What is the difference between AS9100 and ISO 9001 ?

Title: The Differences Between AS9100 and ISO 9001: A Comprehensive Comparison

Quality management systems are essential for ensuring the efficiency and reliability of products and services across various industries. In the aerospace industry, where safety is of utmost importance, stringent quality standards must be adhered to. Two widely recognized standards are AS9100 and ISO 900While both focus on quality management, there are distinct differences between them. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive comparison of AS9100 and ISO 9001 to help you better understand the differences between the two standards.

AS9100: Industry-Specific Quality Management Standard

AS9100 is an industry-specific standard based on ISO 9001, specifically tailored for the aerospace sector. It includes additional requirements that are essential for aerospace organizations to ensure the safety, reliability, and quality of their products. EN 9100 incorporates regulatory requirements from various aviation authorities and sets stringent quality control measures, such as traceability, risk management, configuration management, and design control. Compliance with EN 9100 is crucial for aerospace companies to demonstrate their commitment to product safety and reliability.

ISO 9001: Generic Quality Management Standard

ISO 9001 is a generic quality management standard applicable to any organization. It is designed to help organizations improve their quality management systems and achieve continuous improvement. It is based on a set of principles and processes that can be applied to various industries and sectors. While ISO 9001 is a good starting point for any organization, it may not be tailored to the specific needs of the aerospace industry.

Differences between ISO 9001 and EN 9100

While both ISO 9001 and EN 9100 share common principles for quality management systems, there are several key differences that set them apart. The main difference lies in the scope and industry focus. ISO 9001 is a generic standard applicable to any organization, while EN 9100 is specifically designed for the aerospace sector. This means that EN 9100 incorporates additional requirements that are not found in ISO 9001, such as product safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance specific to aerospace.

Another notable difference is the level of documentation and controls required. EN 9100 demands more rigorous documentation, traceability, and control measures due to the critical nature of aerospace products. These additional requirements ensure that every aspect of the aerospace supply chain is thoroughly monitored and controlled to prevent any potential risks or failures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both AS9100 and ISO 9001 are quality management standards designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of products and services, they have distinct differences due to their tailored scope and industry focus. AS9100 is specifically designed for the aerospace sector and includes additional requirements specific to product safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. On the other hand, ISO 9001 is a generic standard applicable to any organization and may not be tailored to the specific needs of the aerospace industry. Compliance with EN 9100 is crucial for aerospace companies to demonstrate their commitment to product safety and reliability.