Every business has its own requirements, but if you want to thrive in any business, maintaining ethical practice and offering high-quality service is the step towards success. To ensure these non-tangible attributes, every business has formed an auditing procedure.
AS9100 certification is one of them that ensures a business adheres to the quality parameters and meets the highest standards, especially in the aviation, space, and defense sectors.
If you're considering AS9100 certification, this article is for you. In this article, we will simplify the key steps of the AS9100 certification process and help you make a budget for a successful certification audit.
What Is AS9100?
First things first. Before you learn about the AS9100 process, let's learn about its purpose. AS9100 is basically a quality management standard designed specifically for the aerospace industry.
The purpose of this certification is to manage industry-specific risks, prevent counterfeit parts, and ensure timely delivery of products. AS9100 ensures that organizations within the aerospace sector deliver consistent quality and adhere to stringent regulatory requirements.
It was introduced in 1999 by the American Society of Automotive Engineers and the European Association of Aerospace Industries. AS9100 has evolved over time.
The AS9100 Certification Process
Here is a step-by-step process to obtain AS9100 certification.
Learn about the Requirements
To start the AS9100 certification process, the first step is to gain knowledge about the set requirements.
Get a copy of AS9100 and related documents, such as AS9101, which cover the audit requirements. These documents have clear guidelines about the process of AS9100 certification and help you prepare for certification and ensure that your organization meets the necessary criteria.
Perform a Gap Analysis
The next step is to find the gaps in your current operation system and what is expected in the guideline. Conducting this gap analysis is a crucial step.
The gap analysis will help you understand where your organization stands and what changes are needed to meet the certification requirements. It will guide your implementation plan and help you focus on areas that need improvement.
Create an Implementation Plan
Based on the results of the gap analysis, you need to develop a detailed implementation plan. This plan should have clear guidelines and the steps needed to align your processes with AS9100 requirements.
Design Documentation
Documentation is key in AS9100 implementation. This documentation will guide your processes and help you verify compliance. Make sure your documentation is comprehensive and tailored to your organization’s needs.
Train Your Employees
The next step is to provide necessary training to your employees and make them understand its impact. Your company must have a proper training matrix, and proper training will help them to perform their roles effectively.
Implement Your Plan
Put your plan into action. Monitor your quality management system closely, and make adjustments as needed. Most companies do an internal audit to check for compliance and identify areas for improvement.
Choose a Certification Body
The next step is to select a reputable certification body (CB) to conduct your third-party audit. Look for a CB that is accredited and has experience with AS9100 certification. The right certification body will help you navigate the audit process and provide valuable feedback.
Audit and Certify
The certification process involves an audit by the chosen certification body. The audit will verify that your quality management system meets AS9100 requirements. If you pass the audit, you will receive your AS9100 certification. This certification is valid for three years, during which you will need to complete annual surveillance audits.
How Much Does AS9100 Certification Cost?
Understanding the cost of AS9100 certification is crucial for budgeting and planning. The cost can vary depending on several factors:
Size of the Organization: Larger organizations with more complex processes and systems typically face a higher cost of AS9100. The size and complexity of your organization will influence the duration and scope of the audit.
Scope of Certification: If you own a large company, the more extensive your certification. The scope of your certification, including the number of sites and products, which highly impacts the AS9100 certification cost.
Certification Body: Different certification bodies have varying fee structures. Choosing a reputable and experienced CB can affect the overall cost of certification.
Internal Costs: There are some internal costs also involved in this process. This can include the time and resources spent preparing for the audit, training employees, and implementing changes. These costs can vary based on your organization's current level of compliance.
Conclusion
Achieving AS9100 certification is a significant investment that can enhance your company’s reputation, improve processes, and open new business opportunities.
By understanding the certification process and calculating the AS9100 certification cost involved, you can better prepare for this important step in your aerospace quality management journey.
Explore KSQA for a detailed understanding of quality audits and certification processes. They have decades of experience helping businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit their official website now!
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