AS9100 Certification for Small (2 man) Business

[aerosim]

I started my business over 10 years ago as a part time engineering consulting firm and about a year ago, it became a full time engineering and manufacturing firm. Until this point, I have been a one man show and the work I was doing didn't require ISO or AS certification.

However, I've since hired an employee and we are moving more towards aerospace work that will require AS9100 certification. I perform aerodynamic and mechanical design and engineering and we manufacture composite (carbon fiber, etc.) components as well as machine composites, tooling, and various other parts, although we are not a machine shop.

I'm hoping the AS9100 process is somewhat easier since there are only two of us, although I fear it may be the same regardless of the size of our company. We intend to hire several more employees in the near future, although I can't see the company employing more than 10 people within the next 3-4 years.

Any advice would be helpful. I've worked in larger firms who had a full time ISO guy, so I know how much work can be involved. Being a small firm, I don't have the time or the capital to do anything like that, although I can't afford not to be certified.

Thanks in advance and sorry for the long winded post.
-Steve

 

[AndyN]

Steve, welcome.

It can seem a daunting task. I'd strongly recommend getting someone from outside to help. Once they assist in getting the system defined and documented in some fashion, their role can be auditor, coach etc. until you and everyone else feels comfortable making the system their day-to-day business...

I know of a couple of good folks in CA who'd fit the bill.

 

[aerosim]

Thanks for the kind welcome, Andy.

One thing I'm worried about is the cost of hiring a consultant. We're a pretty lean operation here, and while I realizes it takes money to make money, there's only so much to go around.

Any idea of what range of $$'s we'd be looking at?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[AndyN]

Steve:

Of course it's very much dependent on the type of support you can agree with the consultant to provide.

In the initial stages, preparing documentation can be done somewhat remotely, the bulk of any time is going to be spent performing audits etc. I'm not sure what consultants would charge in your state. You might ask them, when doing some research as to support/costs etc. if there's any grant money available to you, too. Given Cali's financial situation it might be a long shot, but ask, nevertheless. Let me know by pm if you'd like some names...

 

[aerosim]

Thanks Andy. I figured we could handle the quality manual and the paperwork with a few prods in the right direction. I hate audits, but we're moving to a new facility next month as well, so I figure now is the time to start fresh.

Good idea on the grant money. You never know. The state is bankrupt because they don't know where they put the money. Morons. LA found something like $71M a few months ago that they didn't know they had. I'm lucky if I find a quarter in my couch cushions.

Yes, please PM me some names. I'd like to get started on this on Tuesday.

 

[howste]

Hi Steve, welcome to the cove.

Before you get too far into the process, I'd suggest that you get some training on AS9100 so you know what you're getting into. Even if you get help from a consultant (good idea), you don't want to rely completely on their knowledge of the requirements. You need to make sure that the knowledge is there after they are gone too. Of course, the consultant can also provide training.

Steve

 

[tomvehoski]

If consultants are out of your price range, you might want to think about looking for an unemployed Quality Manager or Engineer with AS9100 experience. There are plenty out there. While you probably don't need a full time, long term employee, many people would jump at the chance to at least get in some part time work to supplement unemployment, keep their resume alive, and get some networking contacts.

I was contacted by a few recruiters that were looking for people to fill positions like that. They never materialized for me as they either wanted specific technical skills I don't have, or it was a one day a week assignment 2000 miles away with no paid travel.

You may be able to search your state's database of unemployed workers for free (I know you can in MI). Monster would be another option, but I don't know what they charge for employers.

 

[Randy]

I'll lead you down a different pathway...Nearly everything you need and need to know is covered here in the Cove for free between the ISO 9001 and AS9100 Threads including many of the necessary documents which may only need some editing to fit your needs.

You're a simple company so keep the whole thing as simple as possible and make your QMS represent you and what you do and not some outsider and his image of what you should do.

 

[aerosim]

I'll lead you down a different pathway...Nearly everything you need and need to know is covered here in the Cove for free between the ISO 9001 and AS9100 Threads including many of the necessary documents which may only need some editing to fit your needs.

You're a simple company so keep the whole thing as simple as possible and make your QMS represent you and what you do and not some outsider and his image of what you should do.

Ahhh ... that's what I wanted to hear. I figured there must be someone in a similar situation to me out there. I'll do some more searching. Are there any sticky's for documents, etc?

I completely agree ... there's no need to overcomplicate things here. It's very simple and there's no need for reams of paper just to justify a consultant's existence. No disrespect to consultants intended ...

 

[gbcqc]

I agree with Howste.

1st thing is to get training in AS9100 to know what you need and to set what you need for your business. Then if you get help, (cove, part-time help, etc.) you will be able to separate what is someone's idea and what is needed or required.

Greg