Understanding AS9100 Certification and Its Impact on Wire Products Co
AS9100 certification is a widely recognized Quality Management System (QMS) standard specifically designed for the aerospace industry. Developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), it incorporates the ISO 9001 quality management system requirements while adding additional quality and safety requirements specific to aerospace. Attaining this certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to meeting and exceeding stringent aerospace quality and safety standards.
For companies like Wire Products Co., AS9100 certification is more than just a badge of quality—it is a commitment to superior quality management, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement in manufacturing processes. In this blog post, we’ll explore what AS9100 certification entails, why it is essential for aerospace manufacturers, how Wire Products Co. implemented the new quality standard, and the strategies employed for continuous improvement.
Identifying a Need for Aerospace AS9100 Certification
The aerospace industry has some of the most stringent quality standards due to the critical nature of its products and the high-risk environment they operate in. Components must be manufactured to precise tolerances and undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and performance. For Wire Products Co., the decision to pursue AS9100 certification was driven by several key factors:
- Expanding Market Opportunities: AS9100 certification is often a prerequisite for doing business with major aerospace manufacturers and suppliers. Many aerospace companies require their partners to have this certification to ensure that their supply chain adheres to the highest quality standards.
- Enhanced Risk Management: Aerospace manufacturers face strict regulations and standards. Achieving AS9100 certification helps mitigate the risks associated with non-conformance and potential product recalls by ensuring robust quality controls and traceability throughout the supply chain.
- Commitment to Quality and Safety: For Wire Products Co., quality and safety are paramount. AS9100 certification reinforces this commitment, providing confidence to customers that the company adheres to rigorous quality management processes and standards.
- Reputation and Competitive Advantage: Being AS9100 certified helps Wire Products Co. differentiate itself from competitors. The certification is a clear signal to customers, partners, and regulators that the company is dedicated to maintaining the highest quality standards in the aerospace sector.
Implementing the New, More Stringent Quality Standard at Wire Products Co.
Achieving AS9100 certification is not a simple task; it requires a thorough overhaul of a company’s quality management system. For Wire Products Co., this process involved several critical steps:
- Gap Analysis and Planning: The first step involved conducting a comprehensive gap analysis to understand the existing quality management system’s strengths and weaknesses compared to AS9100 requirements. This assessment identified areas that needed improvement, allowing Wire Products Co. to create a detailed roadmap for implementation.
- Training and Development: Implementing AS9100 requires a company-wide commitment. Wire Products Co. invested in extensive training programs to ensure all employees, from leadership to shop floor workers, understood the new standard’s requirements. This training focused on quality management principles, risk-based thinking, process control, and internal auditing.
- Process Re-engineering and Documentation: Wire Products Co. revised and re-engineered its processes to align with AS9100 requirements. This involved creating or updating documentation such as quality manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions to meet the stringent guidelines set by AS9100. Emphasis was placed on enhancing process controls, risk management, supplier management, and product traceability.
- Internal Audits and Management Review: Before applying for AS9100 certification, Wire Products Co. conducted a series of internal audits to ensure all new processes met the standard. These audits, followed by management reviews, helped identify any remaining gaps and areas for further improvement.
- Certification Audit: Once confident in its compliance, Wire Products Co. engaged an accredited certification body to conduct a formal AS9100 audit. The audit process verified that the quality management system met all the AS9100 requirements. With successful completion, Wire Products Co. achieved AS9100 certification.
Executing the Continuous Improvement Criteria of the AS9100 Standard
Achieving AS9100 certification is not the end of the journey—it marks the beginning of an ongoing commitment to quality and continuous improvement. Wire Products Co. embraced the continuous improvement philosophy embedded within AS9100, focusing on the following areas:
- Data-Driven Decision Making: AS9100 emphasizes the importance of using data to drive decisions. Wire Products Co. implemented robust data collection and analysis methods to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality, safety, and process efficiency. This data is regularly reviewed to identify trends, areas for improvement, and potential risks.
- Regular Internal Audits and Process Reviews: Continuous improvement involves regularly auditing processes to ensure they meet evolving AS9100 requirements. Wire Products Co. established a schedule for regular internal audits and management reviews, ensuring that any non-conformances are promptly addressed and corrective actions are implemented.
- Employee Engagement and Training: Wire Products Co. recognizes that employees are the backbone of any quality management system. The company continually invests in employee training and development, focusing on areas such as problem-solving, quality control, and lean manufacturing principles. Encouraging a culture of quality and innovation, employees are empowered to identify inefficiencies and suggest improvements.
- Supplier Quality Management: As part of the AS9100 continuous improvement process, Wire Products Co. has strengthened its supplier quality management program. By working closely with suppliers to align quality standards, conducting regular supplier audits, and establishing clear quality expectations, the company ensures that every component meets the required standards.
- Risk-Based Thinking and Proactive Problem Solving: Wire Products Co. integrates risk-based thinking throughout its operations. The company identifies potential risks in each process and implements preventive measures to mitigate them. This proactive approach to problem-solving not only prevents issues from arising but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Conclusion
AS9100 certification represents a significant milestone for Wire Products Co., reaffirming its dedication to quality, safety, and continuous improvement within the aerospace sector. The certification process, while challenging, has strengthened the company’s quality management system, expanded its market opportunities, and positioned it as a reliable partner in the aerospace industry. By embracing AS9100’s principles of continuous improvement and risk-based thinking, Wire Products Co. continues to enhance its capabilities, deliver superior products, and exceed customer expectations in the ever-demanding aerospace market.
