AS9100 Clause 3 Explained

What is AS9100 Clause 3 About?

AS9100 is a standard for quality management systems specifically tailored for the aerospace industry. Clause 3 of AS9100 outlines the scope of the quality management system (QMS). This clause sets the framework for the organization’s QMS by defining the boundaries and applicability of the standard within the organization.

AS9100 Clause 3 typically includes:

Determining the scope of the QMS:

This involves identifying the processes, products, and services that are within the scope of the QMS and those that are excluded.

Establishing the quality management system:

This involves defining the processes, procedures, and resources needed to implement and maintain the QMS.

Ensuring the QMS meets the requirements of the standard:

This involves aligning the QMS with the requirements of AS9100 and any applicable regulatory requirements.

Communicating the scope of the QMS:

This involves ensuring that all relevant stakeholders understand the scope of the QMS and their roles and responsibilities within it.

Overall, Clause 3 of AS9100 provides a foundation for implementing and maintaining a robust QMS within aerospace organizations, helping them to consistently deliver high-quality products and services while meeting industry standards and regulations.

The AS9100 Clauses:

What is the difference between AS9100 Clause 3 and ISO 9001 Clause 3?

AS9100 Clause 3 and ISO 9001 Clause 3 both address the scope of the quality management system (QMS), but they have some differences due to the specific requirements and focus of each standard.

Industry Focus:

AS9100: This standard is specifically tailored for the aerospace industry. Therefore, AS9100 Clause 3 considers the unique aspects and requirements of aerospace manufacturing and service processes.

ISO 9001: ISO 9001 is a generic quality management standard applicable to any industry. Clause 3 of ISO 9001 provides requirements for determining the scope of the QMS without focusing on any specific industry.

Regulatory Requirements:

AS9100: Aerospace organizations must comply with specific regulatory requirements and standards set forth by aviation authorities and regulatory bodies. Clause 3 of AS9100 considers these regulatory requirements when determining the scope of the QMS.

ISO 9001: ISO 9001 does not have industry-specific regulatory requirements built into its clauses. The scope determination in Clause 3 of ISO 9001 is based on the organization’s determination of what is necessary to meet customer requirements and enhance customer satisfaction.

Emphasis on Safety and Risk Management:

AS9100: Given the critical nature of aerospace products and services, AS9100 places a strong emphasis on safety, reliability, and risk management. Clause 3 of AS9100 may include specific considerations for managing risks related to product safety and airworthiness.

ISO 9001: While ISO 9001 promotes the identification and management of risks within the QMS, it does not have the same level of emphasis on safety and risk management specific to aerospace as AS9100.

While both AS9100 Clause 3 and ISO 9001 Clause 3 address the scope of the QMS, AS9100 Clause 3 is tailored to the aerospace industry with specific considerations for regulatory requirements, safety, and risk management, whereas ISO 9001 Clause 3 is more generic and applicable across various industries.

What is the History of AS9100 Clause 3?

AS9100 Clause 3, within the aerospace quality management standard, pertains to the scope of the quality management system (QMS). It outlines the requirements for determining the scope of the QMS within an aerospace organization. The history of this clause is tied to the evolution of aerospace quality management standards.

The AS9100 standard itself is based on the ISO 9001 quality management system standard but includes additional requirements specific to the aerospace industry. Clause 3 has undergone revisions and updates over the years in alignment with changes in the aerospace industry and advancements in quality management practices.

The History of AS9100 Clause 3 Involves Several Key Milestones:

Origins in Aerospace Quality Management:

The need for a standardized quality management system within the aerospace industry became apparent as aviation technology advanced. Initially, quality standards were developed internally within aerospace companies or through industry-specific associations.

Development of AS9100:

The International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) was formed to address the need for a unified aerospace quality management standard. This group developed AS9100, which was first published in 1999. Clause 3 was included as part of the initial framework to define the scope of the QMS.

Revisions and Updates:

AS9100 has undergone several revisions since its inception to align with changes in industry practices and ISO 9001 revisions. Each revision cycle includes updates to Clause 3 to ensure it remains relevant and effective in defining the scope of the QMS.

Alignment with ISO 9001:

AS9100 Clause 3 is closely aligned with Clause 4 of ISO 9001, which also addresses the scope of the QMS. However, AS9100 includes additional requirements specific to aerospace, such as regulatory compliance and product safety.

Current Status:

The most recent version of AS9100 is AS9100D, which was published in 2016. Clause 3 in AS9100D provides guidance on determining the scope of the QMS based on the organization’s processes, products, and regulatory requirements.

The history of AS9100 Clause 3 reflects the aerospace industry’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement, as well as its efforts to align with international standards while addressing sector-specific requirements.