AS9100 Clause 9 – Performance Evaluation

AS9100 is an internationally recognized Quality Management System (QMS) standard for the aerospace industry. It is based on the ISO 9001 standard but includes additional requirements specific to the aerospace sector. Clause 9 of AS9100, titled “Performance Evaluation,” focuses on monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation of an organization’s QMS performance. This clause is further divided into three sub-clauses:

1. Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis, and Evaluation (9.1) This sub-clause requires organizations to determine: a) What needs to be monitored and measured (e.g., processes, products, or services). b) The methods for monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation, to ensure valid results. c) When the monitoring and measuring activities should be performed. d) When the results from monitoring and measurement activities should be analyzed and evaluated.

Organizations should also retain appropriate documented information as evidence of the results.

2. Internal Audit (9.2) This sub-clause emphasizes the need for organizations to conduct internal audits at planned intervals to ensure that the QMS is effectively implemented, maintained, and conforms to both the organization’s own requirements and the AS9100 standard requirements. The organization is required to: a) Plan, establish, implement, and maintain an audit program, considering the importance of the processes, changes affecting the organization, and previous audit results. b) Define the audit criteria and scope for each audit. c) Select auditors and conduct audits to ensure objectivity and impartiality. d) Report the audit results to relevant management. e) Retain documented information as evidence of the audit program and its results.

2. Management Review (9.3) This sub-clause requires top management to review the organization’s QMS at planned intervals to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy, effectiveness, and alignment with the strategic direction of the organization. The management review should include consideration of: a) The status of actions from previous management reviews. b) Changes in external and internal issues that are relevant to the QMS. c) Information on the performance and effectiveness of the QMS. d) Opportunities for improvement.

The outputs from the management review should include decisions and actions related to opportunities for improvement and any necessary changes to the QMS. The organization must retain documented information as evidence of the results of management reviews.

Clause 9 of AS9100 focuses on evaluating the performance of an organization’s QMS, ensuring that it is effectively implemented and continuously improved, and that it meets the requirements of the aerospace industry.