The first step to enter the global aerospace supply chain is to establish a quality management system

What is AS9100? AS9100 is a quality management standard developed by IAQG (International Aerospace Quality Group) and is designed specifically for the aviation, aerospace and defense industries. This AS9100 aerospace quality management system is based on ISO9001 and extends to include risk management, product safety, regulatory compliance and other requirements. It is the basic threshold for global OEMs to meet suppliers; the purpose is to strengthen supply chain quality consistency, product safety and risk controllability. Obtaining this certificate is not only a pass to enter the global aerospace market, but also an important basis for demonstrating quality commitment and professional capabilities to customers.

Why should enterprises introduce AS9100 aerospace quality management system?

• Basic qualifications for OEM approval

Global OEMs such as Boeing, Airbus, GE, and Lockheed Martin all require their suppliers to have AS9100 certification. Those that fail to obtain it will not be able to pass customer qualification review and will miss out on key cooperation opportunities.

• Demonstrate quality and regulatory management capabilities

AS9100 includes product safety, counterfeit prevention and risk control as audit priorities, and is a management system that takes both quality and compliance into account.

• Strengthen brand image and enhance international competitiveness

AS9100 will show you the best results, the best results for you. In the future, we will show you the best of the best.

• Improve process efficiency and operational performance

Through the introduction of systems, we conduct process inventory, standardization and data-oriented management to drive cross-departmental collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Establish a culture of continuous improvement and employee responsibility

Audit systems and clear division of responsibilities help improve employee engagement and create an organizational culture centered on quality.

Which industries need to introduce the AS9100 aerospace quality management system?

AS9100 is not limited to manufacturers of entire aircraft. As long as your products, processes, or services will eventually be used in "aircraft, space equipment, or defense systems" and have a substantial impact on quality, safety, or compliance, you should consider introducing the AS9100 aerospace quality management system.

Common applicable enterprises include:

• Aerospace component manufacturers (screws, fuselage structural parts, metal parts, etc.)
• Aerospace electronic system manufacturers (navigation modules, flight control systems, sensor components)
• Defense equipment manufacturers (missiles, radars, simulators, drones)
• Aircraft maintenance/renovation companies (MRO, engine overhaul, airframe modification)
• Special process/testing suppliers (heat treatment, surface treatment, non-destructive testing, etc.)
• High-precision manufacturing companies or companies that are required by customers or bidding units to have AS9100 certification

AS9100 certification import services provided by Mingzheng:

1. Gap analysis and introduction plan formulation
Analyze the gap between the provisions and the current system, and propose a clear introduction path.

2. Program file construction and adjustment
Assist in writing work procedures, quality manuals, and work forms.

3. Clause training and risk introduction courses
The clauses are compared with ISO 9001, with additional content on risk management and prevention of counterfeit products.

4. Internal audit training and mock audit
Assist enterprises to set up internal audit teams and obtain auditor qualifications.

5. Third-party jury and defect correction assistance
Jury and respond to non-conformities throughout the process to help you pass the test in one go.

6. Post-certification maintenance guidance
Provide annual internal audit suggestions, supplier management system and continuous improvement direction.

How long does it take to introduce AS9100 certification? How should enterprises allocate manpower?

• AS9100 introduction schedule recommendations:
  It will take about 6 to 12 months, which will vary slightly depending on the size of the enterprise, the maturity of the process and the degree of human resources coordination.
• Recommended human resource allocation: To ensure smooth implementation, it is recommended to configure at least the following key roles:
  • 1 project manager (internal quality assurance or management representative)
  • Cooperate with department heads (need to cooperate with inventory process and correct records)
  • Internal Audit Team (cooperate with training and internal audit implementation)

AS9100 certificate validity description:

AS9100 certificate validity period:

The validity period of the AS9100 certificate is "a three-year cycle". Compared with ISO 9001 or IATF 16949, AS9100 has stricter requirements for process implementation and record traceability because it is used in high-risk industries (such as aerospace and defense).

• Year 1: Initial Validation Review
• Year 2-3: Annual renewal
• Year 4: Recertification Review

How is the AS9100 certification fee calculated?

The cost of AS9100 certification is not necessarily very high, and it will be evaluated based on the following conditions:

• Company size (number of employees, number of plants)
• Import schedule (whether you want to speed up the schedule or compress the project schedule)
• Whether document construction needs to be done by consultants or internal collaboration

In general, the cost of AS9100 certification will not be much higher than ISO 13485 or IATF. The key lies in whether it can be effectively introduced, passed in one go, and there will be no problems in subsequent operations.