What It Is

AS9100D:2016 is the international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation, space, and defense. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with over 100 aerospace-specific requirements. Primary purpose: ensure product safety, configuration integrity, and supply chain reliability in high-risk sectors. Adopts a process-based, risk-thinking approach via 10-clause Annex SL structure.

Key Components

• Aerospace additions: configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), counterfeit prevention (8.1.4), operational risks (8.1.1).
• Core pillars: leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
• Built on ISO 9001 PDCA cycle with enhanced supplier controls and human factors.
• Third-party certification via IAQG-accredited audits.

Why Organizations Use It

• Contractual mandates from OEMs for market access.
• Reduces defects, improves delivery, cuts costs.
• Manages safety risks, builds stakeholder trust.
• Enhances competitiveness via OASIS visibility.

Implementation Overview

• Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-18 months).
• Applies to manufacturers, suppliers, MROs globally.
• Requires Stage 1/2 certification, annual surveillance.

What It Is

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards is a modular sustainability reporting framework. It provides a global common language for organizations to disclose significant economic, environmental, and social impacts. The primary purpose is impact-centric materiality, focusing on actual and potential effects on stakeholders rather than financial materiality alone. Key approach involves structured materiality assessments and standardized disclosures.

Key Components

• Universal Standards (GRI 1: Foundation, GRI 2: General Disclosures, GRI 3: Material Topics) as baseline.
• Sector Standards for high-impact industries like oil & gas, mining.
• Topic Standards (e.g., GRI 403 Occupational Health & Safety, GRI 308 Supplier Environmental Assessment) with specific metrics.
• Built on principles like accuracy, balance, verifiability; requires GRI Content Index for traceability. Compliance via "in accordance" reporting, no formal certification.

Why Organizations Use It

Drives accountability, regulatory alignment (e.g., EU CSRD), and benchmarking. Enhances stakeholder trust, reduces risks in supply chains, supports investor demands via GRI-SASB interoperability. Builds decision-useful data for executives and broad audiences.

Implementation Overview

Phased: materiality assessment, data systems, management approaches, content index. Applies to all sizes/sectors globally; involves governance oversight, stakeholder engagement. External assurance recommended, not required.