2 min read
Obtaining and maintaining AS9100 certification can feel like navigating a complex airspace of regulations and documentation, but the payoff is well worth it. From enhancing customer satisfaction to opening doors to major OEM contracts, certification is a competitive advantage that aerospace, aviation and defense manufacturers can’t afford to ignore.
Why AS9100 Certification Matters
AS9100 isn’t just another quality standard. It’s a ticket to:
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Global recognition as a reputable supplier
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Access to large, Tier 1 OEM providers
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Higher product quality and customer satisfaction
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Inclusion in the Online Aerospace Supplier Information System®
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Greater business opportunities
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Reduced operating costs and improved efficiency
Over 18,000 organizations globally are AS9100 certified, signaling just how essential this standard has become in manufacturing.
What AS9100 Requires – and Where ERP Fits In
AS9100 requires that companies within the aerospace and defense sector have implemented a robust quality system that meets the industry's rigorous expectations for quality, safety and reliability.
The most important requirements are quality management, risk management and document control. Others include stringent configuration management, control of work transfers, product safety, management of counterfeit parts and a strong emphasis on customer focus. These requirements must all be met to ensure high quality and safety standards through detailed process controls and documentation across the design, development, production and servicing stages.
"ERP is the silent partner in your quality journey. It keeps your processes aligned, your documentation clean and your audits painless."
Dusty Alexander, President & CEO, Global Shop Solutions
Quality Management – The Heartbeat of AS9100
Keeping a close eye on quality management is critical for AS9100 certified manufacturers – and should be a company-wide culture. ERP can support you by:
- Defining roles, responsibilities and methods for each process
- Tracking documents, inspections, tests and nonconformities
- Mitigating risks in the product life cycle while maintaining safety
- Providing detailed audit trails for corrective actions
ERP software is built to take the turbulence out of certification and drive real operational gains for manufacturers like you.
Real-Time Corrections with ERP
Think of an ERP quality control application as your quality co-pilot. When issues arise on the production line, the quality program quickly addresses them, determines what is wrong and corrects it. The quality program also tracks and shows every non-conformance that failed to achieve required AS9100 standards.
An ERP system should include a Document Control application to document every step in the quality control process. All the data resides within the ERP system where it can be easily accessed and submitted for certification. Companies using ERP for quality management experience up to 35% faster resolution of production issues, according to Aberdeen Group.
Benefits of ERP-Driven Certification
Many other benefits derived from AS9100 certification are direct results of ERP software capabilities.
AS9100 + ERP = Superior Results
Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to simplify recertification, ERP software is your co-pilot to success. We’ve helped countless aerospace manufacturers cut through the noise, stay compliant and win more business, including:
- Cox Machine improved on-time delivery to 99% using our ERP’s Quality Control features while achieving AS9100D certification.
- Sharp Tooling Solutions integrated redundant systems, aligned control plans with AS9100 and elevated product consistency.
- King Machine, LLC, an AS9100 certified manufacturer, achieved a 40% revenue increase within a year of ERP implementation – without sacrificing quality or delivery performance.
Ready to Navigate the AS9100 Journey?
Whether you’re just starting the certification process or you’re looking to more easily maintain your AS9100 certification, using an ERP system’s Quality Control application makes it simpler to qualify for and maintain those certifications by tracing every aspect of your quality. Consider implementing one today.