Gain ISO Certification With The Help Of An As9100 Consultant

By Judy Sullivan


Business management is a constantly shifting field as leaders seek the most effective way to run a company in the pursuit of success. From 1070 forward, the movement was in the understanding and implementation of a solid quality management program. With so many different ideas of what such a program really is, an as9100 consultant is crucial to gaining recognition as an ISO compliant organization.

The driving force behind the quality movement in the United States was the successful introduction of foreign products that were becoming increasingly more desirable to Americans than domestic products. Aided by the demand for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles in the wake of the oil crisis, Japanese cars rapidly gained market share, and so did stereo equipment and televisions. The superiority of American manufacturing was under threat.

It is important to realize the initial proponents of this quality centered process were Americans, Doctors W. Edwards Deming and Joseph Juran working independently. Their ideas were published in the United States as early as 1939 and 1951 respectively, but were largely ignored by American managers. Dr Deming focused on statistical process control, while Dr Juran believed management training was the key.

The combined guidance of these two experts led to the development of total quality management, which was quietly and efficiently implemented in manufacturing across Japan. The process yielded was consistently quality production with company owners working with employees to harness the synergy of the entire company as well as customer participation. The resulting products and services met consumer wants, needs and desires and were produced at lower cost.

In 1947, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) was formed with the purpose of developing internationally accepted guidelines for production. To facilitate international trade consumers needed assurances that similar products met minimum levels of suitability for purpose. Standardization would accomplish that goal, but gaining acceptance of the guides worldwide was problematic.

The aviation industry has long had an enviable safety record, largely due to the near military dedication to checklist usage. From maintenance to passenger and cargo loading, fueling and flying, companies have used checklists for every step, ensuring a high degree of consistency. Standardization has long been a central ingredient to flight and the results have been excellent.

The aviation standard addresses every part of the delivery of air transportation, including employee training and documentation, passenger and cargo operations and the actual aircraft operation and maintenance. This is a very large and complex set of processes that must all operate in harmony for the consumer to receive comfortable timely air travel. It also helps companies focus on things the consumer interests while keeping the business efficient.

Gaining certification under ISO criterion requires a dedicated approach to company wide analysis, a will to change what is necessary and a vigilance to maintain the level of performance. Ensuring compliance with all the requirements of the standard, implanting change while operating the business can be difficult. Engaging with an as9100 consultant can make the certification process a straightforward successful effort.




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