AS9100 and EN9100 are quality management standards specifically developed for the aerospace industry and they are related to electronic hardware. These standards provide a framework for managing and controlling the processes involved in the design, development, production, installation, and maintenance of electronic hardware products in the aerospace industry.
AS9100 is the standard used primarily in the United States, while EN9100 is used in Europe. Both standards are similar in content and are recognized globally.
The AS9100 and EN9100 standards cover a wide range of areas related to quality management, including:
- Quality management system requirements: These include requirements for documenting and implementing a quality management system, as well as for conducting internal audits and management reviews.
- Design and development: These standards include requirements for the design and development of aerospace products, including requirements for risk management and for controlling design changes.
- Purchasing: These standards include requirements for controlling the purchase of products and services, including requirements for supplier evaluation and selection.
- Production and service provision: These standards include requirements for controlling the production and service provision processes, including requirements for controlling nonconforming products.
- Measurement, analysis, and improvement: These standards include requirements for measuring and analyzing performance, as well as for implementing continuous improvement activities.
Companies that are certified to these standards are audited by a third-party registrar to ensure that they meet the requirements of the standard. AS9100 and EN9100 certification is a widely recognized and respected quality standard in the aerospace industry, it provides assurance to customers that a supplier’s products and services meet the requirements of the standard, and that its quality management system is effective.
The standard focuses on the specific requirements of electronic hardware in the aerospace industry, such as the need for high reliability, long life cycles, and stringent safety and regulatory requirements. It covers the entire lifecycle of electronic hardware, from the initial design and development, through production, installation, and maintenance.
The standard requires that electronic hardware is designed and developed using a systematic and structured approach, with appropriate documentation and records being maintained throughout the process. It also requires that hardware is tested and validated to ensure it meets the required specifications and standards before being released for production.
It includes requirements for the management of suppliers and the control of purchased electronic hardware, ensuring that the products received meet the required specifications and standards. It also includes requirements for the control of non-conforming electronic hardware and the management of defects and corrective actions.
In summary, AS9100/EN9100 aerospace standard for electronic hardware is a comprehensive standard that provides guidance on best practices for managing the quality of electronic hardware products in the aerospace industry. It helps companies to improve their quality management systems, increase efficiency, and reduce costs while ensuring the compliance with industry standards and regulations.