The AS9100C Transition process is well underway. Thought of sharing some of early failure modes and start a constructive discussion. We must note that the audit protocol is stipulated in the Revision D of AS9101. One of the goals with AS9101D is to promote the concept of a process-based QMS and be asessed via process-based audits.
Despite the fact that the emphasis on process-based QMS was brought about (or emphasized) with ISO 9001:2000 (a decade ago), to this day, many organizations have not grasped the concept of processes; unfortunately, a significant percentage of auditors also did not comprehend the concept of process-based QMS's and allow organizations to attain and maintain certification certification, without ever doing the homework required in section 4.1 of the AS/ISO standards. Way too often organizations developed an extremely generic process map/flowchart to satisfy the requirement of
Another failure mode has to do with section 8.2.3 of the AS9100 standard. Although no new requirement exists in the latest version of the standard, due to field #11 of the PEAR form, many organizations fail to realize that they are not monitoring processes such as "product design and development", internal audits, purchasing and supplier evaluation, etc... Way too often companies only monitor production related processes with extensive array of indicators. Sometimes, however, the cliche' DO IT RIGHT, FIRST TIME & EVERY TIME should be extended to functions outside of the shop floor.
More to come...
Despite the fact that the emphasis on process-based QMS was brought about (or emphasized) with ISO 9001:2000 (a decade ago), to this day, many organizations have not grasped the concept of processes; unfortunately, a significant percentage of auditors also did not comprehend the concept of process-based QMS's and allow organizations to attain and maintain certification certification, without ever doing the homework required in section 4.1 of the AS/ISO standards. Way too often organizations developed an extremely generic process map/flowchart to satisfy the requirement of
A too generic flowchart does not really identify the macro processes that apply to an organization. In many cases, this too generic flowchart could "depict" you, all of your competitors and the dry cleaning store down the road.4.1 General requirements
The organization shall establish, document, implement and maintain a quality management system and continually improve its effectiveness in accordance with the requirements of this International Standard.
The organization shall
a) determine the processes needed for the quality management system and their application throughout the organization (see 1.2),
b) determine the sequence and interaction of these processes,
Another failure mode has to do with section 8.2.3 of the AS9100 standard. Although no new requirement exists in the latest version of the standard, due to field #11 of the PEAR form, many organizations fail to realize that they are not monitoring processes such as "product design and development", internal audits, purchasing and supplier evaluation, etc... Way too often companies only monitor production related processes with extensive array of indicators. Sometimes, however, the cliche' DO IT RIGHT, FIRST TIME & EVERY TIME should be extended to functions outside of the shop floor.
More to come...