Cause and Effect Analysis: Beyond the Fishbone Diagram

Cause and Effect Analysis: Beyond the Fishbone Diagram

Cause and effect analysis is one of the most widely recognized methods used in quality management to understand why problems occur. Commonly associated with the Ishikawa or fishbone diagram, the method provides a structured way to examine how multiple factors may contribute to an undesired outcome. Despite its familiarity, the method is often applied superficially. […]

Questions to Ask About Documentation During an Aerospace Audit

Questions to Ask About Documentation During an Aerospace Audit

Introduction Aerospace audits depend on traceable, well-controlled documentation. Asking focused questions helps determine whether documents support compliance, reflect current practices, and maintain accuracy across all operations. Document Version Control Key points to review • How documents are approved, revised, and released• How older versions are removed from use• How staff confirm they are using the […]

How Many Majors Do You Need to Fail an AS9100 Audit?

How Many Majors Do You Need to Fail an AS9100 Audit?

Short answer:A single major nonconformity (Major NC) can cause an AS9100 audit to fail or be suspended until it is corrected. Certification bodies treat any major nonconformity as a significant breakdown in the Quality Management System (QMS). Unlike minor nonconformities—which can often be corrected with standard corrective actions—majors demonstrate systemic, structural, or high-risk issues that […]

AS9100D Internal Audit Sampling: How Much Evidence Is Enough?

AS9100D Internal Audit Sampling: How Much Evidence Is Enough?

Understanding Sample Size in AS9100D Internal Audits AS9100D does not dictate how many records, parts, or transactions to sample during an internal audit. Instead, auditors must select a size sufficient to achieve audit objectives while considering process risk, past performance, and available evidence. The goal is to gather enough objective evidence to confirm conformity or […]