Using the AS 9120 Internal Audit Checklist

An internal audit requires auditors to examine various subjects. These may include processes, training programs and documentation requirements as well as personnel needs.

At least annually, it is necessary to conduct an audit on all components of an AQMS system and set an audit schedule based on risks and performance expectations.

Make sure that auditors can access every aspect of the process as necessary; however, some areas may be restricted due to competitive sensitivity or national security regulations cited in customer contracts.

Quality Management System
Quality management systems (QMSs) are employed by businesses to oversee their processes and ensure all activities meet with company objectives, while meeting customer demands while improving efficiency and overall business operations. QMSs can help businesses accomplish these tasks through policies and procedures implemented to manage them properly, such as providing products which meet with customer specifications or increasing overall business operations efficiency.

First step of creating a quality management system: Draft a quality policy document. This policy sets expectations and offers guidance to employees while helping create a culture of quality within an organization.

The AS9120 Internal Audit Checklist and Tools Package is designed to assist organizations in creating an effective internal audit program. The package consists of a 69 page checklist as well as a full Internal Audit Procedure and Forms Package and has been successfully used by AS9120B trained companies worldwide.

Documentation
Your organization requires an effective system for keeping track of audits and the data that they produce, which will prove invaluable when making changes within it. Tracking internal audit data over time can reveal trends such as nonconformities that repeat across processes or top processing concerns that warrant attention for improvement purposes within your company.

Documents will be examined carefully during an as9120a internal audit checklist, from certification history and records of qualifications to training manuals and assessments.

Documentation should be stored in one central location to allow easy access and review by employees and managers within your company. Furthermore, this type of record can easily be exported into PDF or other formats and shared via URL, faxed or email; additionally you can insert images, highlight data for discretion or blackout purposes and gather signatures.

Training
AS 9120 is designed for aerospace and defense companies that supply OEMs with essential products. It focuses on chain of custody, traceability, stock control as well as performance specifications and airworthiness issues pertaining to products supplied under their umbrella. Personnel training and development required to successfully conduct an audit can assist companies in pinpointing areas for improvement and help identify any areas for potential business enhancement.

An effective internal audit requires a comprehensive understanding of requirements. This can be accomplished using a process approach to auditing, along with risk-based thinking techniques. Furthermore, auditors must comprehend customer flow down requirements as well as any proprietary or classified areas that they must be familiar with.

When performing a transition audit, additional time must be included in the audit plan to allow for sampling and auditing contract-specific requirements not covered in ISO 9001 certificate scope. Unfortunately, this added time cannot be reduced by scheduling longer audit days.

Personnel
Employing the appropriate people is critical in getting your quality management system up and running smoothly, including employees who will follow procedures, collect records, and suggest improvements. You should also have managers or supervisors overseeing this process to help maintain consistency throughout the system.

Make sure that all of your employees receive proper training and development to comply with AS9120 internal audit checklist requirements, with particular focus on those working at the front lines where nonconformities may arise. Have an action plan ready in case any recurring problems surface.

The AS9120 standard was developed for stockist distributors of aerospace commodity items and addresses chain of custody, traceability, control of records, as well as specific requirements for distributors who split products to document conformance to specification. Audits must be performed by an accredited registrar who understands this standard.