Cause and Effect Analysis: Beyond the Fishbone Diagram

Cause and Effect Analysis: Beyond the Fishbone Diagram

Cause and effect analysis is one of the most widely recognized methods used in quality management to understand why problems occur. Commonly associated with the Ishikawa or fishbone diagram, the method provides a structured way to examine how multiple factors may contribute to an undesired outcome. Despite its familiarity, the method is often applied superficially. […]

How to Audit Top Management Per AS9100D Clause 5

How to Audit Top Management Per AS9100D Clause 5

Auditing top management under AS9100D clause 5 focuses on leadership behavior, accountability, and integration of the quality management system into business operations. The audit evaluates how executives actively lead and support the QMS through decisions, actions, and resource allocation. Clause 5 addresses leadership and commitment, the quality policy, and assignment of organizational roles and authorities. […]

AS9100D Shall Requirements Explained: Reference Guide for Aerospace & Defense Quality Teams

AS9100D Shall Requirements Explained: Reference Guide for Aerospace & Defense Quality Teams

Understanding AS9100D requirements remains one of the most common challenges for aerospace and defense suppliers. Clause language—especially the repeated use of shall, should, may, and can—creates uncertainty during audits and system implementation. Many nonconformities are linked to misunderstanding what the requirement actually demands rather than any breakdown in the process itself. When the language of […]

AS9100D Internal Audit Sampling: How Much Evidence Is Enough?

AS9100D Internal Audit Sampling: How Much Evidence Is Enough?

Understanding Sample Size in AS9100D Internal Audits AS9100D does not dictate how many records, parts, or transactions to sample during an internal audit. Instead, auditors must select a size sufficient to achieve audit objectives while considering process risk, past performance, and available evidence. The goal is to gather enough objective evidence to confirm conformity or […]

Graphic Design for Audit Readiness: How Professional Visuals Convey Conformity with Authority

Graphic Design for Audit Readiness: How Professional Visuals Convey Conformity with Authority

When preparing for an ISO, AS9100, IA9100, or other compliance audit, organizations often focus heavily on procedures, checklists, and corrective actions. But one overlooked factor in audit readiness is presentation. Auditors form impressions not only from what is written but also from how it is communicated. Strategic graphic design for audits transforms dense documentation into […]

QMS: Questions to Ask for AS9100 Audit on Clause 9.2

QMS: Questions to Ask for AS9100 Audit on Clause 9.2

Clause 9.2 of AS9100 Rev D requires organizations to establish and maintain an internal audit program that ensures their quality management system (QMS) conforms to both the organization’s requirements and the standard itself. It also confirms that the QMS is effectively implemented and maintained. Internal audits are not just a certification checkbox. They are a […]

Unpacking the AS9100 Series PDCA Structure: A Powerful Cycle for Aerospace QMS

Unpacking the AS9100 Series PDCA Structure: A Powerful Cycle for Aerospace QMS

Unpacking the AS9100 Series PDCA Structure: The Continuous Cycle Driving Aerospace Quality Introduction The AS9100 series of standards, which includes AS9100D, AS9110, and AS9120, is the aerospace industry’s foundation for quality management. Built upon ISO 9001, the AS9100 series strengthens requirements to address the high stakes of aviation, space, and defense manufacturing. At the heart […]

AS9100 Risk Management: Complete Guide for Aerospace & Defense Suppliers

AS9100 Risk Management: Complete Guide for Aerospace & Defense Suppliers

Introduction: Why Risk Management Matters in AS9100 In the aerospace and defense industry, risk management is the backbone of safety, reliability, and compliance. The AS9100 Quality Management System places strong emphasis on identifying, assessing, and controlling risks at every stage of the product and service lifecycle. From design and manufacturing to supplier management and maintenance, […]

AS9100 Audit Questions: What to Expect and How to Prepare

AS9100 Audit Questions: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Achieving and maintaining AS9100 certification is a crucial requirement for organizations operating in the aerospace and defense industries. One of the most common concerns for quality managers and compliance teams is what kind of AS9100 audit questions auditors will ask during surveillance, recertification, or internal audits. Understanding these questions and preparing evidence-based responses can make […]

AS9100D Requirements and Certification: From Gap Assessment to Audit-Ready

AS9100D Requirements and Certification: From Gap Assessment to Audit-Ready

Steps to AS9100 Certification (That Actually Work in the Real World) For aerospace and defense suppliers, achieving AS9100 certification isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a business requirement. Whether you’re bidding on government contracts or supplying major OEMs, certification under AS9100 demonstrates that your organization can meet the stringent demands of the aerospace industry. But what […]