Intro
Create a comprehensive AS9100 quality manual template in 5 easy steps. Learn how to establish a robust quality management system (QMS) that meets aerospace industry standards. Discover how to define scope, identify processes, establish procedures, implement controls, and continually improve your QMS, ensuring compliance and customer satisfaction.
The aerospace industry is one of the most highly regulated and competitive industries in the world. To ensure that companies meet the required standards, the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) developed the AS9100 quality management standard. This standard is based on the ISO 9001 quality management system and adds additional requirements specific to the aerospace industry.
One of the key documents required for AS9100 certification is the quality manual. The quality manual is a document that outlines the company's quality policy, objectives, and procedures for implementing the quality management system.
Creating an AS9100 quality manual template can be a daunting task, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, by following the steps outlined below, you can create a comprehensive and effective quality manual template.
Step 1: Define the Scope and Purpose of the Quality Manual
The first step in creating an AS9100 quality manual template is to define the scope and purpose of the document. This section should clearly outline the company's quality policy, objectives, and the scope of the quality management system.
The scope statement should include the following information:
- A description of the company's products and services
- A list of the company's locations and facilities
- A description of the company's organizational structure
- A list of the company's customers and stakeholders
The purpose statement should outline the company's commitment to quality and its objectives for implementing the quality management system.
Example of Scope and Purpose Statement
"The quality manual outlines the quality policy, objectives, and procedures for implementing the quality management system at XYZ Aerospace. The scope of the quality management system includes the design, development, production, and delivery of aerospace products and services. The purpose of this document is to ensure that XYZ Aerospace meets the requirements of the AS9100 standard and provides high-quality products and services to its customers."
Step 2: Outline the Quality Management System
The next step is to outline the quality management system. This section should describe the company's quality management system and how it meets the requirements of the AS9100 standard.
The quality management system should include the following elements:
- Quality policy and objectives
- Organizational structure and responsibilities
- Document control and record keeping
- Management review and continuous improvement
- Internal audits and management review
Example of Quality Management System Outline
"The quality management system at XYZ Aerospace is based on the AS9100 standard and includes the following elements:
- Quality policy and objectives: The company's quality policy is to provide high-quality products and services that meet the requirements of its customers. The company's quality objectives are to reduce defects, improve delivery times, and increase customer satisfaction.
- Organizational structure and responsibilities: The company's organizational structure is outlined in the organizational chart. The responsibilities of each department and individual are outlined in the job descriptions.
- Document control and record keeping: The company's documents and records are controlled and maintained in accordance with the document control procedure.
- Management review and continuous improvement: The company's management review process is outlined in the management review procedure. The company is committed to continuous improvement and encourages employee involvement in the quality management system.
- Internal audits and management review: The company's internal audit process is outlined in the internal audit procedure. The company's management review process is outlined in the management review procedure."
Step 3: Describe the Quality Policy and Objectives
The quality policy and objectives are a critical part of the quality management system. The quality policy should outline the company's commitment to quality and its objectives for implementing the quality management system.
The quality policy should include the following information:
- A statement of the company's commitment to quality
- A description of the company's quality objectives
- A statement of the company's responsibility to its customers and stakeholders
The quality objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
Example of Quality Policy and Objectives
"XYZ Aerospace is committed to providing high-quality products and services that meet the requirements of its customers. The company's quality objectives are to:
- Reduce defects by 20% within the next 12 months
- Improve delivery times by 30% within the next 18 months
- Increase customer satisfaction by 25% within the next 24 months
The company is responsible for ensuring that its products and services meet the requirements of its customers and stakeholders. The company is committed to continuous improvement and encourages employee involvement in the quality management system."
Step 4: Outline the Document Control and Record Keeping Procedures
The document control and record keeping procedures are critical to the quality management system. The document control procedure should outline the company's process for controlling and maintaining its documents.
The document control procedure should include the following information:
- A description of the company's document control process
- A list of the company's controlled documents
- A description of the company's process for approving and issuing documents
- A description of the company's process for reviewing and revising documents
The record keeping procedure should outline the company's process for maintaining its records.
The record keeping procedure should include the following information:
- A description of the company's record keeping process
- A list of the company's records
- A description of the company's process for storing and maintaining records
- A description of the company's process for disposing of records
Example of Document Control and Record Keeping Procedures
"The document control procedure at XYZ Aerospace outlines the company's process for controlling and maintaining its documents. The procedure includes the following steps:
- Document creation: Documents are created by authorized personnel using a standard template.
- Document review: Documents are reviewed by authorized personnel to ensure that they meet the requirements of the company.
- Document approval: Documents are approved by authorized personnel before they are issued.
- Document issuance: Documents are issued to authorized personnel.
- Document revision: Documents are revised as necessary to ensure that they remain accurate and up-to-date.
The record keeping procedure at XYZ Aerospace outlines the company's process for maintaining its records. The procedure includes the following steps:
- Record creation: Records are created by authorized personnel using a standard template.
- Record storage: Records are stored in a secure location.
- Record maintenance: Records are maintained in accordance with the company's record keeping procedure.
- Record disposal: Records are disposed of in accordance with the company's record keeping procedure."
Step 5: Outline the Management Review and Continuous Improvement Procedures
The management review and continuous improvement procedures are critical to the quality management system. The management review procedure should outline the company's process for reviewing the quality management system.
The management review procedure should include the following information:
- A description of the company's management review process
- A list of the inputs to the management review process
- A description of the company's process for evaluating the quality management system
- A description of the company's process for identifying and addressing opportunities for improvement
The continuous improvement procedure should outline the company's process for improving the quality management system.
The continuous improvement procedure should include the following information:
- A description of the company's continuous improvement process
- A list of the inputs to the continuous improvement process
- A description of the company's process for identifying and addressing opportunities for improvement
- A description of the company's process for implementing changes to the quality management system
Example of Management Review and Continuous Improvement Procedures
"The management review procedure at XYZ Aerospace outlines the company's process for reviewing the quality management system. The procedure includes the following steps:
- Input: The inputs to the management review process include the company's quality policy, quality objectives, and quality performance data.
- Evaluation: The company's quality management system is evaluated to ensure that it meets the requirements of the AS9100 standard.
- Output: The outputs of the management review process include a report on the company's quality performance and a plan for addressing opportunities for improvement.
The continuous improvement procedure at XYZ Aerospace outlines the company's process for improving the quality management system. The procedure includes the following steps:
- Input: The inputs to the continuous improvement process include the company's quality policy, quality objectives, and quality performance data.
- Identification: Opportunities for improvement are identified through the management review process and other sources.
- Implementation: Changes to the quality management system are implemented to address opportunities for improvement.
- Evaluation: The effectiveness of the changes is evaluated to ensure that they meet the requirements of the AS9100 standard."
AS9100 Quality Manual Template Image Gallery
By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive and effective AS9100 quality manual template that meets the requirements of the AS9100 standard. Remember to tailor your quality manual to your company's specific needs and processes, and to regularly review and revise it to ensure that it remains effective and efficient.