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: 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 […]
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 […]
Introduction – The Counterfeit Issue Counterfeit parts are a growing threat in aerospace and defense. AS9100 Clause 8.1.4 was introduced to address this critical risk with structured prevention methods. This guide breaks down what the clause requires, how to comply, and how to prepare your Quality Management System (QMS) for audit success. What Is AS9100 […]
Counterfeit parts in aerospace are no longer a theoretical risk—they’re an active and escalating threat that undermines aircraft reliability, operator safety, and national defense capabilities. The FAA estimates that approximately 520,000 counterfeit or unapproved parts enter aircraft annually—roughly 2% of installed components (connectorsupplier.com). These components, which range from semiconductors and fasteners to composite structures and […]
Step-by-Step: AS9100 Internal Audit Process 1. Audit Planning 2. Preparing the Audit Gather relevant documentation, such as: Use an AS9100 internal audit checklist to guide consistency. 3. Conducting the Audit 4. Documenting Audit Findings Capture: Use a standardized internal audit report template to record results. 5. Corrective Action Process 6. Management Review & Follow-Up Audit […]
The Cost of Quality in Manufacturing (CoQ) refers to the total cost of ensuring product quality, as well as the costs associated with poor quality. Rather than being limited to the cost of producing high-quality goods, CoQ includes all the activities that prevent, detect, and correct defective work. Understanding and analyzing CoQ helps manufacturers identify […]
