Achieving ISO Certification: Steps for Aerospace Services

In the aerospace sector, certifications are vital for maintaining quality, safety, and adherence to industry standards. For suppliers, securing these certifications is imperative to showcase their competence and satisfy the rigorous demands of aerospace manufacturers. This detailed guide will examine the essential ISO certifications for aerospace suppliers, offering valuable insights on how to obtain them.

Understanding the Certifications: ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

• ISO 9001: This standard specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organisation needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. It focuses on process improvement, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.
• ISO 14001: This standard outlines requirements for an effective environmental management system. It helps organisations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste, gaining a competitive advantage and the trust of stakeholders.
• AS9100: Tailored specifically for the aerospace industry, it builds on ISO 9001 and includes additional requirements for quality and safety.

Steps to Achieving Aerospace ISO Certification

Step 1: Communication of ISO Certification

Successful implementation of ISO certification starts with the commitment of top management. Leadership must understand the importance of the certification and allocate necessary resources. They should also communicate the significance of ISO 9001 and 14001 to all employees, emphasising its role in improving quality and customer satisfaction.

Step 2: Compare Your Current Management Processes

Perform a gap analysis to compare your current quality management practices against the ISO 9001 requirements. Identify areas where your organisation needs improvements. This analysis helps in developing an action plan to address gaps and align with ISO standards. For ISO 14001 review your current environmental impact and evaluate compliance with existing environmental regulations.

Step 3: Training and Awareness

Educate and train employees about ISO 9001 and 14001 and their roles in the system. Awareness should be around the benefits, new procedures and how it will help each employee. Training should focus on environmental aspects, impacts, and procedures to mitigate negative effects on the environment and quality of systems.

Step 4: Develop Your Documentation

ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 require comprehensive documentation of processes, procedures, and policies. Through review of the individual ISO standard you will be able to determine what documentation needs to be developed and maintained. Ensure that all documentation is controlled and accessible to relevant personnel.

Step 5: Implement Certification Practises

Implement the documented systems across the organisation. Ensure that all processes are followed as per the documented procedures. This phase involves integrating the QMS into the day-to-day operations and making adjustments based on real-time feedback. You can conduct internal audits to evaluate the effectiveness and identify non-conformities and areas for improvement. Develop a corrective action plan to address any issues identified during these audits.

Step 6: Audit

Engage an JASANZ accredited certification auditor to conduct the audit. The auditors will review your documentation and practices to ensure compliance with ISO 14001 and 9001. Upon successful completion, your organisation will receive both certifications.

How ISO Certification Consultants Can Help?

Certification companies, such as Certifi, play a pivotal role in the aerospace certification process. These organisations are responsible for verifying that aerospace companies meet the stringent requirements set forth by ISO standards like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. These audits involve reviewing documentation, observing processes to verify adherence to the standards. Certifi’s auditors provide detailed feedback on any non-conformities and guide the company in implementing corrective actions. ISO certification is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing commitment. Certifi conducts regular surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance with the standards. These audits help ensure that the quality and environmental management systems remain effective.

By partnering with Certifi, aerospace companies can navigate the complex certification journey with confidence. Contact us today!