AS9100D Certification: Standard Definition, Audit Requirements

AS9100D is a generally accepted certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) across the aerospace sector. It is derived from the ISO 9001 standard but includes additional specifics that are tailored to the aerospace sector. AS9100D sets the criteria for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving a robust quality management system within aerospace organizations.

An accredited certification body is a required partner in the implementation of AS9100D. This organization will guide you through the implementation process and audit your systems for compliance. The audit requirements are clear and explicit and a well-established and thoughtfully operated QMS that is established to comply with the standard will generally require only small corrections and adjustments before a certificate of compliance is issued.

What Is the AS9100D Certification?

AS9100D, also known as AS9100 and EN9100, is the most recent revision of the AS9100 standard, also called "Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space, and Defense Organizations." It covers the fundamentals required by ISO 9001:2015, with the addition of aerospace-sector-specific requirements to ensure quality, safety, and reliability in aerospace products and services. The key elements of AS9100D are:

1. Customer focus emphasizes meeting customer requirements, ensuring customer satisfaction, and elevating and addressing customer expectations.
2. Risk management planning requires organizations to identify and mitigate risks associated with their products, processes, and supply chains.
3. Configuration management focuses on defining and controlling product configurations (SKUs) and maintaining precise information that ensures product conformance and integrity.
4. Design and development quality approaches result in better products, including validation and verification processes.
5. Supplier management processes set criteria for selecting, evaluating, and managing suppliers to ensure the quality and reliability of components and materials.

What Are Quality Management Systems?

A QMS is an aggregation of processes, policies, procedures, and resources used in an organization, so that its products or services efficiently meet customer expectations. The key components of a QMS are: quality policy, quality objectives, document control, risk management, training and competency, supplier management, corrective and preventive actions, and continuous improvement.

What Industries and Companies Is AS9100D Relevant For?

AS9100D is tailored to the aerospace industry's needs, across all aspects of the sector, including:

1. Aircraft manufacturers.
2. Aerospace component suppliers, such as engines and avionics systems.
3. Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers.
4. Space systems and satellite manufacturers.
5. Defense and military contractors.
6. Aerospace testing and certification services.

Types of AS9100D Certifications

AS9100D certification covers quality management systems in the aerospace sector. AS9100D is a single standard with defined requirements that organizations must meet to achieve certification.

What Are the AS9100D Audit Criteria?

To achieve AS9100D certification, organizations undergo a thorough preparation and audit process. The audit criteria are:

1. Documentation of procedures must comply with the standard.
2. Operation of procedures must reflect the intent of the standard.
3. Engagement of QMS leaders must be effective, with a clear understanding of methods.
4. Personnel must be clear in their engagement with the process.
5. Corrective actions instructed in audits must be implemented effectively.
6. A measurable culture of risk management must operate within the organization.
7. Regular process reviews must be undertaken as part of continuous improvement.

The AS9100D Audit and Accreditation Process

The AS9100D certification process typically involves:

1. Preparation: Commitment to build and implement a compliant QMS.
2. Documentation: Creating required documentation to comply with the standard.
3. Internal Audit: Arranging a preliminary audit to validate compliance.
4. Certification Audit: Engaging an accredited certification body for the formal audit.
5. Nonconformity Management: Addressing deviations found during the certification audit.
6. Certification Decision: Issued by the certification body if compliance is confirmed.
7. Surveillance Audits: Conducted to ensure ongoing compliance with AS9100D.

What Are the Benefits of AS9100D Certification?

AS9100D certification offers benefits such as:

1. Improved quality management practices.
2. Enhanced customer confidence in products and services.
3. Increased competitiveness in the market.
4. Regulatory compliance with industry standards.
5. Supply chain management compliance.
6. Operational efficiency gains and reduced waste.
7. Continuous improvement of processes and innovation.
8. Effective risk management practices.

When Are AS9100D Certifications Required?

AS9100D certifications are often required in the aerospace industry due to:

1. Customer requirements from aerospace manufacturers.
2. Regulatory compliance mandates.
3. Aerospace contracts that demand certification as a prerequisite.
4. Supplier qualification processes that predicate upon certification.
5. Industry recognition that enhances organizational reputation.

What Accrediting Body Issues AS9100D Certifications?

AS9100D certifications are issued by accredited certification bodies, which are independent organizations that assess and certify against the AS9100D standard. The type of accredited body will depend on the region in which certification is sought.

Summary

This article presented the AS9100D certification, explained its relevance in various industries, and outlined its benefits as well as the certification and audit process.