Glossary

AS9100 non-conformance control

AS9100 non-conformance control is the QMS process for controlling outputs that do not meet requirements.

AS9100 Aerospace Quality Management Standard Non-Conformance and CAPA

AS9100 non-conformance control is the quality management process used to identify, document, control, evaluate, and disposition outputs that do not meet specified requirements in an aerospace or defense manufacturing context.

In AS9100-based quality systems, this commonly applies to nonconforming parts, assemblies, materials, documents, process results, or supplier outputs. The purpose is to prevent unintended use or delivery while the issue is reviewed and an authorized disposition is made. Typical dispositions may include rework, repair, scrap, return to supplier, use-as-is with appropriate approval, or other defined actions based on the organization’s procedures and customer requirements.

Non-conformance control is often managed through NCR workflows, quality holds, material segregation, disposition approvals, traceability records, and links to inspection or production data in MES, QMS, ERP, or supplier quality systems. It is related to, but not the same as, corrective action. Non-conformance control addresses the immediate control and disposition of the nonconforming output; CAPA or RCCA addresses the underlying cause when further investigation and prevention are required.

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AS9100 does not prescribe a specific document control system, but it does require controlled documented information: approval, version control, access, change history, retention, protection, and prevention of unintended use of obsolete documents. The details depend on customer, regulatory, and site requirements.

How does AS9100 influence traceability expectations for aerospace suppliers?

AS9100 raises traceability expectations by requiring suppliers to control product identification, configuration, records, nonconformance, and supplier-provided material in a way that supports objective evidence. It does not prescribe one system or a single data model, so the practical bar depends on product risk, customer flowdown, process maturity, and how well ERP, MES, QMS, and supplier records stay aligned.

How does AS9100 address supplier quality management?

AS9100 expects a controlled supplier management process, not informal vendor oversight. It requires organizations to define approval criteria, communicate requirements, monitor supplier performance, verify externally provided product or process results, and act on supplier issues. How far this works in practice depends on data quality, process discipline, and integration across ERP, QMS, receiving, and inspection systems.

Does AS9100 automatically include ISO 9001 certification?

No. AS9100 is built on ISO 9001 and includes all of its requirements plus aerospace-specific clauses, but holding an AS9100 certificate does not automatically mean you are separately certified to ISO 9001. Whether both appear on your certificate depends on the certification body, scope, and contract, and must be verified explicitly.

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