CMMI
Process improvement framework with maturity levels 0-5
AS9110C
International QMS standard for aviation maintenance organizations
Quick Verdict
CMMI drives process maturity for predictable delivery across industries, while AS9110C mandates aerospace MRO quality with safety and traceability. Companies adopt CMMI for performance gains; AS9110C for regulatory compliance and market access.
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- Six maturity levels from incomplete to optimizing
- 25 practice areas across Doing, Managing categories
- SCAMPI appraisals for official benchmarking ratings
- Generic practices ensure process institutionalization
- Staged/continuous representations for flexible adoption
AS9110C
AS9110C: Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance
Key Features
- Configuration management and traceability controls
- Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention program
- Risk-based thinking in operational planning
- Human factors in root cause analysis
- Dedicated safety policy and leadership roles
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a performance improvement framework for process institutionalization. Primarily a voluntary certification model governed by ISACA's CMMI Institute, it focuses on software development, services, and acquisition. Its maturity-based approach progresses organizations from ad-hoc to optimizing via structured practice areas.
Key Components
- 4 Category Areas (Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving) with 12 Capability Areas and 25 Practice Areas in v2.0.
- Maturity Levels 0-5 and capability levels per area.
- Generic practices for institutionalization; SCAMPI appraisals (A/B/C) for validation.
- Built on staged/continuous representations supporting Agile/DevOps.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives predictability, quality, and ROI (e.g., 34% cost reduction).
- Meets contractual requirements in defense/government.
- Mitigates risks via measurement and governance.
- Builds competitive edge and stakeholder trust through published ratings.
Implementation Overview
- Phased via **IDEAL modelassess gaps, pilot, train, appraise.
- Targets mid-to-large IT/software firms globally.
- Requires SCAMPI Class A for official maturity ratings.
AS9110C Details
What It Is
AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation maintenance organizations, such as repair stations and MRO providers. It extends ISO 9001:2015's Annex SL structure with aviation-specific requirements, emphasizing risk-based thinking, PDCA cycles, and continuing airworthiness.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10 covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Core additions: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, preservation.
- Built on risk-based operational planning (Clauses 6.1, 8.1.1) and leadership accountability.
- Certification model via accredited bodies, listed in IAQG OASIS database.
Why Organizations Use It
- Harmonizes with FAA/EASA regulations for compliance primacy.
- Mitigates safety risks, ensures on-time delivery.
- Enables market access to OEMs, airlines; boosts customer satisfaction.
- Builds stakeholder trust through auditable evidence.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification.
- Targets MROs globally, scalable by size.
- Requires 3+ months operational data pre-certification. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMI | AS9110C |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Process improvement across development, services, acquisition | Aerospace maintenance QMS with safety, traceability controls |
| Industry | Cross-industry, software, IT, defense globally | Aerospace MRO organizations worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary maturity framework with appraisals | Certification standard based on ISO 9001 |
| Testing | SCAMPI appraisals (A/B/C) by certified appraisers | Internal audits, certification body Stage 1/2 audits |
| Penalties | Loss of maturity rating, no legal penalties | Certification revocation, regulatory/contractual risks |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMI and AS9110C
CMMI FAQ
AS9110C FAQ
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