AS9100 was designed to reflect the unique Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements that the aerospace industry faces. It states a universal standard for manufacturers looking to do business in the industry and to account for the requirements not satisfied by ISO9000/ISO9100. 

So, while creating a certificate, the first thing that will come to your mind will be “How much will it cost to create a certificate?”. Well, even the top management is most concerned about money. Even if they understand the benefits of implementing the QMS, they will still want to know the total AS9100 certification cost. 

In this blog, we will guide you through a number of things to consider when developing your implementation budget.

1) Cost of acquiring knowledge. 

The first and least expensive step is acquiring the knowledge you need to implement AS9100. The training required for the implementation team to better understand the requirements of the standard and how these requirements are to be interpreted for your organization can be more costly than the standard. 

2) Cost of technology to meet the standard 

It is often easier to perform many of the processes that are required by the AS9100 standard with a ready-made software program. If you choose to use them, then these programs can help to control your documents, records, management review activities, corrective actions, internal audits, and many other facets of your QMS that you will need to maintain. 

As per your requirements, the prices of these softwares vary. So, if you decide to use a software, then make sure it will work for your organization.

 3) External assistance costs 

Just like many other companies, you should also hire a consultant. Hiring a consultant will help you speed up the process of your implementation by showing you the right direction. Be mindful of the fact that there are some drawbacks as well, such as cost and sharing of information. 

4) Cost of employee time

Irrespective of other assistance that you have, your employees will take time to develop the management system. The whole procedure needs to be defined. Some of them will also need to be documented. 

Even if you already have some documentation, you still need to review it against the AS9100 requirements to identify any changes. Also, they will take time to audit the processes of the QMS, while the top management will need to perform a management review.

5) Certification and surveillance audits costs 

The final step of implementation is to have a certification body and audit your QMS to guarantee that it meets the requirements of the AS9100 standard. 

The validity period of these certifications is three years, with a certification audit to start and then surveillance audits over the next two years until it is time to re-verify at the three-year completion of the first certification. Like any other, there is a cost associated with certification, and this cost will differ between certification bodies.

Conclusion

By understanding these costs, you can better analyze the overall AS9100 certification cost before the commencement of your tasks. The importance of certification for a company that wants to do business in the industry right now is obvious. 

It is mandatory for aerospace manufacturers and suppliers around the world to comply with the AS9100 standard for doing business. Since the release of AS9000 in 1997, this standard has been updated a lot and will continue to evolve to fit the changing needs of the industry. 

KSQA helps businesses implement systems to ensure their QMS leads to sustainable growth while developing a culture that continually drives higher levels of customer satisfaction and improvement. Visit the website to learn more.