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- Commitment and Preparation: The organization commits to obtaining AS9100D certification and prepares to build and implement a compliant Quality Management System (QMS). This requires commitment from top to bottom of the organizational chart.
- Documentation: The team creates the required documentation to comply with AS9100D requirements. This includes developing policies, procedures, work instructions, records, and other documentation that aligns with the standard.
- Internal Audit: Internal leaders arrange an audit to validate compliance with AS9100D. A third party may be commissioned to undertake this internal audit to prepare for the certification audit. This helps identify nonconformities or areas for improvement and allows the team to correct any shortfalls before the certification audit.
- Certification Audit: The company engages an accredited certification body to conduct the formal certification audit of the QMS. The audit process consists of two stages:
- Stage One Audit: The auditors review the QMS documentation to verify basic compliance with AS9100D requirements.
- Stage Two Audit: After any corrective actions are taken, the auditors conduct an on-site evaluation to formally assess the implementation and effectiveness of the QMS. This involves interviews, process observations, and review of records to validate compliance.
- Nonconformity Management: If any deviations from the standard are identified during the certification audit, the organization must promptly address them by implementing corrective actions.
- Certification Decision: Based on the audit results and effective implementation of corrective actions, the certification body makes a decision on AS9100D certification issuance.
- Surveillance Audits: The same certification body conducts periodic surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance with AS9100D.
Before the certification audit, the organization needs to operate its QMS to:
- Conduct internal audits to check process adherence and identify root causes of any issues.
- Conduct management reviews to ensure effective and efficient QMS implementation.
- Implement corrective actions to address any problems found during QMS operation.
The certification process involves a documentation audit (Stage One) and a certification audit (Stage Two) where evidence of QMS processes matching planned arrangements is reviewed.
For more assistance in choosing the right ISO certification body, a checklist of questions to ask an AS9100D certification body can be useful.
By following this process and partnering with a reputable consulting firm like Vegas Consulting, organizations can successfully achieve AS9100D certification, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in the aerospace industry.