Quality is paramount to companies in the Aviation, Space and Defense Industry. Delivery of high quality products is vital to customer satisfaction and if quality falters there can be severe safety consequences. In addition, Aviation, Space & Defense manufacturers rely on vast supplier networks to bring their final product to market and need an effective means of communicating with their vendors. Often companies within highly regulated industries such as A&D or the newly emerging commercial space market rely on a quality management software (QMS) solution that delivers more functionality than what is available in a typical ERP solution. To support best practices in quality and compliance, these companies choose a QMS that is built to support rapid innovation and an evolving regulatory environment.
Massive investments in operations and maintenance are required to maintain fleets of aircraft, spacecraft or jet engines in peak operating condition. The processes in place to keep equipment up and running are complex, and often lack proper automation. Effective quality management software can automate processes focusing on compliance, traceability for all material, parts and finished goods.
Access to real-time quality & manufacturing data is critical and can make a real difference in the outcome of a finished product. A robust quality solution allows for information exchange across the enterprise and drives continuous improvement. The following is a list of quality assurance initiatives that should be a priority for leaders in this industry and may necessitate a best-in-breed quality management solution to effectively complete these tasks.
First Article Inspection
First Article Inspection is critical to A&D companies as it ensures that a product performs as intended. With an effective quality management software solution escalation rules can be used for rapid resolution if a nonconformance is found. First Article Inspections can be conducted according to the AS 9102 standard as well as others. Automatic detection of first receipt/build is possible with a QMS solution.
Traceability
Complex manufacturers require accurate reporting to avoid expensive rework and reduce the time and expense of product recalls. With an effective quality management software solution, manufacturers can ensure quality compliance and complete traceability throughout the product lifecycle. Genealogy for all material, parts and finished products can be documented as part of the audit trail. Quality records can include associated as-built/as-maintained configuration records, nonconformance dispositioning, approvals and comprehensive quality data history.
Automation of Audits
The use of a quality management software solution improves the ability of DCAA to conduct thorough and timely audits. Effective audit management capabilities put companies back in control. Powerful scheduling tools help manufacturers efficiently manage audits. With the ability to set up supplier-specific or regulation-specific pre-audits, audit readiness is guaranteed. Configurable audit types support ISO, FAA and other industry-related audit requirements. A complete audit history trail remains with the product for easy reference.
Modernize MRO Tracking
Managing the maintenance, repair or overhaul of complex assemblies with intricate work processes and ever-changing instructions can be an arduous task. Use of an effective quality management software solution streamlines and modernizes complex, often error-prone maintenance, repair and overhaul processes, lowering maintenance expenditures and the overall compliance risk to the organization.
Tooling, test devices, and other required equipment traceability data can be collected and validated back to required calibration and re-certification intervals. Scheduling can be automated for preventative and calibration maintenance activities.
Supply Chain Management
An effective quality management software solution provides a systematic view of incoming data with real-time metrics that allows managers to make informed decisions by accurately assessing risk. Managing suppliers through every tier of the supply chain is a critical step to mitigate the growing burden of risk. A QMS with supplier management functionality manages the quality lifecycle of both suppliers and sub-tier suppliers. The solution provides complete visibility into the supply chain and helps hold suppliers accountable for poor quality. Supplier approvals, certification, and performance measurements can be managed within the system. Product inconsistencies alert manufacturers to nonconforming material that must be recalled. In short, a quality management software solution allows companies to effectively manage their supply chain to drive down cost and eliminate errors.
Support Mission Assurance and Industry Compliance
In an industry such as Aviation, Space and Defense it can be difficult to keep pace with evolving standards. Regulatory standards such as ISO9000 / AS9100 / QS / IPC Standards / Mil Spec Requirements change on a regular basis. With effective quality management software in place, a company can employ processes to ensure compliance throughout the product lifecycle. An industry-leading solution can address ITAR requirements, Federal Acquisition Regulations on counterfeit parts, ISO Audits & Certifications, Government Audits, and Supplier Audits.
Minimize Risk of Counterfeit Parts
The Department of Defense (DoD) Supply Chain is at risk of counterfeit parts which can greatly impact missions as well as endanger service members and others. DoD and other regulatory agencies have developed standards and requirements to effectively manage the supply chain. The need to identify, track, and inspect all components is of the utmost importance. With proper control measures in place, counterfeit part occurrences can be greatly reduced. Quality-minded organizations choose a leading quality management software solution to manage counterfeit parts within their supply chain and maintain the highest levels of security. An effective QMS solution facilitates compliance to DoD requirements for Counterfeit Parts Avoidance, Mitigation, and Disposition, as well as DMSMS diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages.
TIP Technologies has established itself as the leader in quality assurance and has supported companies both big and small within the Aviation, Space and Defense Industry for almost 30 years. Companies up and down the supply chain rely on the TIPQA™ Quality Management Solution to adhere to strict regulatory requirements and remain agile in a highly competitive marketplace. In addition to providing full visibility into the product lifecycle, TIPQA helps companies maximize efficiency and accurately assess risk.
Call 262-544-1211 or visit us online to schedule a demo of the TIPQA Quality Management Solution and learn how you can create a competitive advantage in the Aviation, Space and Defense Industry.