The Role of Configuration Management in Aerospace Manufacturing
- Andrew S
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
When it comes to aerospace components, even the smallest change can have major consequences. That’s why AS9100 requires strict configuration management - the discipline of controlling revisions, part numbers, and documentation to ensure accuracy throughout the product lifecycle. At AB Precision Grinding, configuration management plays a vital role in delivering precision-ground components that customers can trust.
What is Configuration Management?
In aerospace manufacturing, configuration management ensures that:
The right part revision is always in use
Changes are properly reviewed, documented, and approved
Customers, suppliers, and operators are aligned on specifications
Traceability is maintained across all revisions
This prevents costly mistakes, confusion, and the risk of delivering outdated or incorrect components.
Why It Matters in Aerospace
Without configuration management, aerospace supply chains would be vulnerable to:
Incorrect revisions being manufactured or delivered
Documentation mismatches leading to compliance issues
Traceability gaps in the event of audits or investigations
Given the high stakes in aerospace, configuration management is not optional - it’s essential for safety, reliability, and compliance.
How AB Precision Grinding Applies Configuration Management
As part of our AS9100 journey, we’ve strengthened our configuration management practices by:
Implementing document control systems to track revisions
Training employees to verify current drawings and specifications before setup
Establishing clear communication with customers when revisions occur
Maintaining full traceability from material to finished component
This ensures that the component a customer receives is always the right part, at the right revision, produced under the right conditions.
Example in Precision Grinding
Imagine a customer updates the tolerance or surface finish requirement on a critical part. Without configuration management, there’s a risk of producing parts to the old spec - wasting time, material, and resources. With AS9100-driven controls, AB Precision Grinding ensures that the new revision is communicated, documented, and followed on the shop floor before any grinding begins.
Closing
Configuration management may happen behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in aerospace manufacturing. At AB Precision Grinding, aligning our processes with AS9100 ensures that every component is manufactured to the correct specifications, fully documented, and ready for use in the most demanding applications.
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