Posts Tagged ‘as9100 certification’
Suppliers: Positive & Negative Affects
Suppliers are an integral part of any organization’s overall process. As such, they have the potential to be a positive or negative force. When suppliers are a positive force, materials arrive on time, materials are processed in a problem-free manner and costs are controlled. When suppliers are a negative force, materials often arrive late, processing problems occurs, and the supplier is of little or no help in resolving such issues. Obviously, it just makes good sense to have good suppliers.
The industry is quickly moving toward requiring their subcontractors and suppliers to be AS9100 compliant and/or certified. By conforming to AS9100 or becoming registered by a third party, suppliers can gain a competitive advantage and benefit from the improved processes and continuous improvement that is the foundation of ISO 9001:2008 certified quality management systems.
General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) was one of the first manufacturers to require AS9000 compliance by all of their direct material suppliers. Currently, GEAE is requiring as9100 certification for all new suppliers, and existing suppliers have a gap audit and a certification audit performed to coincide with their existing surveillance audit schedule.
AS9100 Fast Becoming A Supplier Requirement
The aerospace industry has recognized AS9100 as a means for continually improving quality and on-time delivery within their supply chain. Most of the major aircraft engine manufacturers, such as General Electric’s Aircraft Engine division (GEAE), Boeing, Rolls-Royce Allison and Pratt & Whitney, are requiring their suppliers to be certified to AS9100.
AS9100 certification can be used throughout the entire aerospace supply chain including the design and manufacture of airport and airline operations, replacement parts, supply and maintenance, cargo handling, overhaul and repair depots and flight operations.
The industry is moving towards requiring their suppliers to be AS9100 compliant / certified. By becoming AS9100 compliant / certified, suppliers can gain a competitive advantage and benefit from the process approach and continual improvement that are the foundation of ISO 9001:200* certified QMS.
Currently, the Boeing Company requires all Boeing suppliers to be BQMS (Boeing’s Quality Management System) approved or have a waiver. AS9100 Rev B is a significant part of Boeing’s BQMS requirements.
General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) was one of the first manufacturers to require AS9000 compliance by all of their direct material suppliers. Currently, GEAE is requiring AS9100 certification for all new suppliers, and existing suppliers have a gap audit and a certification audit performed to coincide with their existing surveillance audit schedule.
True Value-Quality Management Software
There are many business management software packages out there today. Many of these packages promise a lot but deliver little. Once you’re in, the cost to operate and maintain the system grows exponentially. This is fine for large companies who almost expect something to cost a lot of money for it to be worth using, but let’s face it, how many small business owners can really afford this. If perceived worth is judged by how much or little someone pays for a product, it would seem that the only companies that get great value are the ones with deep pockets.
I suggest that the true value of anything we purchase, is the overall cost, actual benefit and ease of use over the long haul that makes a product truly valuable. For example we have two companies, both have approximately fifty employees. They have selected two software products as possible solutions for their management system needs.
Software product No.1 offers the following:
- Upfront Cost: $ 5,000.00 (ALL MODULES)
- Monthly Support: $ 385.00, OR
- Yearly Support: $ 4,620.00 (for comparison purposes)
- Unlimited Users and Storage and support including revisions and new features.
- Upfront Cost = $ 5,000.00
- Cost over 5-Years: $ 28,100.00
Software product No.2 offers the following:
Core Tool Kit includes: Non-Conformances | Corrective/Preventative Actions | Document Control | Tooling & Equipment Maintenance | Customer Service | MOPS (Trend Analysis) | Key Indicators Dashboard
- Cost for Core Tool Kit: $ 5,000.00 for First User
- Each Additional User: $ 1,500.00/User (49 required)
- Cost for Additional Modules:
- Auditing: $1,500.00
- Education & Safety: $1,500.00
- Health & Safety: $1,500.00
- Web-Based Surveys: $1,500.00
- Inspection: $2,500.00
- Annual Maintenance Fee: 18% of Total Cost including users fees
- Yearly Maintenance( 18% of Total): $ 15,660.00
- Upfront Cost = $ 87,000.00
- Cost over 5-Years: $ 165,300.00 (training not included)
Both software applications offer similar capabilities, but the up front and ongoing costs are light years apart. Both companies have proven track records for achieving certification to international standards such as AS9100 and ISO 9001. Now, you tell me where is the true value?
AS9100C and Risk Management
This new AS9100 certification standard, AS 9100C, involves implementation of a risk management process throughout product realization (product life-cycle).
The stated requirement for risk management within the current version of AS9100B is to understand risk during review of requirements related to the product during contracting activities. Risk management, to some extent, has always been at least inferred by QMSs through planning and preventive action processes. The new risk management clause requires organizations to establish a process for managing risks to achieving customer,statutory and regulatory requirements.
The process should consider: assignment of responsibilities for risk management;criteria for risk acceptance; identification, assessment and communication of risk; and identification, implementation and management of actions to mitigate risk.
There are many business consulting firms that can assist you with how to determine your risks and then prioritize them to better safeguard your companies interests and the community at large.