What is AS9100? AS9100 is the US version of a globally harmonized quality management system standard, based upon the internationally renowned ISO 9001:2000 quality management system. It supplements ISO 9001:2000, focusing upon the unique, complex, and highly regulated nature of the aerospace industry. Specifically, it emphasizes the critical aspects of key characteristics and the need to satisfy internal, governmental and regulatory requirements. The global nature of the standard allows commonality throughout the industry, allowing increased trade and cooperation. The standard, which is supported by the leading global aerospace organizations, is based around organizational processes. As with ISO 9001:2000, the core concept is the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, which focuses the organization on its key processes. The model also builds in the ideas of planning, and reviewing, and that organizations should continually improve. Benefits of AS9100 Implementing the AS9100 quality management system derives a number of benefits: Focuses the organization upon the key requirements of the customer Focuses the organization upon the key characteristics of aerospace products and services Demonstrates the operation of globally accepted quality standards Increased opportunities and acceptance within the global aerospace supply-chain Improved product and process quality Reassignment of supplier resources to quality improvement Potential reduction in variation of quality Efficiency gains Compliance with a system supported by regulatory bodies Potential reduction in 2nd party system audits Excellent levels of traceability throughout the supply chain Common language to improve understanding quality requirements International recognition and respect BSI Management Systems is the North and South American hub of BSI, the world's leading international standards, testing, registration and certification organization. Founded in 1901, BSI has issued more than 35,500 registrations in over 90 countries. As the world's first national standards body, and a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), BSI facilitated and published the first commercial standards to address quality management systems, environmental management systems, occupational health and safety management systems, and project management.