Standards Comparison

    GRI

    Voluntary
    2021

    Global standards for sustainability impact reporting

    VS

    AS9120B

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for distributors ensuring traceability.

    Quick Verdict

    GRI provides impact materiality reporting for all organizations worldwide, while AS9120B is a QMS certification for aerospace distributors ensuring traceability and counterfeit prevention. Companies adopt GRI for stakeholder accountability; AS9120B for market access and supply chain trust.

    Sustainability Reporting

    GRI

    Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards

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

    Key Features

    • Modular Universal, Sector, and Topic Standards architecture
    • Impact-based materiality assessment process (GRI 3)
    • Mandatory GRI Content Index for traceability
    • Broad worker scope including supply chain (GRI 403)
    • Reporting principles: accuracy, balance, verifiability
    Quality Management

    AS9120B

    AS9120B: Quality Management Systems for Distributors

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

    Key Features

    • Prevents counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts
    • Ensures full traceability and chain-of-custody
    • Mandates external provider evaluation and flowdown
    • Implements distribution-specific operational controls
    • Requires configuration management for split lots

    Detailed Analysis

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

    GRI Details

    What It Is

    GRI Standards are the leading voluntary global framework for sustainability reporting, providing a modular system to disclose significant impacts on economy, environment, and people. Core approach: impact-centric materiality via structured assessments in GRI 3.

    Key Components

    • Universal Standards (GRI 1 Foundation, GRI 2 General Disclosures, GRI 3 Material Topics): baseline requirements.
    • **Sector Standardshigh-impact sector guidance (e.g., Oil & Gas, Mining).
    • **Topic Standardsspecific metrics (e.g., GRI 403 Occupational Health & Safety with 10 disclosures). Built on principles like accuracy, balance, verifiability; uses GRI Content Index for compliance claims.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Enables regulatory alignment (e.g., CSRD), stakeholder accountability, benchmarking, risk management. Builds trust, interoperability with SASB/ISSB, enhances reputation, supports decision-useful data for broad audiences.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: materiality assessment, data architecture, management disclosures, Content Index. Applies universally across sizes, sectors, geographies; no certification but assurance recommended for credibility. (178 words)

    AS9120B Details

    What It Is

    AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aviation, space, and defense distributors. It augments ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure with distributor-specific requirements. Primary purpose: mitigate risks like traceability loss, counterfeit parts, and documentation errors in procurement, storage, and resale without altering products. Employs risk-based thinking and Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology.

    Key Components

    • Over 100 aerospace additions to ISO 9001 clauses 4-10.
    • Pillars: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, counterfeit prevention, external providers), performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Built on 10-clause HLS; certification via accredited bodies and IAQG OASIS listing.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Commercial prerequisite for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
    • Reduces supply chain risks, enhances customer trust.
    • Drives efficiency, market access (2,442 global certifications).
    • Builds reputation via rigorous chain-of-custody controls.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
    • Applies to distributors globally; suits small to large firms.
    • Requires Stage 1/2 certification audits, ongoing surveillance.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    GRI
    Sustainability impacts on economy, environment, people
    AS9120B
    Aerospace distribution QMS, traceability, counterfeit prevention

    Industry

    GRI
    All sectors worldwide
    AS9120B
    Aerospace distributors globally

    Nature

    GRI
    Voluntary reporting framework
    AS9120B
    Voluntary certification standard

    Testing

    GRI
    Internal verification, external assurance optional
    AS9120B
    Certification audits, surveillance audits

    Penalties

    GRI
    Loss of credibility, no legal penalties
    AS9120B
    Loss of certification, market exclusion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about GRI and AS9120B

    GRI FAQ

    AS9120B FAQ

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