Have you ever thought about the “Lean Journey” and the process of having AS9100d – Aerospace Quality Management System?
I believe that obtaining the certification of AS9100d is a tremendous accomplishment for a small company. As the required standards are reviewed and met you can find many parallels within and complimentary to “Lean Manufacturing”.
The basis of AS9100 accommodates and describes less waste, improved efficiency, less rejects, improved on-time delivery and standard processes and procedures.
In my previous company I believed in, recommended and achieved AS9100 certification. Then about 10 years ago I really began to think through and build our company around lean manufacturing techniques.
We recognized tremendous improvements — in all areas of our company!
I believe this is the way to go in the Aerospace Supplier Environment. Too many times I’ve heard company presidents and owners say they couldn’t or wouldn’t get the AS9100 certification. Too hard, Too much paperwork, my systems won’t accommodate the certification — Blah, Blah, Blah.
I am now affiliated with an Aerospace Machining and Fabrication company. We have achieved AS9100d certification — We are expanding and growing with more “Lean Manufacturing Principles”.