Mastering AS9100 Insights from an Aerospace Quality Assurance Qopikun Mentoring
AS9100D: Aviation, Space, and Defense Quality Management Systems Requirements
AS9100D integrates ISO 9001:2015 requirements by incorporating the new clause structure and content of ISO 9001:2015. This standard includes the complete ISO 9001:2015 quality management system requirements.
In addition to these ISO 9001:2015 requirements, AS9100D specifies additional aviation, space, and defense industry requirements, definitions, and notes. These additional elements are shown in bold, italic text within the AS9100D standard.
The rationale behind these additions is to address industry requirements and stakeholder needs in the aviation, space, and defense sectors, going beyond the general requirements of ISO 9001:2015. The globalization of the industry and the diversity of requirements necessitate these specific additions.
AS9100D was prepared by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) to standardize quality management system requirements for organizations in this industry at all levels of the supply chain worldwide. The use of this standard aims to achieve improved quality, cost, and delivery performance through the reduction of organization-unique requirements and the effective implementation of the quality management system.
It's important to note that the requirements specified in AS9100D are complementary (not alternative) to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. In case of any conflict, the latter will take precedence.
Examples of how AS9100D adds to ISO 9001:2015 include:
•
Specific definitions relevant to the aerospace and defense industry, such as for "Counterfeit Part," "Critical Items," "Key Characteristic," "Product Safety," and "Special Requirements".
•
Enhanced focus on areas critical to the industry, such as operational risk management, configuration management, product safety, and the prevention of counterfeit parts. These areas have more detailed requirements in AS9100D compared to ISO 9001:2015.
•
Emphasis on the supply chain, with requirements for the control of externally provided processes, products, and services that are specific to the aerospace and defense context.
•
Additional considerations during operational planning and control related to personal and product safety, producibility and inspectability, reliability, availability, and maintainability.
•
The retention of the term "management representative" in AS9100D with specific responsibilities and authorities, which is not a requirement in ISO 9001:2015 (though similar responsibilities are assigned).
In summary, AS9100D builds upon the foundation of ISO 9001:2015 by integrating its requirements and then adding specific, more stringent criteria tailored to address the unique challenges and critical aspects of the aviation, space, and defense industries.