Standards Comparison

    AS9120B

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace standard for distributor quality management systems

    VS

    ISO 21001

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for educational organizations management systems

    Quick Verdict

    AS9120B ensures aerospace distributors maintain traceability and prevent counterfeits for supply chain trust, while ISO 21001 helps educational organizations deliver learner-centered competence development. Distributors adopt AS9120B for OEM approval; schools use ISO 21001 for quality assurance and improvement.

    Quality Management

    AS9120B

    AS9120B Quality Management Systems - Distributors

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
    • Enhanced traceability for split batches and chain-of-custody
    • Risk-based external provider evaluation and controls
    • Configuration management tailored to distribution processes
    • Product safety and ethical behavior awareness requirements
    Educational Management

    ISO 21001

    ISO 21001: Educational organizations management systems

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Learner-centered focus with equity and accessibility
    • Curriculum design and assessment controls
    • Risk-based planning integrated with PDCA
    • Data security and learner protection requirements
    • Performance evaluation via audits and satisfaction metrics

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    AS9120B Details

    What It Is

    AS9120B is the IAQG certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aerospace distributors. Built on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause structure, it adds over 100 distributor-specific requirements. Primary purpose: mitigate risks like traceability loss, counterfeit parts, and documentation errors in procurement, storage, splitting, and resale without altering products. Employs risk-based thinking and PDCA cycle.

    Key Components

    • Core pillars: context/leadership, planning/support, operations, evaluation, improvement.
    • Distributor emphases: counterfeit prevention, traceability/chain-of-custody, supplier controls, configuration management.
    • Over 100 aerospace additions beyond ISO 9001.
    • Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing, surveillance audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Commercial necessity for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
    • Reduces safety/compliance risks, builds customer trust.
    • Enhances efficiency, market access (2,442 global certifications).
    • Improves resilience against supply disruptions.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
    • Cross-functional teams, IT for traceability.
    • For distributors globally; multi-site scalable.

    ISO 21001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 21001:2018 (updated to 2025), titled Educational organizations — Management systems for educational organizations — Requirements with guidance for use, is a certifiable management system standard for Educational Organizations Management Systems (EOMS). It specifies requirements to support competence development through teaching, learning, or research, enhancing learner satisfaction. Built on Annex SL High-Level Structure and PDCA cycle with risk-based thinking.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operations, evaluation, improvement.
    • Education-specific: learner-centeredness, curriculum design, assessment controls, data protection.
    • 11 principles (e.g., accessibility, equity, ethical conduct).
    • Certification via accredited bodies with audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Improves learner outcomes, retention, efficiency.
    • Aligns with regulations, accreditation; manages risks like data breaches.
    • Builds trust with stakeholders, enables integration with ISO 9001.
    • Competitive edge in education markets.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process mapping, training, pilots, audits.
    • Applies to schools, universities, vocational providers globally.
    • Certification involves Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    AS9120B
    Aerospace parts distribution QMS, traceability, counterfeit prevention
    ISO 21001
    Educational organizations EOMS, learner-centered curriculum, assessment

    Industry

    AS9120B
    Aviation, space, defense distributors globally
    ISO 21001
    Schools, universities, vocational training worldwide

    Nature

    AS9120B
    Voluntary IAQG certification standard based on ISO 9001
    ISO 21001
    Voluntary ISO certification standard based on Annex SL

    Testing

    AS9120B
    IAQG audits, internal audits, management review
    ISO 21001
    Internal audits, learner satisfaction monitoring, management review

    Penalties

    AS9120B
    Loss of certification, market exclusion
    ISO 21001
    Loss of certification, reputational damage

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about AS9120B and ISO 21001

    AS9120B FAQ

    ISO 21001 FAQ

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