How and why an aerospace certification (AS9100D) and standards filter down through our company to enhance projects across all industries
The AS9100D certification is a company-level certification based on a standard published by the Society of Automotive Engineers, titled “Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space and Defense Organizations.” It is the most recent standard for organizations that design, develop or provide these sectors with products and services, including parts, components and manufacturing (this includes PCB design and assembly). The standard builds off general ISO 9001 standards for quality management systems, adding industry-specific guidelines for the safe development, production and distribution of quality aerospace parts and products.
This certification conveys that MJS Designs always has proper quality management systems in place. It tells potential clients that we are an expert in what we do, creating processes that meet the standards of this highly regulated industry certification. Many aerospace manufacturers and suppliers will work only with partners that are certified. The AS9100D certification is a prime example of an aspect that aerospace-related companies consider when choosing a supplier.
Who Does This Apply To?
The AS9100D certification is mainly pursued by companies like MJS Designs that provide products and services for the aviation, space and defense industries. It applies to any organization that works in the aerospace industry or with partners in the aerospace industry, including:
- Designers of aerospace parts
- Manufacturers of aircraft components and materials
- Quality management organizations working with aerospace manufacturers
- Other support companies within the aerospace industry
This certification requires participation in the aviation, space and defense businesses. As a benefit, the certification of AS9100 standards gives us insight into large OEMs and other parts of the supply chain involved with aerospace.
AS9100D Certificate Benefits?
We work, on behalf of our customers, on continually improving processes, resulting in operational efficiencies. This certification is recognized internationally and accepted throughout industry supply chains, and thus we are recognized as a reputable supplier.
MJS Designs welcomed the D revision, as it aligned the structure of the aviation, space and defense requirements to the new structure of ISO 9001:2015, and the following key improvements were implemented:
- Product safety was added in a new clause and other areas
- Counterfeit parts prevention was added in a new clause and in other areas (this was already in place in the AS9110 and AS9120 standards)
- Risk clause was merged with the new ISO 9001 risk requirements, along with an increased emphasis on risks in operational processes
- Awareness clause was added with reinforced requirements for awareness of individual contribution to product and service quality and safety, along with ethical behavior
- Human factors are included as a consideration in nonconformity management and corrective action
- Configuration management was clarified and improved to address stakeholder needs
In addition, our clients outside the aerospace and defense industry experience the benefits of the certification, as the standards and efficiencies are applied to all sectors throughout a project’s time with MJS Designs, such as an industrial, agricultural, automotive and semiconductor.
Adherence and Accomplishment in Action
This certification sets high standards for how MJS Designs operates as a company. We enacted effective implementation of the quality management system, and applied good business practices for business operations where the AS9100D standard enabled improvements, particularly in the risk management arena.
The aerospace industry has unique requirements for quality management. The AS9100D certification helps our company stand out as an electronic contract manufacturer to potential clients, and assures them we are certified and qualified in PCB layout, PCB assembly, custom cable assemblies and system builds. MJS Designs is proud to be AS9100D certified, and our clients appreciate the resources that come with our investment in the standards.
The team at MJS Designs, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is ready to talk to you about your next project. Call us today at (602) 437-5068, or use our online quote form here.