AS9100D Inspection Requirements

[thomasban]

Hi everyone. I am a QA Engineer at a small manufacturing company (<15 total employees). I just got hired in Aug, since I graduated recently with an Applied Physics degree. My company just completed both stages for the AS9100D certification, and thankfully we had a low number of NCRs. The main issue is that I have no previous work related experience with AS9100, but I want to learn how to best implement it within the company.

What are the best resources I can find to help me understand AS9100D certification better? I'm trying to learn the best way to adapt our company to the standard. I think we are doing some thing in a very tedious and time-consuming way, when in actuality we might be overkilling it. I guess what I'm looking for is for resources that can help me understand better how to stay within AS standard while maintaining maximum productivity.

 

[Sidney Vianna]

I guess what I'm looking for is for resources that can help me understand better how to stay within AS standard while maintaining maximum productivity.

Only profound knowledge of how business processes operate associated with a deep understanding of the standard(s) can lead to a business-friendly and efficiency-enhancing system. Both demand time and effort. This site is a repository of a very high number of discussions that could assist you, so I suggest you acquaint yourself and use the search function here. And, if you don’t find what you are looking for, start a thread. Just make sure you provide context and details so people can contribute with a clear understanding of the issues at hand.

Good luck.

 

[ChrisM]

"How to best implement" depends on many things, and TBH if this is your first "real" job since graduating, and you have no prior experience in working in industry then you have a long struggle unless you happen to be super-talented with management and political skills. You will need to understand how your organization works and also gain an appreciation of historical internal politics, and the first thing to understand is that without the commitment from those at the top of the business, you could well be doomed from the start.
Do you have many colleagues in your organization who work in "quality" and what is the current set-up - do you have ISO9001 for example, and is there a Quality Manager or Management Representative for Quality? If not, do you have associated companies that you could visit and discuss your task with?

 

[thomasban]

Do you have many colleagues in your organization who work in "quality" and what is the current set-up - do you have ISO9001 for example, and is there a Quality Manager or Management Representative for Quality?

Yes our company is ISO9001 certified but the QM moved to a different state and trying to slowly transition away from this company also so he's virtual 90% of the time. The rest of the Quality side has been dealt with by office staff but it wasn't taken care of too well, so no, not a lot of colleagues that work in quality. I would say only 1 has actually dealt with ISO stuff out of all, but again we're not a big company and this company is "more focused on productivity than losing time on paperwork". I've also noticed that this comes with a lot of experience and understanding internal politics which I am still learning about the company.

I'm getting the sense that this might be over my knowledge skills but this is what I signed up for and I'm willing to put in hours for it. I just want to know that I did the best I can on my end to understand the AS process. Management is a bit tougher to break on these standards but willing to learn so that's nice to have going on.

 

[Big Jim]

I would suggest you start by reading the AS9100D Standard. As you read it, be aware that ISO 9001:2015 is contained in AS9100D word for word, with the AS enhancements printed in bold italicized print where it was determined that additional focus and scrutiny is needed. Make sure you understand all you read and reach out for help with anything you don't understand. Make sure you especially understand the AS enhancements, as that is where your organization is likely to need the most help.

If there are any words or phrases you don't understand or seem awkward, reach out here for help in understanding them.

Your company would probably benefit from the use of a consultant, but I get the feeling that's not in the budget.

 

[Golfman25]

Yes our company is ISO9001 certified but the QM moved to a different state and trying to slowly transition away from this company also so he's virtual 90% of the time. The rest of the Quality side has been dealt with by office staff but it wasn't taken care of too well, so no, not a lot of colleagues that work in quality. I would say only 1 has actually dealt with ISO stuff out of all, but again we're not a big company and this company is "more focused on productivity than losing time on paperwork". I've also noticed that this comes with a lot of experience and understanding internal politics which I am still learning about the company.

I'm getting the sense that this might be over my knowledge skills but this is what I signed up for and I'm willing to put in hours for it. I just want to know that I did the best I can on my end to understand the AS process. Management is a bit tougher to break on these standards but willing to learn so that's nice to have going on.

Don't overthink it. It's not rocket science and someone with your level of experience might give it a fresh look.

Here is what I would do if I where you. Go thru the AS standard and create a matrix. Put each clause in a spreadsheet. Then identify where in your system you address that clause. Make notes of how you address it. It is a long, tedious process. But at the end, you'll understand the standard and how/where you apply it.

Then identify your pain points -- where does it seem to be overkill, lots of unnecessary documents, etc. Search the forum for ideas.

Good luck.