EN 9100 (AS9100) certification

What is meant by a certification according to EN  9100 (AS9100)? What is the purpose of an EN 9100 (AS9100) certification and what are the benefits? 

EN  9100 (AS9100) is an international standard which describes the specific requirements for the quality management systems of companies operating in the aerospace or defense industries (manufacturers, vendors, distributors, maintenance companies).

EN  9100 (AS9100) is based on the quality management standard ISO  9001. The latter has been complemented with additional guidelines aiming at compliance with customer requirements regarding the quality, safety, and reliability of the products in these industries as well as across the entire delivery chain – referring to design, development, production, assembly (AS9100: installation) and maintenance (AS9100; servicing). The current EN  9100:2018 (AS9100 D) version is based on ISO  9001:2015. Both standards are equal.

EN  9100:2018 (AS9100 D) – the cornerstones of a successful implementation and control of the requirements:

• A consistent risk management system to secure the early detection of weaknesses; the introduction and implementation of measures to remedy the situation and of preventive measures as well
• The obligation for documentation to ensure traceability

In the aerospace and defense industries, compliance with EN  9100 or, respectively AS9100, is indispensable for establishing any supplier relationships.

Need for EN  9100 (AS9100)

DIN  EN  9100 was published in 2003 by the European Committee for Standardization. It was the first European quality standard to become certified for the aviation, aerospace and defense industries, setting requirements for design, development, production, assembly (AS9100: installation) and maintenance (AS9100; servicing). Prior to this in 1999, the American AS9100 had already come into effect, initiated by the SAE International Society of Automotive Engineers and the European Association of Aerospace Industries, with the aim to ensure the quality, safety and reliability of all products. The heterogenous quality and documentation standards applied by companies in the aviation and aerospace industries were harmonized and – based on ISO  9001:1994 – adapted to the requirements of the aviation and aerospace industries.

What is the purpose of EN  9100:2018 (AS9100D)?

Focusing on customer satisfaction, EN  9100 (AS9100) aims at the continuous and efficient improvement and optimization of all operational core processes of any company maintaining business relationships in the aviation, aerospace and defense industries – in order to minimize risks and meet the customer requirements. The standard describes all processes, hierarchies, and phases of service provision to be accomplished according to the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle.

What are the benefits of being certified according to the AS/EN  9100 standard?

Proof of an efficient quality management system (quality capability) to customers and business partners creates trust in the supplier.

• Continuous improvement of business processes
  • Increased efficiency of all operational processes
  • Time and cost savings
  • Traceability system put in place
  • Avoiding risks such as the production of defective products, services and their (to some extent) serious consequences
  • Qualification for entry in the OASIS database (Online Aerospace Supplier Information System)
  • Simplified supplier audits; eventually rendering supplier audits redundant
  • Inclusion of EN ISO  9001 certification
  • Systematic approach to achieve strategic business goals
• Qualification of suppliers  
  • Listing as a preferred supplier
  • Greater sales potential
  • Proof of traceability
  • Proof of on-time-delivery