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. […]
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 […]
Why these errors persist Complexity grows as teams add forms and procedures. Without strict ownership and a single source of truth, outdated files linger, copies spread, and approvals go missing. Frequent AS9100D documentation errors Obsolete copies in active foldersInternal audits often find old forms inside live work areas. Users grab what is closest rather than […]
Steps to AS9100 Certification (That Actually Work in the Real World) For aerospace and defense suppliers, achieving AS9100 certification isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a business requirement. Whether you’re bidding on government contracts or supplying major OEMs, certification under AS9100 demonstrates that your organization can meet the stringent demands of the aerospace industry. But what […]
Counterfeit parts in aerospace are no longer a theoretical risk—they’re an active and escalating threat that undermines aircraft reliability, operator safety, and national defense capabilities. The FAA estimates that approximately 520,000 counterfeit or unapproved parts enter aircraft annually—roughly 2% of installed components (connectorsupplier.com). These components, which range from semiconductors and fasteners to composite structures and […]
Step-by-Step: AS9100 Internal Audit Process 1. Audit Planning Sample sizing ensures auditors collect enough objective evidence to draw valid conclusions about process performance. AS9100D doesn’t specify a fixed number of records—it requires a risk-based approach. Higher-risk processes demand deeper review and direct observation, while stable, low-risk areas can rely on smaller samples. 2. Preparing the […]
