PFI is proud to share that it has been recertified with ISO 9001-2015 and AS9100D. You may be wondering what exactly this means, or why it should affect which machining and fabrication company you choose to do business with. In this article, we discuss what exactly ISO 9001-2015 and AS9100D certifications are, how a company becomes ISO 9001-2015 and AS9100D certified, and what our clients can expect from an ISO 9001-2015 and AS9100D certified business.
What Is ISO 9001:2015 Certification?
Broadly speaking ISO 9001-2015 is a quality management system developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It outlines a number of specific requirements that organizations need to follow in order to demonstrate that they are able to consistently produce or provide products that meet various regulatory requirements. Ultimately, it improves customer satisfaction by ensuring conformity in the products produced. Achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification means that PFI has demonstrated its ability to:
- Follow the ISO 9001 standard guidelines and complete all necessary courses or trainings
- Successfully implement the guidelines into our own operations
- Fulfill all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements
- Maintain documentation demonstrating compliance
- Have completed successful audits of our systems
Benefits of Implementing ISO 9001:2015 Certification Standard
There are two main benefits to implementing the ISO 9001:2015. First, it demonstrates that we have implemented a successful quality management system that maximizes the quality of our products and services. In the long run, this saves us costs of remaking faulty or improperly manufactured products. It also encourages us to continually review our processes to find ways in which we can improve our work. The second reason why implementing ISO 9001:2015 is beneficial is because it helps ensure customer satisfaction. The guidelines established in the ISO 9001:2015 are designed to help organizations like PFI set standards for an effective quality management system, which in turn ensures that our clients receive high-quality and efficiently produced products. We strive to always make sure that our customers are satisfied and our ISO 9001:2015 certification is just one important way that we achieve that goal.
What Is AS9100D Certification?
Similar to the ISO 9001:2015, the AS9100D certification is a quality management systems standard published by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Whereas the ISO 9001:2015 can be applied to a wide scope of industries and business models, the AS9100D certification is specially tailored for organizations that do business in aerospace and aerospace technology, including manufacturers of aerospace parts, like PFI. To become certified, PFI undergoes yearly audits to ensure compliance with the AS9100D guidelines. This requires a demonstration of adaptation to changing environments, addressing product safety or customer concerns, meeting all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, and navigating conflicts that may arise.
AS9100D Documentation Requirements
Another significant component to AS9100D requirements and certification is the ability to document compliance with the published standards. This requires the retention of a long list of documentation and data that demonstrates PFI’s ability to maintain and control its quality management systems. Some examples of documentation include:
- The Quality Policy and the Quality Objectives
- Documentation of the scope of the quality management systems
- Evidence that the standards and practices are being carried out as outlined
- Evidence of consistent monitoring
- Proof of conformity of the products and/or services
- Confirmation that various products and services meet all applicable design and development controls
- The ability to trace product design and development
- An established process for addressing nonconforming products
- Evidence of the implementation of the audit program and audit results
- Documentation of the process of any corrective actions taken and the results of those actions
What Does It Mean to Be Recertified?
Becoming recertified takes a notable amount of time and attention to detail. Recertification is required any time there is a revision or update to the previous standard. It is important to note that these standards are complex and often require considerable restructuring of our quality management processes to ensure we are up to date. Once certified, we must still ensure that those processes are maintained and pass regular audits. Failing to pass these audits can mean losing our certification. Achieving certification is a rare accomplishment, and PFI is proud to have become recertified with the newly revised standards!
Make PFI Your ISO 9001- 2015 Company
Not every machining and fabrication company becomes ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified. It is a complicated process and requires constant confirmation that all policies and procedures are being followed at all times. However, our dedication to maintaining these certifications is a testament to our dedication in providing our customers with the highest quality products that not only meet our own high standards, but the standards laid out in the ISO 9001:2015 and AS 9100D manuals. This attention to detail and commitment to our customers is just another reason why you should make PFI your ISO 9001:2015 and AS 9100D machining and fabrication company. Contact PFI today!
