Inside Our AS9100 Journey: Passing Stage 1 and Preparing for Stage 2
- Andrew S
- Oct 6
- 2 min read
For AB Precision Grinding, achieving AS9100 certification is more than a compliance exercise - it’s a strategic investment in our future and the success of our aerospace customers. Recently, we passed our AS9100 Stage 1 audit, an important milestone in the certification process. This success validates the systems we’ve built and sets the stage for the final step: Stage 2 certification at the end of this year.
What Stage 1 Covers
The Stage 1 audit is essentially a readiness check. It ensures that our quality management system (QMS) has been designed to meet the requirements of AS9100 and that we’re prepared for the more rigorous Stage 2 audit.
During Stage 1, auditors reviewed:
Our documented procedures and processes
Risk management integration into daily operations
Controls for traceability, documentation, and records
Early implementation of AS9100-specific requirements like FOD prevention and counterfeit goods control
By passing this audit, we confirmed that our QMS is aligned with the standard and that we’re ready to move forward.
Lessons Learned from Stage 1
While the outcome was positive, the process also highlighted areas for improvement. Every audit offers valuable insights, and Stage 1 gave us the opportunity to:
Tighten documentation practices to make records even more audit-ready
Strengthen training initiatives to ensure all employees understand AS9100’s unique requirements
Reinforce risk-based thinking in every process, from planning jobs to final inspection
These lessons are already being applied as we prepare for Stage 2.
Preparing for Stage 2
Stage 2 is where certification is won. This audit will assess not just whether we have a system on paper, but whether it’s being consistently applied in practice. Auditors will evaluate:
Real-world adherence to documented procedures
Evidence of risk management and product safety controls in daily operations
Employee competence and awareness of AS9100 requirements
The effectiveness of our processes in meeting customer expectations
Our team is preparing by conducting internal audits, refining documentation, and ensuring every process owner is equipped to demonstrate compliance.
Why This Matters to Our Customers
For our aerospace partners, this journey signals more than just compliance. It demonstrates our commitment to:
Delivering reliable, traceable components that meet the highest industry standards
Minimizing risk in the supply chain through proactive quality management
Building long-term trust by aligning with the most stringent aerospace requirements
Closing
Passing Stage 1 was an important step, but our eyes are on the bigger prize: Stage 2 certification by year-end. Achieving AS9100 will further cement AB Precision Grinding’s role as a trusted aerospace supplier and open new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation.
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