AS 9100 Series

OASIS (Online Aerospace Supplier Information System) is a global database managed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) that contains information about certified AS 9100 series organizations. When an organization achieves AS 9100, AS 9110, or AS 9120 certification, their certification information is automatically registered in the OASIS database. This database serves several critical functions: it allows aerospace customers to verify the certification status of potential suppliers; provides visibility of audit results and findings (with appropriate access permissions); enables aerospace OEMs to provide supplier ratings and performance data; facilitates communication between certified organizations and their customers; and helps with monitoring certification expiration dates and surveillance audit schedules. OASIS registration is mandatory for AS 9100 series certified organizations, and maintaining accurate information in this database is essential for doing business in the aerospace supply chain. Many aerospace customers will check a supplier's OASIS listing before approving them for critical work.

AS 9100 places significant emphasis on product safety due to the critical nature of aerospace applications. The standard requires organizations to implement specific processes for managing product safety throughout the product lifecycle. Key requirements include: planning, implementing, and controlling processes needed to ensure product safety; communicating product safety information to employees and ensuring they understand their contribution to safety; providing training on product safety; maintaining proper documentation related to product safety; and implementing appropriate actions to manage safety-critical items. Organizations must also establish provisions for identification and management of risks associated with safety-critical items, maintain lists of these items, and implement special controls for their design, production, and use. AS 9100 further requires processes for reporting safety concerns both within the organization and to customers and regulatory authorities when appropriate. These requirements are significantly more detailed and stringent than those found in general quality management standards like ISO 9001.

AS 9100 includes enhanced requirements for supplier management (control of external providers) compared to ISO 9001, reflecting the critical nature of the aerospace supply chain. Organizations must maintain a register of their approved suppliers including the scope of approval, and use risk-based thinking when selecting and managing suppliers. The standard requires organizations to: define the process, responsibilities, and authority for supplier approval decisions; periodically review supplier performance including product and process conformity and on-time delivery; take actions when suppliers don't meet requirements; and flow down applicable requirements to suppliers, including key characteristics, special requirements, and critical items. Organizations must also ensure that suppliers implement appropriate controls to prevent the use of counterfeit or suspect unapproved parts, and implement verification activities at supplier premises when needed. Other requirements include ensuring suppliers notify the organization of changes to processes, products, or services including changes of sub-tier suppliers or manufacturing locations, and implementing processes to assess the risks associated with supplier changes.

AS 9100 certification follows a rigorous process defined by the IAQG (International Aerospace Quality Group) that includes several key steps. First, organizations must select a certification body (CB) that is accredited by a national accreditation body and approved by the IAQG. The process typically includes: Stage 1 Audit - A preliminary assessment reviewing documentation and evaluating readiness; Stage 2 Audit - A comprehensive on-site evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness of the quality management system; Certification Decision - Based on audit results with any major nonconformities requiring corrective action before certification; Registration in OASIS - Upon successful certification, the organization is registered in the OASIS database; Surveillance Audits - Periodic audits (typically annual) to verify continued compliance; and Recertification - A full system audit conducted every three years. Unlike some other standards, AS 9100 certification requires auditors with aerospace industry experience who meet specific IAQG requirements. The certification process is more detailed and stringent than for ISO 9001, reflecting the high-risk nature of aerospace applications.