Maintaining strict quality standards in the aerospace, defence, and aviation industries is not just important—it’s essential. One key certification that ensures this level of quality is AS9120, a standard specifically designed for distributors of aerospace and defence components. Whether you’re new to the concept of AS9120 certification or looking to deepen your understanding, this comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know. From explaining what AS9120 is to comparing it with other certifications like AS9100 and AS9110, this post will help clarify the mysteries surrounding AS9120 and its importance in the industry.
What Is AS9120 Certification?
AS9120 is a specialised Quality Management System (QMS) standard developed for aerospace and defence distributors. Based on ISO 9001, it includes additional requirements that focus on the aerospace sector’s specific challenges and needs. These additional criteria make AS9120 more rigorous, addressing aspects like traceability,counterfeit prevention, and enhanced documentation practices.
Achieving AS9120 certification means a distributor has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining high-qualitystandards across its operations, ensuring that it provides authentic, reliable, and safe products. This certification also means distributors are equipped to minimise risks related to counterfeit parts, faulty documentation, and overall supply chain disruptions.
AS9120 vs. AS9100 vs. AS9110: What’s the Difference?
There are multiple aerospace quality management standards, and it’s crucial to understand how AS9120 differs from its counterparts—AS9100 and AS9110—to know which certification is most applicable to your business.
AS9120 vs. AS9100
- AS9100 focuses on manufacturers that design and produce aerospace components or assemblies. It covers a wide array of operations, from initial design to manufacturing and final quality checks.
- In contrast, AS9120 is designed for distributors of aerospace parts, not manufacturers. The standard emphasises supply chain control, including ensuring product authenticity, traceability, and precise documentation from suppliers to end-users.
AS9120 vs. AS9110
- AS9110 applies to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organisations in the aerospace sector. It ensures that these service providers meet the quality requirements necessary for aircraft repairs and ongoing maintenance.
- AS9120, meanwhile, targets distributors only, focusing on the integrity of the parts being distributed rather than the services provided.
Understanding the nuances between these certifications will help businesses determine which certification aligns best with their role in the supply chain.
The Benefits and Importance of AS9120 Certification
For distributors in the aerospace sector, obtaining AS9120 certification offers several key advantages that go beyond mere compliance:
- Enhanced Customer Confidence
Customers and partners in the aerospace industry expect rigorous quality control. AS9120 certification signals to your customers that your company meets the highest standards for quality assurance, traceability, and documentation, boosting credibility and trust. - Risk Reduction
The aerospace sector is highly sensitive to counterfeit or substandard parts, which can lead to significant operational risks and safety hazards. AS9120 certification includes stringent measures for counterfeit prevention, ensuring that distributors have effective systems in place to avoid counterfeit materials in their supply chain. This significantly reduces risks for both the distributor and their clients. - Improved Operational Efficiency
The AS9120 standard requires robust, streamlined processes that help improve inventory management, reduce errors, and enable faster response times. Distributors benefit from better visibility and control over their operations, enhancing overall productivity and profitability. - Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
Many aerospace clients require AS9120 certification as a prerequisite for doing business. Meeting this certification opens doors to new opportunities and ensures that your operations comply with industry regulations and legal requirements.
Navigating AS9120B and Future Revisions
The AS9120 standard is continuously updated to reflect changes in the industry and technological advancements. The current version, AS9120B, was released in 2016, incorporating several important changes:
- Strengthened risk management processes
- Enhanced requirements for counterfeit parts prevention
- Expanded focus on product safety
Staying informed about future revisions and updates is essential to ensuring your organisation remains compliant. Regularly reviewing updates to the standard, attending industry events, and seeking out training can help your company remain competitive and up-to-date with the latest compliance requirements.
How to Achieve AS9120 Certification
The path to obtaining AS9120 certification typically involves the following steps:
- Gap Analysis
Conduct a thorough review of your current quality management systems to identify areas that need improvement. - Documentation and Process Updates
Based on the gap analysis, update or develop processes and documentation that align with AS9120 requirements. - Training and Implementation
Train your employees to understand and implement the updated processes effectively. - Pre-Audit Assessment
Before the official certification audit, perform an internal audit to ensure readiness. - Certification Audit
Partner with Auva Certification to conduct a full AS9120 audit, evaluating your processes and practices. - Ongoing Compliance
Once certified, maintain and improve your systems continuously. Regular surveillance audits will ensure ongoing compliance with the AS9120 standard.
Resources and Downloads for AS9120 Certification
If you’re preparing for AS9120 certification or simply looking to enhance your knowledge, here are some valuable resources:
- AS9120 Standard PDF: To get a comprehensive view of its requirements, you can access the official AS9120 standard from the SAE Website
- Training Programs: Many organisations offer specialised training to help distributors meet AS9120 standards effectively.
- Industry Associations: Keep up with updates and best practices by joining aerospace industry associations and participating in events or conferences such as the ADS.
Why AS9120 Certification Matters
Achieving AS9120 certification is more than just a badge of honour—it’s a commitment to quality, safety, and operational excellence. This certification offers aerospace and defence distributors a competitive advantage, helping build stronger customer relationships and reduce business risks. Distributors can elevate their operations and thrive in this high-stakes industry by staying informed about updates, understanding the certification process, and leveraging available resources.
Embark on your AS9120 certification journey today, and position your business for long-term success in the aerospace sector!
If you’re ready to take the next step or have questions, visit our AS9120 Certification page or contact our CEO and Aerospace Expert, Mike Venner Email:mike@auva.com for personalised guidance.
