In aerospace and defense, precision and control are non-negotiable. Every product must meet strict requirements, and every change needs to be documented and verified. This is the foundation of AS9100 configuration management.
Configuration management ensures that the physical and functional characteristics of a product or service are clearly defined, consistently documented, and carefully maintained throughout the entire lifecycle. It’s not just about part numbers or revision levels—it’s about controlling identity, managing change, and ensuring consistency between requirements and reality.
What AS9100 Configuration Management Involves
To comply with AS9100, organizations are expected to build a structured process that:
- Controls product identity and traceability so every part, assembly, or deliverable can be linked back to approved requirements
- Implements change management to make sure no design updates or process adjustments slip through without approval and documentation
- Keeps documentation aligned with reality by ensuring that requirements, designs, test records, and acceptance documents always reflect the actual product or service delivered
- Supports lifecycle visibility from initial design through production, delivery, and maintenance, preventing mismatches that could impact safety or compliance
- Provides confidence to customers and regulators that the organization can demonstrate full control over its products and services
Why Strong Configuration Management Matters
Without disciplined configuration management, organizations face risks such as:
- Outdated drawings or specifications entering production
- Unapproved changes leading to nonconforming parts
- Breakdowns in traceability during audits or investigations
- Increased costs from rework, scrap, and missed deadlines
- Loss of customer trust or even contract termination
By contrast, a strong AS9100 configuration management system provides:
- Risk reduction through documented and controlled changes
- Improved quality assurance by ensuring alignment between requirements and delivered product
- Regulatory and audit readiness with complete traceability
- Customer confidence that every deliverable meets expectations
Putting It Into Practice
Effective AS9100 configuration management doesn’t need to be overly complex. Organizations can strengthen their process by:
- Establishing clear procedures for document control and change management
- Assigning ownership for configuration management at the program or project level
- Using standardized templates for requirements, specifications, and verification records
- Leveraging software tools or QMS platforms to track revisions, approvals, and traceability
- Training staff so everyone understands their role in maintaining document and product consistency
When implemented effectively, configuration management becomes a safeguard against risk, a driver of efficiency, and a core part of building customer trust.
Ronnie Lee Roberts II has worked in the Department of Defense (DoD) quality space since 2017, supporting programs at Patuxent River and Webster Field (NAWCAD/NAVAIR). He has worked as a certified AS9100:2016 Rev D Lead Auditor (2022-2025), ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 Lead Auditor (TPECS [2023]), and a Certified CMMI® Associate (2025) with experience supporting CMMI-DEV Level 3 environments. His expertise spans technical writing, document control, CAD design, logistics management, and quality control. Ronnie specializes in inspecting to specification, ensuring contract compliance, and preparing teams for success in high-stakes, audit-ready environments.
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