AS9120 certification, focused on distributors and warehouses in the aerospace industry, offers several advantages.
It demonstrates a commitment to product quality and traceability, optimizes processes, increases customer confidence, and opens doors to new markets. In addition, it helps ensure compliance with industry standards and reduce potential risks.
AS9120 was developed for pass-through distributors (i.e., businesses that acquire and distribute parts and materials rather than add value or work on the products themselves) of aircraft components like fasteners, electronics, gaskets, etc. as well as splitting them into smaller quantities. These distributors, while providing a useful service, can affect product performance if they fail to handle parts and materials correctly or lose a part's chain of custody from the OEM to the customer.
This standard is not intended for organizations that manufacture or perform maintenance repair and overhaul. Organizations that offer these types of services will seek certification to the AS9100 and/or AS9110 standards respectively.
Enhanced Traceability and Documentation:
AS9120 emphasizes the importance of maintaining a robust chain of custody for all parts and materials. Distributors must ensure that documentation accurately reflects the journey of each component from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to the end customer. This traceability is crucial for verifying authenticity and ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.
Quality Management System Requirements:
The standard requires distributors to implement a quality management system that addresses specific needs of the aerospace industry. This includes procedures for handling, storage, and distribution of parts, ensuring that they remain in optimal condition and are delivered as specified.
Risk Management:
AS9120 encourages distributors to identify and mitigate risks associated with the handling and distribution of aerospace components. This proactive approach helps prevent issues such as damage, contamination, or loss of parts, which could impact product performance and safety.
Customer Satisfaction and Continuous Improvement:
Distributors certified to AS9120 are committed to meeting customer requirements and enhancing satisfaction. The standard promotes continuous improvement practices, enabling organizations to refine their processes and deliver superior service.
Competitive Advantage:
Certification to AS9120 provides distributors with a competitive edge in the aerospace market. It demonstrates a commitment to quality and reliability, which can attract more business opportunities and strengthen relationships with OEMs and customers.
Compliance with Regulatory Requirements:
AS9120 ensures that distributors comply with applicable regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties. This compliance is essential for maintaining trust and credibility in the aerospace industry.
AS9120 is a vital standard for pass-through distributors in the aerospace sector, ensuring that they handle and distribute parts and materials with the utmost care and precision. By implementing the requirements of AS9120, distributors can enhance their operational efficiency, reduce risks, and build stronger relationships with their customers and suppliers.
For organizations seeking to demonstrate their commitment to quality and reliability in aerospace distribution, AS9120 certification is an essential step. It not only ensures compliance with industry standards but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
AS9120 is a quality management system standard specifically designed for pass-through distributors of aerospace components. It ensures that these distributors handle and distribute parts and materials with precision and care, maintaining the integrity of the supply chain.
AS9120 certification is intended for organizations that acquire and distribute aerospace parts and materials without adding value or performing manufacturing or maintenance activities. This includes distributors of fasteners, electronics, gaskets, and other components.
While AS9100 and AS9110 are designed for manufacturers and maintenance organizations, respectively, AS9120 is tailored for distributors. It focuses on the specific needs and challenges of distribution, such as traceability, documentation, and risk management.
Benefits include improved operational efficiency, enhanced traceability, risk mitigation, increased customer satisfaction, and a competitive advantage in the aerospace market. Certification demonstrates a commitment to quality and reliability.
Certification can enhance your organization's reputation, attract more business opportunities, and strengthen relationships with OEMs and customers by demonstrating adherence to high-quality standards.