AS9100
Quick facts
| Category | Aerospace, space and defense quality management standard |
|---|---|
| Used by | Aerospace, aviation, space and defense manufacturing |
| Also called | None widely standardized |
| Related standards | ISO 9001, IATF 16949 |
| Related processes | Supplier evaluation, first article inspection, FMEA, material review board |
| Semantic match | AS9100, aerospace quality management standard, AS9100 certification, aviation space defense QMS |
What is AS9100?
AS9100 extends ISO 9001 with additional requirements specific to the elevated safety and reliability expectations of aerospace, aviation, space and defense products. It uses the same Annex SL structure and core clauses as ISO 9001, adding aerospace-specific sections addressing configuration management, product safety and prevention of counterfeit parts.
The standard places significant emphasis on supplier control, since aerospace supply chains are complex and a failure anywhere in that chain can have serious safety consequences. It also requires more rigorous record retention practices, supporting the traceability aerospace manufacturers need to respond to safety investigations or recalls.
Because AS9100 cannot be implemented as a standalone standard, organizations must satisfy ISO 9001's base requirements alongside AS9100's aerospace-specific additions, and certification is granted through an accredited third-party audit similar to the ISO 9001 certification process.
Why is AS9100 important?
AS9100 certification is essentially a prerequisite for doing business with aerospace primes and major customers, who almost universally require it from their supply chain given the safety-critical nature of aerospace products.
The standard's emphasis on configuration management and counterfeit parts prevention addresses risks specific to aerospace that general quality standards do not directly cover, protecting against both design drift and the use of unauthorized components.
Strong record retention and traceability requirements support the industry's ability to respond quickly and thoroughly to safety investigations, a capability with much higher stakes in aerospace than in many other manufacturing sectors.
How does AS9100 work?
AS9100's aerospace-specific additions to the ISO 9001 structure include:
- Configuration management. Control and manage the exact configuration of each product.
- Product safety. Address safety considerations throughout design and production.
- Counterfeit parts prevention. Implement controls to prevent counterfeit parts from entering the supply chain.
- Supplier control. Apply rigorous evaluation and monitoring of suppliers.
- Record retention. Maintain records for extended periods supporting traceability.
- Certification audit. Undergo assessment by an accredited third-party certification body.
AS9100 vs. IATF 16949
| Comparison | AS9100 | IATF 16949 |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, aviation, space and defense | Automotive production and service parts |
| Key additions | Configuration management, product safety, counterfeit prevention | Core tools: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA |
Real-world examples of AS9100
An aerospace component manufacturer implements configuration management controls under AS9100, ensuring every produced unit matches its approved design configuration exactly.
A defense contractor strengthens its supplier control processes to meet AS9100 requirements, conducting more rigorous supplier audits given the safety-critical nature of the parts being sourced.
A parts distributor implements counterfeit parts prevention controls required under AS9100, verifying the authenticity and traceability of components before they enter its supply chain.
Regulations and standards related to AS9100
AS9100 is published and maintained by the International Aerospace Quality Group and builds on ISO 9001, meaning organizations must meet both the base ISO 9001 requirements and the aerospace-specific additions to achieve certification.
Certification is granted by accredited third-party certification bodies, and aerospace primes such as Boeing and Airbus almost universally require AS9100 certification from their supply chain as a condition of doing business.
How QT9 helps with AS9100
QT9 QMS AS9100 capabilities
- Meet industry-specific compliance requirements with an easy-to-use platform.
- Support configuration management and product safety documentation.
- Automate supplier evaluation, SCARs and audit management.
- Maintain extended record retention for full traceability.
- Support first article inspections and FMEA documentation.
- Provide audit-ready electronic records and signatures for certification audits.
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Common mistakes with AS9100
Common mistakes include treating AS9100 as a simple add-on to an existing ISO 9001 system without fully addressing its distinct configuration management and counterfeit parts prevention requirements.
Other problems include underestimating the rigor expected in supplier control and record retention, which are typically more demanding under AS9100 than under general ISO 9001 certification.
Frequently asked questions
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