Steps to Achieve AS9100 Rev D Certification for Your Aerospace Organization

Achieving AS9100 Rev D certification is a critical step in ensuring that your aerospace company meets international standards for quality management. In this article, we will walk you through the necessary steps to obtain AS9100 Rev D certification and the key considerations along the way.

Table of Contents

• Understand the AS9100 Rev D Requirements
• Conduct a Gap Analysis
• Implement a Quality Management System (QMS)
• Train Your Employees
• Conduct Internal Audits
• Prepare for External Audit

Understand the AS9100 Rev D Requirements

The first step in achieving AS9100 Rev D certification is to thoroughly understand the requirements of the standard. AS9100 Rev D is a quality management system standard specifically tailored for the aerospace industry, and it includes detailed requirements for process management, risk management, and continuous improvement.

• Familiarize with Key Clauses: Ensure you and your team are familiar with the key clauses and requirements outlined in the standard, including process documentation, risk assessment, and management review.
• Understand the Scope: Determine the scope of your organization's AS9100 certification to ensure that all relevant processes are covered.

Conduct a Gap Analysis

Before implementing any changes, conduct a gap analysis to assess where your organization stands in relation to the AS9100 Rev D requirements. This analysis will help identify areas for improvement and guide your planning process.

• Review Existing Processes: Evaluate your current quality management system (QMS) to identify any gaps between your existing processes and the requirements of AS9100 Rev D.
• Document Non-conformities: Make a note of any non-conformities or areas where your current practices fall short of the AS9100 standard. This will help you prioritize corrective actions.

Implement a Quality Management System (QMS)

Once the gap analysis is complete, the next step is to implement or update your quality management system (QMS) to meet the AS9100 Rev D requirements. This involves aligning your processes with the standards and ensuring they are documented and accessible.

• Establish Quality Objectives: Define clear quality objectives aligned with your organization’s strategic goals, ensuring that they are measurable and achievable.
• Process Documentation: Develop and document key processes, procedures, and workflows to ensure compliance with AS9100. This includes establishing controls for documentation management, product realization, and risk management.
• Resource Allocation: Ensure that adequate resources, including personnel and tools, are in place to support the implementation and operation of your QMS.

Train Your Employees

Training is a critical component of achieving AS9100 Rev D certification. Employees must understand their roles within the QMS and be aware of the specific requirements of AS9100 to help maintain the system’s effectiveness.

• Offer Internal Training: Provide training sessions for your team on AS9100 Rev D, focusing on areas relevant to their roles, such as risk management, audit processes, and document control.
• Promote Awareness: Ensure that employees at all levels understand the importance of quality management and their contributions to meeting the standard's requirements.
• Engage Employees: Create a culture of quality within the organization by engaging employees in continuous improvement activities and fostering accountability.

Conduct Internal Audits

Internal audits are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of your QMS and ensure that it complies with AS9100 Rev D. These audits also help identify areas where corrective actions are needed before the external certification audit.

• Schedule Regular Audits: Conduct regular internal audits to assess compliance with the established QMS and identify any discrepancies.
• Prepare for Audit Findings: Be prepared to address any findings from internal audits, taking corrective actions as necessary to ensure compliance.
• Engage with the Audit Team: Involve cross-functional teams in the audit process to encourage collaboration and problem-solving.

Prepare for External Audit

The final step in achieving AS9100 Rev D certification is preparing for the external audit by a certification body. The external audit is a thorough review of your QMS to verify that it meets the AS9100 Rev D requirements.

• Prepare Documentation: Ensure that all documentation, including quality manuals, procedures, and records, are in order and easily accessible for the external audit.
• Conduct a Pre-Audit Review: Consider conducting a pre-audit review to identify any remaining gaps before the external certification audit.
• Address Non-conformities: Address any non-conformities identified during the pre-audit to ensure a smooth external audit process.

Conclusion

Achieving AS9100 Rev D certification is an essential step for aerospace organizations that want to demonstrate their commitment to quality and meet the highest industry standards. By following these steps—from conducting a gap analysis to preparing for the external audit—you can ensure that your organization is fully prepared for certification and positioned to thrive in the competitive aerospace market.

FAQ

• How long does it take to achieve AS9100 Rev D certification? The timeline for certification varies based on the size and complexity of your organization, but it typically takes several months to implement the required changes and prepare for the certification audit.
• What is the cost of AS9100 Rev D certification? The cost can vary depending on the size of your company and the certification body you choose. Costs typically include training, audit fees, and any resources required for process improvements.
• What is the role of internal audits in the certification process? Internal audits help assess the effectiveness of your QMS, identify areas for improvement, and ensure compliance with AS9100 Rev D before the external audit takes place.

Call to Action

Are you ready to take the next step towards AS9100 Rev D certification? Enroll in our AS9100 Lead Auditor Course today and gain the expertise needed to guide your company through the certification process.

For more information or assistance, feel free to contact us anytime. We're here to support you every step of the way!