Aerospace is a global industry so as AS9100 consultants we are naturally working with organisations, and visiting sites, all over the world.  The UK, Europe, US and Australia all have huge aviation and defence sectors with supply chains to match.

However, one question that clients occasionally ask is: Can AS9100 be done remotely? 

From a client’s perspective working remotely has obvious cost and time saving benefits, but for consultants and auditors the risks of working remotely or taking a hybrid approach have to be managed appropriately.  

Here we look at some of the options.

Remote AS9100 Implementation

In most cases it is not appropriate to implement an AS9100 entirely remotely.  Many suppliers are conducting physical manufacturing and engineering works that really need to be observed to ensure the quality management system is fit-for-purpose.

However, increasingly documentation reviews and creation of new documents is being done remotely in order to speed up the implementation process and minimise disruption to the client’s operations.  

Therefore the most likely approach is a hybrid model where our consultants visit site to observe processes and the work environment, but manage documentation remotely.

That said, there are some edge cases where working remotely could be appropriate and lower risk.  For example organisations developing software for aerospace, because the software development lifecycle can usually be observed using ICT, screensharing and access to project management systems.

Remote AS9100 Internal Audits

Remote AS9100 internal audits are less common because of the importance of taking a representative sample and obtaining objective evidence to support a decision of conformance.

It’s often difficult to do this remotely, especially in manufacturing and engineering environments.  

Our AS9100 internal auditors prefer to attend site and sample first hand the jobs and operations at the company, to audit them against your procedures.

AS9100 audits take a much more process based approach and use a Process Effectiveness Assessment Report (PEAR).  

Read more: Understanding the Process Effectiveness Assessment Report (PEAR) in AS9100 Audits

Remote AS9100 External Audits

The IAQG Certification Scheme (ICOP), particularly 9104/1, together with IAF MD 4 set out the case for conducting AS9100 audits remotely.

“Certification Bodies may conduct parts of an AS9100 audit remotely using Information and Communication Technology (ICT), but an AS9100 certification audit cannot normally be conducted entirely remotely where the organisation performs physical manufacturing, assembly, inspection or other production activities.”

The IAQG Certification Scheme permits Certification Bodies to use remote auditing techniques, but only under controlled conditions.

The IAQG Certification Oversight Resolution Log states that:

• ICT (video conferencing, screen sharing, remote access, etc.) is permitted.
• Use of ICT is optional, not mandatory.
• The use of ICT must comply with IAF MD 4.
• ICT must not reduce the total audit duration.
• Remote audit time may replace some on-site audit time, but off-site auditing shall not exceed 30% of the total audit duration.

This 30% limitation is the rule most aerospace certification bodies use.

So while remote AS9100 audits are rare, there is a provision in the scheme to allow it, more commonly at the stage 1 assessment, which is essentially a document check.

Hybrid Approach to AS9100

As we’ve discussed, AS9100 is not a standard that is commonly delivered or managed fully remotely, due to the nature of the work being done.  However there are provisions in the certification scheme and certain activities, such as documentation review, where remote working is acceptable – subject to consideration of the risks involved. 

If you are considering implementing AS9100 or have an exposition AS9100 quality management system that needs support, contact our expert consultants who will evaluate the risks and produce an appropriate plan for your organisation.