In the boundless expanse of aerospace manufacturing, precision isn't just a goal; it's a necessity. Every bolt tightened, every wire soldered, and every circuit connected must be flawless.
It's not just about reaching the skies; it's about doing so with unparalleled safety and reliability. In this high-stakes industry, three certifications stand as beacons of quality assurance: ISO 9001, AS 9100, and Nadcap.
The History of ISO 9001 and AS 9100
The journey of ISO 9001 and AS 9100 certifications begins with a quest for perfection. ISO 9001 emerged in 1987, setting international standards for quality management systems. It laid down the foundation for organizations to streamline processes, enhance customer satisfaction, and continually improve operations.
Nadcap stands for National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program and was started in combination with ISO 9001 in 1990. At first, Nadcap looked at special processes and products. But over time, Nadcap has grown to cover lots of different things like testing materials, checking for flaws without causing damage, and managing chemicals safely.
The Nadcap certification sets tough standards, encourages process improvement, and helps everyone involved work together better—suppliers, makers, and customers. When a company gets Nadcap certified, it shows they're serious about doing top-notch work. In an industry where being exact is super important and safety is a must, having Nadcap certification is like wearing a badge that says, "We're committed to doing things the best way possible."
AS 9100, born from the aerospace industry's unique demands, took flight in 1999. Building upon ISO 9001's framework, AS 9100 tailored its standards explicitly for aerospace manufacturers. It introduced stringent requirements to ensure product safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance within the aerospace sector.
The Impact on Aerospace Manufacturing
Imagine a world without ISO 9001, AS 9100, and Nadcap certifications—a world where quality is a gamble, and safety is a distant dream. These certifications serve as guardians of excellence, elevating the standards of aerospace manufacturing to unprecedented heights.
In the aerospace industry, precision is paramount. A minor flaw can have catastrophic consequences. ISO 9001, AS 9100 and Nadcap certifications instill confidence in customers, assuring them that every component, every system, and every aircraft meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.
The Problem with Manual Certification Management
Yet, amidst the soaring ambitions of aerospace manufacturing, a shadow looms large: the burden of paper-based certification management. Picture mountains of documents, endless data entry, and labyrinthine processes. Manual certification management is a quagmire of inefficiency, fraught with challenges at every turn.
Lower accuracy, wasted time, and a struggle to train new employees on detailed policies and procedures plague paper-dependent systems. The lack of visibility and reporting adds up, hindering productivity and stifling growth.
Many metal finishers and other manufacturing service providers avoid this industry altogether because of the paper headaches and complexity. This eliminates a major revenue source due to complications in tracking, capturing, and reporting cert-driven information.
But there is another option. An aerospace manufacturing software exists to automate data capture, eliminate redundant work, and find information in one click.
The Aerospace Manufacturing ERP from Steelhead Technologies
Amidst the clouds of uncertainty emerges a beacon of hope: Steelhead Technologies Aerospace Manufacturing ERP. With its revolutionary approach to certification management, Steelhead redefines the way aerospace manufacturers soar.
At the heart of Steelhead's solution lies the Certification Scanner—an innovation poised to revolutionize the industry. This cutting-edge tool transforms training into a breeze, empowering operators to navigate complex processes with ease. Seamlessly integrated with job shop software, the Certification Scanner eliminates manual data entry to:
- Save time
- Ensure quality
- Improve accuracy
- Harness accurate job costing
- Boost profitability
Imagine a world where every order, every part, and every process is tracked digitally with 100% traceability. With Steelhead, this vision becomes a reality. The Certification Scanner ensures compliance with ISO 9001, AS 9100, and Nadcap certifications effortlessly, enabling manufacturers to meet stringent requirements with confidence.
The Power of Integration in Aerospace Manufacturing
But Steelhead's impact goes beyond certification management—it transforms the entire manufacturing landscape. Real-time scheduling capabilities optimize production, maximizing throughput and minimizing delays. With automated custom certifications, manufacturers can generate tailored documentation in minutes, saving valuable time and resources.
From quoting to invoicing, from inventory management to quality review, Steelhead supports every step of the manufacturing process. Its world-class customer portal offers seamless interaction, allowing customers to track orders, request quotes, and communicate effortlessly.
The Future of Aerospace Manufacturing
As we gaze toward the horizon of aerospace manufacturing, one thing becomes clear: the future belongs to those who embrace innovation. With ISO 9001 and AS 9100 certifications as our guiding stars and Steelhead Technologies as our wingman, we chart a course toward excellence.
Together, we unlock the skies, pushing the boundaries of possibility and redefining what it means to soar. With Steelhead by our side, we embark on a journey of:
- unparalleled quality
- unwavering reliability
- boundless innovation
The sky is no longer the limit--it's just the beginning.
Who is Steelhead Technologies?
“I have been in this industry for over 30-years and have been searching for a solution like this for so long, that we have been building something customized to our operations,” explained one aerospace metal finishing manufacturer. “Why haven’t I heard about Steelhead until now?”
It may seem a surprise for a tech startup to offer fully robust functionality to this niche market. Steelhead technologies made its big splash into the metal finishing industry three years ago, beginning in the powder coating and liquit painting sector. After realizing processes at other shops could benefit from similar workflows, Steelhead began working one-on-one with
- Platers
- Anodizers
- Galvanizers
- Ecoaters
- Heat Treaters
- Metal Casting Providers
“Not having to enter over 20 lines of information for each work order saves not only time, but sanity too,” explained Amelia Gustafson from Veterans Metal, a Nadcap-certified metal finishing plant. Veterans Metal leverages Steelhead’s Certification Scanner Line to effortlessly scan codes, launching start and stop times, keeping better track of processing times, and improving overall accuracy.
While Veterans Metal was a part of the Nadcap pilot program, the program has since taken flight in countless shops across the nation.
Book an intro call today to learn more about how going paperless at your plant will save time, money, and the headaches of walking station to station searching for paperwork.
Aerospace Manufacturing Certifications Made Easy
Managing certifications with the aerospace manufacturing software by Steelhead Technologies allows for effortless processing of parts through the Certification Scanner Line. Go paperless in record time with Steelhead's revolutionary technology!