification become part of your corporate culture
Integration of requirements from normative and legally regulated areas
Earned trust of your customers, business partners and stakeholders in your quality management system
Transparency through clearly traceable structuring, release and modification of requirements/specifications and products through configuration management

DQS Inc. certificates are internationally recognized because they include all relevant sector markings.

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Who is authorized to perform certification according to AS9100?

DQS Inc. is accredited by ANAB to certify companies to the requirements of the AS9100 and 9120 standards. In the audit, our auditors provide important recommendations for improving your performance beyond verification of conformity.

To certify an aviation management system, the respective certification body itself must be accredited and listed in the OASIS database by IAQG.

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How does an AS9100 certification work?

The first step to get certified is to discuss your company, your current quality management, and the goals of an AS9100 or AS9120 certification with us. Based on these discussions, you will receive an customized quote tailored to the needs and requirements of your company.

Project planning begins with scheduling the audit on a mutually agreeable date. Additionally, an optional gap assessment provides an opportunity to identify your system’s strengths and potential for improvement in advance.

The certification audit starts with an analysis and evaluation of your system to determine whether your management system is suitable for certification during the stage 1. In the stage 2, your on-site DQS Inc. auditor evaluates the effectiveness of the management processes using the appropriate standard. The results are presented at a final meeting and if necessary, action plans are agreed upon.

After the audit, the results are evaluated by the independent certification board of DQS Inc. If all requirements are met, you will receive a certificate according to AS9100 or9120.

Essential components of your system are audited again annually on site. In this way, the continuous improvement of your management system and business processes is competently monitored.

The certificate according to AS9100 AS9120 is valid for a maximum of three years. Before the certificate expires, recertification is carried out by DQS Inc. to ensure continued conformance with the applicable standard requirements. Upon conformance, a new certificate is issued.

What does AS9100 certification cost?

Even though the audit according to AS9100 must be performed according to structured specifications, the costs depend on various factors. For example, it depends on whether a certified management system has already been established. In addition, the size of your company and the complexity of your aerospace quality management system (AQMS) have an influence on the duration of the certification and the price.

For these reasons, the costs for certification in aerospace and aviation according to AS9100 cannot be given as a lump sum. We are happy to make you an custom quote for your company or organization.

In order for us to give you an overview of the costs for AS9100 certification, we need precise information about your organization and the scope of your AQMS in advance. This will enable us to send you a tailor-made offer. Contact us directly here, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

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