Have you ever wondered what keeps airplanes safe and flying smoothly? A big part of it is following strict quality standards. AS9100 certification is one such standard, specifically designed for the aerospace industry.
This certification ensures companies in the aerospace industry follow top-notch quality control. By obtaining AS9100 certification, companies show their commitment to delivering high-quality products and services, which builds trust with customers and opens new business opportunities.
In this blog post, we will explain what AS9100 certification is, why it is important, and walk you through the certification process step by step. We will also discuss some factors that affect the cost of AS9100 certification.
What Is AS9100 Certification and Why It Is Important?
AS9100 is a standard for the aerospace industry created by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG). It is based on the well-known standard ISO 9001. Both AS9100 and ISO 9001 help organizations set up a Quality Management System (QMS), but AS9100 is specifically tailored for the aviation, space, and defense sectors.
Getting AS9100 certification shows that a company is serious about quality and reliability in aerospace products and services. It helps businesses improve their processes, keep customers happy, and follow necessary regulations. This certification can also create new business opportunities and partnerships in the aerospace industry.
Steps Involved in The AS9100 Certification Process
Here are six basic steps to get certified with AS9100 certification:
Understand AS9100 Requirements
Start by learning about AS9100 and what it requires. This standard helps ensure customer satisfaction and compliance with regulations. Make sure everyone in your company knows about it and how it affects their work. Do an internal review to find areas for improvement.
Implement a Quality Management System (QMS)
To get AS9100 certification, you need a quality management system that follows AS9100 rules. Start by creating a team of employees to help design and implement the system. Make sure everyone gets the right training. Document everything carefully and integrate it into your business documents.
Conduct a Gap Analysis
Before you look into getting AS9100 certification, start by doing a gap analysis. This means checking how well your current system meets AS9100 standards. The analysis will show you the areas where your company needs to improve to meet these requirements. This information will help you create a good plan to fix those issues so you can achieve AS9100 certification.
Root Cause Analysis
If you find any gaps during the analysis, it’s important to figure out why they happened. This is called a root cause analysis. The goal is to find long-term solutions by getting rid of the causes of the problems.
Certification Audit
Contact an accredited certification body to find out how to get AS9100 certification and to set up your organization’s certification audit. The audit happens in two parts: Stage 1 reviews your documents, and Stage 2 checks how well you follow the rules on-site. If there are any issues, they will be reported and given to specific people to fix during Stage 2.
Continuous Improvement
Getting AS9100 certification is a big achievement, but it's not just a one-time thing. It requires constant effort to maintain and improve the quality management system. Organizations must regularly check that their system matches their goals.
Factors on Which AS9100 Certification Cost Widely Depend
Here are some factors on which the cost of AS9100 certification can depend:
Size of the Organization: The size of your organization plays a big role in certification costs. Larger companies often have more complex processes and a wider range of operations.
Readiness of the Organization: How ready your organization is can also affect costs. If you already have a strong Quality Management System (QMS) in place, your costs may be lower.
Use of Technology: Another important factor is the cost of the technology you use. The AS9100 certification cost mainly depends on the tools and devices you choose for the process.
External Assistance: If your management team can’t handle AS9100 analyses and audits on their own, you might need to get help from outside experts.
Conclusion
AS9100 certification is an important step for companies in the aerospace industry that want to show they care about quality and safety. While the AS9100 certification process requires dedication and resources, the long-term benefits for your organization and its reputation are undeniable.
If you are ready to take the next step towards AS9100 certification, visit KSQA for resources, guidance, and expert support to help you navigate the certification process. They can help you connect with reputable consultant. Contact them today to discuss your AS9100 certification journey and receive a free quote!