What is the difference between ISO 9100 and AS 9100?

In the aerospace industry, quality management systems play a crucial role in ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. Two widely recognized standards for quality management in this sector are ISO 9100 and AS 9100. While both aim to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction, there are certain differences between these certifications that companies need to understand.

ISO 9100: Ensuring Quality Management Systems

ISO 9100 is an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems (QMS) in the aerospace industry. It specifies criteria for an organization to plan, establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve its QMS. The focus of ISO 9100 is on meeting customer requirements, enhancing customer satisfaction, and demonstrating the ability to consistently provide products that meet regulatory and legal requirements.

AS 9100: A Specialized Standard for Aerospace Quality Management

AS 9100, also known as AS 9100D, is a specialized standard developed specifically for the aerospace industry. It incorporates all the requirements of ISO 9100 but includes additional criteria specific to aerospace manufacturing and maintenance. AS 9100 aims to ensure that aerospace organizations meet the highest quality, safety, and reliability standards, addressing unique challenges and risks associated with the aerospace sector.

Differences between ISO 9100 and AS 9100

While ISO 9100 and AS 9100 share many similarities, there are several key differences that set them apart:

Scope: ISO 9100 can be implemented by any organization involved in aerospace activities, including manufacturers and suppliers. On the other hand, AS 9100 is primarily applicable to organizations directly involved in the aerospace industry, such as manufacturers, maintenance organizations, and repair facilities.

Additional Requirements: AS 9100 includes additional requirements beyond ISO 9100 to address specific aerospace industry needs. These requirements cover areas such as configuration management, risk management, product safety, and counterfeit parts prevention.

Customer Requirements: ISO 9100 focuses on meeting customer requirements in general, while AS 9100 places a stronger emphasis on meeting the unique needs and expectations of aerospace customers.

In Conclusion

In summary, both ISO 9100 and AS 9100 are important quality management standards in the aerospace industry. ISO 9100 provides a broader framework for quality management systems, while AS 9100 adds specific requirements tailored to aerospace organizations. Organizations operating in the aerospace sector must carefully evaluate their needs and consider implementing the most relevant standard to ensure compliance, enhance product quality, and meet customer demands.