Standards Comparison

    ISO 27001

    Voluntary
    2022

    International standard for information security management systems

    VS

    AS9120B

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for parts distributors

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 27001 establishes information security management for all industries, while AS9120B ensures quality in aerospace distribution. Organizations adopt ISO 27001 for global cyber resilience and AS9120B for supply chain compliance and market access.

    Cybersecurity

    ISO 27001

    ISO/IEC 27001:2022

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

    Key Features

    • Risk-based ISMS framework with PDCA cycle
    • 93 Annex A controls in four themes
    • Clauses 4-10 mandatory management requirements
    • Internationally recognized certification standard
    • Technology-agnostic across all industries
    Quality Management

    AS9120B

    AS9120B Quality Management Systems - Requirements

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

    Key Features

    • Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
    • Traceability and chain-of-custody controls for split lots
    • Risk-based external provider evaluation and monitoring
    • Configuration management for distribution processes
    • Product preservation and storage controls

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 27001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is the international certification standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It uses a risk-based approach to manage information assets' confidentiality, integrity, and availability across all industries.

    Key Components

    • **Clauses 4-10Mandatory requirements for context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • **Annex A93 controls in four themes (Organizational 37, People 8, Physical 14, Technological 34).
    • Built on PDCA cycle for continual improvement.
    • Voluntary certification via accredited auditors.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets regulatory/contractual needs (e.g., GDPR alignment).
    • Reduces breach risks, costs (avg. $4.45M per IBM).
    • Builds trust, wins bids (20-30% more in finance/tech).
    • Enables efficiency, resilience, insurance discounts.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: initiation, risk assessment, deployment, certification (6-18 months). Scalable for SMEs/enterprises; requires audits, PDCA. (178 words)

    AS9120B Details

    What It Is

    AS9120B is the official IAQG quality management system (QMS) standard for aerospace distributors, building on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause structure. It applies to organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling parts without altering characteristics, using a risk-based approach to address distribution risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.

    Key Components

    • Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements beyond ISO 9001.
    • Core areas: context analysis, leadership, risk planning, support resources, operational controls (traceability, preservation, counterfeit prevention), performance evaluation, and improvement.
    • Built on PDCA cycle; requires documented information and certification via accredited bodies like IAQG OASIS.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enables market access to OEMs/Tier-1 suppliers via certification.
    • Mitigates supply chain risks, builds customer trust, reduces nonconformities.
    • Provides competitive edge through rigorous chain-of-custody and provider controls; not legally mandatory but commercially essential.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased approach: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months typical).
    • Suited for distributors of all sizes in aviation/space/defense; involves cross-functional teams, IT integration for traceability, and ongoing surveillance audits.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 27001
    Information security management system (ISMS)
    AS9120B
    Aerospace parts distribution quality management

    Industry

    ISO 27001
    All industries worldwide, any size
    AS9120B
    Aerospace distribution, aviation/space/defense

    Nature

    ISO 27001
    Voluntary certification standard
    AS9120B
    Voluntary certification standard

    Testing

    ISO 27001
    Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance, recertification
    AS9120B
    Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance, recertification

    Penalties

    ISO 27001
    Loss of certification, no legal fines
    AS9120B
    Loss of certification, no legal fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 27001 and AS9120B

    ISO 27001 FAQ

    AS9120B FAQ

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