AS9100 Section 6: Planning and Addressing Risks and Changes

In 2023, the aviation industry achieved record safety improvements, with zero fatal accidents involving passenger jets and just one fatal turboprop accident resulting in 72 fatalities, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). 

While these numbers reflect progress, they also highlight the ongoing need for rigorous risk management and compliance in aerospace manufacturing. If you're in aerospace manufacturing, how prepared is your organization to manage risks and adapt to changes? 

In an industry where precision is non-negotiable, staying compliant and proactively managing risks isn’t just a requirement—it’s what keeps operations running smoothly. AS9100 sets the benchmark for quality management in aerospace.

In this blog, we’ll explore AS9100 Section 6, why it matters, and how you can apply it to your daily operations. From managing risks and setting quality objectives to ensuring smooth transitions during changes, this blog will help you stay ahead of compliance challenges and maintain efficiency with confidence. Let’s get started.

Understanding AS9100 Section 6 and Its Impact

Aviation safety continues to evolve, with significant improvements in accident rates. Below is a comparison of key aviation safety statistics from recent years, emphasizing the industry's progress and the importance of risk management:

Source

AS9100 Section 6 plays a key role in quality management, ensuring compliance, risk mitigation, and process optimization. It helps organizations align with industry standards, improve efficiency, and proactively tackle compliance challenges. Let’s take a closer look at AS9100 Section 6. Here’s what you need to know about its key clauses and how they shape quality management.

Section 6.1 - Actions to Address Risks and Opportunities

In 2023, the fatality risk in aviation dropped to 0.03, a major improvement from 0.11 in 2022. This progress highlights the effectiveness of safety measures but also underscores the need for continuous risk management to maintain and improve aviation safety standards. Risk management is a key component of AS9100 compliance. The following cycle breaks down the key steps organizations should follow to manage risks effectively within their Quality Management System (QMS):

To effectively manage risks and ensure compliance, organizations should focus on these key actions:

• Identify risks that could lead to deviations in planned results and integrate risk management into QMS processes.
• Develop contingency plans to handle unforeseen risks and implement regular risk review cycles.
• Encourage a risk-aware culture by establishing review frameworks, promoting cross-functional collaboration, and fostering open communication.

By applying these AS9100 Section 6 practices to daily operations, organizations can ensure compliance, enhance operational efficiency, and build a more resilient QMS.

Section 6.2 - Quality Objectives and Planning to Achieve Them

Setting and maintaining quality objectives is crucial for compliance and operational success. These objectives must be clear, measurable, and aligned with customer and regulatory expectations.

• Ensure product and service conformity by establishing well-defined objectives.
• Align goals with both customer needs and industry regulations.
• Communicate objectives effectively throughout the organization.
• Monitor progress regularly and make necessary adjustments.
• Conduct performance reviews to identify areas for improvement.
• Encourage employee participation to build a strong quality culture.

By applying AS9100 Section 6 guidelines, organizations can strengthen their QMS, drive continuous improvement, and maintain compliance with AS9100 standards. Defining quality objectives is a key step in the certification process. Learn more about the full certification journey in our blog - Steps to Achieve AS9100 Certification.

Section 6.3 - Planning of Changes

Managing changes effectively is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring smooth operations in an AS9100-certified organization. Proper planning helps minimize risks, supports seamless transitions, and preserves the integrity of the Quality Management System (QMS).

• Identify necessary changes and assess their impact on QMS processes.
• Evaluate risks and potential consequences before implementing modifications.
• Assign clear responsibilities and ensure accountability in change management.
• Keep stakeholders informed to prevent disruptions and maintain efficiency.
• Conduct post-implementation reviews to measure effectiveness and make improvements.
• Maintain records of all changes for audits and long-term process optimization.

By following AS9100 Section 6 change management practices, organizations can adapt efficiently while ensuring compliance and operational success. However, effective change management also relies on having the right resources and personnel in place. Proper resource allocation and clearly defined responsibilities ensure that change initiatives are executed smoothly and that compliance efforts remain sustainable.

Resource Management and Compliance Responsibilities

Ensuring high-quality standards in aerospace manufacturing goes beyond processes—it requires the right resources and skilled personnel. Without proper resource allocation and defined responsibilities, even the best plans can fail to deliver results.

Key Considerations for Resource Management

• Ensure allocation of adequate resources for QMS implementation.
• Provide necessary training and support to personnel.
• Define clear roles and responsibilities in QMS for effective execution.
• Invest in technology that enhances compliance efforts and reduces manual interventions.
• Conduct periodic training and refresher courses to keep staff updated on evolving compliance requirements.
• Foster a culture where personnel understand how their role contributes to compliance and quality objectives.
• Optimize resource utilization to eliminate inefficiencies while maintaining high compliance standards.

A well-allocated workforce and the right tools ensure that compliance initiatives don’t just meet regulatory requirements but also drive operational excellence. Compliance should never be viewed as just another expense—it’s a safeguard against costly risks. As Paul Koziarz, President and General Manager of Regulatory Compliance at CSI, puts it:

“You have to evaluate compliance not as an expense but as a money saver. Sure, managing compliance takes resources, but it’s nowhere near as expensive as the costs associated with a breach.”

Allocating resources effectively is just the start—true excellence comes from continuously refining and improving these processes. That’s where a commitment to continuous improvement makes all the difference.

Driving Continuous Improvement for Long-Term Success

Ensuring AS9100 compliance isn’t a one-time effort—it requires continuous monitoring and adaptation. Quality management systems must evolve to keep up with industry standards, regulatory changes, and operational demands. To sustain long-term success, organizations should:

• Monitor and measure QMS performance against set objectives and KPIs.
• Identify areas for improvement and take corrective/preventive actions.
• Use established methods like the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to drive improvement.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging employees to report inefficiencies and suggest enhancements.
• Implement periodic internal audits to identify gaps and address them before external audits occur.
• Encourage the use of digital tools to track and analyze trends for predictive quality management.
• Promote knowledge-sharing initiatives that enable cross-functional teams to work on improvements collaboratively.

Continuous improvement ensures compliance, enhances efficiency and fosters long-term growth. By continuously assessing and optimizing operations, organizations can stay ahead of industry changes and maintain a competitive edge.

Is continuous improvement a challenge for your team? Staying compliant while optimizing workflows can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. BPRHub helps you track progress, manage compliance, and refine processes effortlessly. Ready to take your AS9100 compliance to the next level? Contact us today!

To truly support these efforts, organizations must have a structured approach to documentation and record-keeping. Proper documentation ensures that all process improvements, compliance measures, and best practices are consistently recorded and accessible for audits and future refinements.

Maintaining Compliance with Proper Documentation

Effective documentation is the backbone of a strong quality management system. It ensures compliance, enhances accountability, and streamlines operational efficiency. Without well-maintained records, organizations risk falling behind in audits, losing track of critical processes, and facing unnecessary operational hurdles. To maintain compliance and support continuous improvement, organizations must:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of QMS processes.
• Ensure documentation aids in compliance checks and audits.
• Facilitate effective communication within the organization through proper documentation.
• Develop a centralized digital repository for documentation to improve accessibility and security.
• Regularly review and update compliance documentation to align with the latest regulatory changes.
• Implement document control measures to prevent unauthorized modifications.
• Standardize templates for reporting compliance issues to maintain consistency in documentation practices.

Effective documentation ensures compliance, traceability, and continuous improvement. It allows organizations to maintain transparency, streamline processes, and improve decision-making. But documentation alone isn't enough. To make AS9100 Section 6 work seamlessly in practice, businesses need a structured implementation strategy that integrates compliance into daily operations.

Implementing AS9100 Section 6 Effectively

Implementing AS9100 Section 6 requires a structured approach to managing risks, planning changes, and optimizing processes. When applied effectively, these strategies not only ensure compliance but also enhance efficiency, sustainability, and long-term operational success.

Compliance Checklist

Effective Strategies for AS9100 Section 6 Implementation

• Managing Risks Early: Identify risks early and create mitigation strategies before issues escalate.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Utilize real-time analytics to track compliance trends and anticipate challenges.
• Workflow Optimization: Automate quality management tasks to ensure adherence to planned objectives.
• Continuous Monitoring: Conduct regular audits and reviews to assess the effectiveness of risk management actions.
• Employee Engagement: Encourage personnel at all levels to take ownership of quality objectives and compliance tasks.

By following AS9100 Section 6, organizations can improve risk management, enhance workflow efficiency, and ensure long-term compliance. A well-implemented AS9100 Section 6 strategy not only strengthens operational effectiveness but also builds a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Achieving compliance is just the beginning. 

The real challenge lies in maintaining it while optimizing operations for long-term success. Let's explore the key takeaways and how BPRHub can simplify the process for your organization.

Key Takeaways for AS9100 Compliance Success

Successfully following AS9100 Section 6 is key to maintaining compliance, mitigating risks, and ensuring efficient operations in the aerospace industry. A proactive approach to risk management, change planning, resource allocation, and continuous improvement enables organizations to meet regulatory standards while optimizing performance.

BPRHub can help streamline this process by offering tools that automate compliance management, optimize workflows, and provide real-time insights for data-driven decision-making. By leveraging BPRHub's capabilities, organizations can simplify documentation, enhance risk tracking, and maintain a seamless quality management system that evolves with industry demands.

Is AS9100 compliance slowing you down? Keeping up with regulations, managing risks, and staying audit-ready can be a challenge. BPRHub makes it easy with automated workflows, real-time insights, and simplified documentation. Email us at hello@bprhub.com to know more. Already convinced? Book a demo today.

FAQs

Q1: What is the main focus of AS9100 Section 6?

AS9100 Section 6 focuses on planning within the Quality Management System (QMS), addressing risks and opportunities, setting quality objectives, and managing changes to ensure product and service conformity.

Q2: Why is risk management important in AS9100 Section 6?

Risk management is essential for identifying potential issues before they occur, minimizing disruptions, and ensuring compliance with aerospace quality standards.

Q3: How can companies effectively implement change management under AS9100 Section 6?

Companies should assess the impact of changes, assign clear responsibilities, keep stakeholders informed, and maintain records to support audits and process optimization.

Q4: How does continuous improvement tie into AS9100 Section 6?

Continuous improvement ensures that quality objectives are met, risks are proactively addressed, and compliance remains a long-term priority within the organization.

Q5: How can BPRHub help with AS9100 Section 6 compliance?

BPRHub provides automation tools for compliance management, workflow optimization, and real-time insights to help organizations stay audit-ready and improve efficiency.

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