The AS 9100:2016 Series is an international set of standards that sets out the requirements for a Quality Management System (QMS) specific to the aviation, space and defence industries. With a transition deadline of September 2018 – the aerospace industry does not have long to take action. With that in mind, organisations operating within the aerospace arena are seeking clarification on how to implement the requirements before the deadline.

 

How should organisations address the counterfeit goods requirements in the AS 9100:2016 Series? All manufacturers are required to source raw materials. Within the AS 9100:2016 Series, raw materials are subject to stringent controls to prevent counterfeiting. As a result, organisations are required to purchase from approved sources and ensure that the supplied material has appropriate documentation and traceability

 

For organisations that are in the process of updating their QMS to the AS 9100:2016 Series, how much evidence of implementation will be required?

Assessors will review the available information and will make an objective decision based on the information presented. The scheme does not stipulate a minimum amount of evidence but you must provide sufficient records to demonstrate that the implementation is effective. Early adoption, in advance of the transition assessment is recommended.

 

OVERVIEW

The AS 9100 standard is based on ISO 9001 and with the release of ISO 9001:2015, the AS 9100 standard will undergo revisions as well. AS 9100:2016 is currently scheduled to be released in April 2016. The focus of the revision is to add clarity, enhance ease of use, while addressing industry and stakeholder needs.

WHEN IS THE TRANSITION DATE?

The transition for Aerospace standards will be the same as the ISO 9001:2015 deadline, which is September 15, 2018.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MY CURRENT CERTIFICATION?

DEKRA will provide additional information in the next few weeks, but companies currently certified to AS 9100:2009 will have less than 3 years to transition to AS 9100:2016 upon its release.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES?

In September of 2015, the AAQG (Americas Aerospace Quality Group) highlighted the following key changes and areas of focus for the AS 9100:2016 (and AS 9110 and AS 9120) standard.

KEY CHANGES

• High level structure (HLS)
• Terminology
• Risk-based thinking
• Process approach strengthened and more explicit with integration of the QMS into organization’s business processes
• Concept of preventive action now addressed throughout the standard by risk identification and mitigation
• Emphasis on change management
• Introduction of knowledge management
• Clearer understanding of the organization’s context
• Aligning QMS policy and objectives with the strategy of the organization
• Explicit performance evaluation requirements
• Greater flexibility with documentation
• More compatible with services

AREAS OF FOCUS

• Product Safety: Added in carefully selected areas with consideration of current 9110 requirements.
• Human Factors: Added as a consideration in the Nonconformity/Correction Action Clause.
• Risk: Merged with current 9100 requirements with the new ISO requirements.
• Preventive Action: Current clause requirements absorbed into Risk, Opportunities and Nonconformance.
• Counterfeit Parts: Enhanced in carefully select areas while successfully limiting new requirements.
• Configuration Management: Clause clarified and improved considerably to address stakeholder needs.
• Product Realization & Planning: Clarified and enhanced planning throughout the standard.
• Post Delivery Support: Merged current 9100 requirements with the new ISO requirements.
• Project Management: Combined with Operation Planning clause to address user interpretation issues.
• Design Development and Supplier Management: Gap Analysis complete – ISO text has been added back in to meet the IAQG needs
• Quality Manual: Note added pointing to the requirements that typically make up a Quality Manual

Management Representative: Requirement added back in for Management Representative QMS oversight.