Laseronics is preparing for our annual ISO9001:2015/AS9100D Quality Management System audit.
As a small business owner and a frequent airline traveler, I can’t emphasize enough the criticality of utilizing AS 9100 certified suppliers in the process of manufacturing aircraft, even though it is a costly burden for small businesses.
Here’s why:
- Standardization and Consistency: AS 9100 is the international Quality Management System (QMS) standard for the aviation, space, and defense industry. By choosing a supplier with this certification, manufacturers are assured that the supplier has met the rigorous and standardized quality requirements set by the industry. This ensures consistency in the products and services they provide.
- Enhanced Safety: The primary goal of the aviation industry is safety. AS 9100 incorporates comprehensive quality requirements that focus on areas directly impacting product safety and reliability in the aerospace sector. By working with certified suppliers, aircraft manufacturers are taking proactive steps to prevent defects and failures that could jeopardize the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.
- Risk Management: The AS 9100 standards emphasize risk management throughout the supply chain. Certified suppliers follow methodologies that identify and mitigate risks at every step of the production process. This foresight reduces the likelihood of complications during manufacturing, ultimately safeguarding the final product.
- Continuous Improvement: AS 9100 is not just about compliance, but also about continuous improvement. Suppliers with this certification have demonstrated a commitment to regularly reviewing and refining their processes. This commitment leads to advancements in both efficiency and product quality over time.
- Traceability and Accountability: The certification mandates strict documentation and record-keeping. In the rare event of a defect or an issue, having an AS 9100 certified supplier means there’s a clear trail. This traceability makes it easier to identify the root cause, take corrective actions, and prevent recurrence.
- Stakeholder Confidence: An AS 9100 certification instills confidence among stakeholders, be it the aircraft manufacturers, regulators, or the end-users (airlines and passengers). Knowing that parts and services come from a certified supplier gives assurance that every effort has been made to adhere to the highest industry standards.
- Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory bodies around the world recognize and often require the AS 9100 standard for aerospace suppliers. By choosing certified suppliers, aircraft manufacturers can seamlessly meet these regulatory requirements, avoiding potential legal and financial complications.
In conclusion, choosing AS 9100 certified suppliers in aircraft manufacturing is not merely about fulfilling a formality. It’s a strategic and crucial decision that impacts safety, quality, and the very reputation of the aircraft manufacturer. In an industry where there is no margin for error, it’s the gold standard for assurance and excellence.