Glossary

Standalone FAI Tool

A standalone FAI tool is software used to prepare and manage first article inspection records outside a full MES or ERP.

AS9102 Software and Digital First Article Inspection for Aerospace AS9102 / FAI

A standalone FAI tool is software used to create, manage, and document First Article Inspection records without being part of a broader MES, ERP, PLM, or QMS platform. In manufacturing, it commonly supports the inspection package required to verify that a first production part or assembly matches the released design and specified requirements.

In aerospace and other regulated manufacturing environments, a standalone FAI tool may help with drawing ballooning, characteristic capture, inspection result entry, form generation, attachment management, and review workflows. It is often associated with AS9102-style FAI documentation, but the tool itself does not make a process compliant or complete; it is a system used to organize and control the related data and records.

The term standalone means the tool can operate independently rather than relying on deep integration with production execution or enterprise systems. It may still import drawings, export reports, or exchange files with other systems. It should not be confused with a full MES, QMS, or ERP system, which usually covers broader production, quality, inventory, and business workflows beyond FAI.

Aerospace suppliers should look for FAI software that supports AS9102 workflows, characteristic accountability, revision control, objective evidence, approvals, audit trails, and practical integration with existing ERP, MES, PLM, QMS, and customer portal requirements. Software helps execution, but it does not make an FAI acceptable by itself.

How can a digital FAI system simplify external audit preparation?

A digital FAI system can simplify external audit preparation by centralizing AS9102 evidence, approvals, ballooned characteristics, attachments, and revision traceability. It does not make an organization audit-ready by itself; data quality, validation, integrations, and change control still matter.

What systems should AS9102 software integrate with first?

AS9102/FAI tools should first integrate with the systems that hold the product definition and the work/part context: typically PLM/PDM or CAD for drawings and characteristics, then ERP/MES for part, routing, and work-order data. Priority depends on where data is most trusted and how brownfield integrations, validation, and change control are managed.

Can a first article inspection be submitted digitally?

Yes, a first article inspection can often be submitted digitally, but only if the customer, contract, quality procedures, and applicable program requirements allow it. Digital submission still needs controlled records, approvals, traceability, revision control, and evidence retention.

Related Glossary

Digital FAI

Digital FAI is the electronic management of first article inspection records, results, and approvals.