Deadline to Register to Rev C Standard is July 1, 2012
According to the International Aerospace Quality Group’s (IAQG) timeline, manufacturers currently certified to the AS9100 Rev B standard must upgrade to the Rev C requirements by July 1, 2012. After this date, the current Rev B standard will no longer be recognized. AS9100 Rev C (AS9100:2009) incorporates the ISO9001:2008 changes, expanding the scope to include Aviation, Space, and Defense as well as land and sea based systems.
Here are a few of the key changes required under AS9100 Rev C (AS9100:2009):
- Systems must clarify when a documented procedure is required.
- Planning and Project Management, On-Time Delivery, and On-Quality Delivery are emphasized as important characteristics.
- “Special requirements” must identify those customer requirements which have high risk to the organization.
- “Critical Items”, such as processes characteristics, parts and software which have significant impact on the product realization and use of product, must be identified.
- There is additional emphasis in the area of risk management throughout the Product Realization Process.
A major change is also made in the auditing process. Auditors will transition from a “checklist focus” to Performance Auditing. The new method of recording the results of the AS9100:2009 standard is AS9101D, including the new requirements presented in the 2009 series of standards: on-time delivery, critical items, special requirements and risk and project management. Audits will no longer be scored and a standard report/record format will be utilized throughout the industry. Pre-audit activities will be required prior to each audit in order to create and prioritize the plan focusing on those areas that can impact customers, low-performing processes, and business risk. Each process will be evaluated for compliance and effectiveness (how well the system is deployed as demonstrated by the measures defined by the organization to meet customer satisfaction and objectives). Top management is required to be interviewed at each audit.
The goal of the changes to the auditing method is to dramatically raise the “On-Time and On-Quality Delivery (OTOQD) performance” in the Aerospace, Defense, and Space Industries. The new requirements of AS9100 Rev C (AS9100:2009) are intended to make significant improvements in quality and cost reductions throughout the value stream. That translates to improved business results and a sustainable competitive advantage.
As of July 1, 2011, auditors will no longer audit to the Rev B standard. Regardless of when your current registration expires, the time is now to begin your upgrade to Rev C. IMEC’s quality improvement specialists are ready to guide you through the process. Call an IMEC advisor today.
