Standards Comparison

    PRINCE2

    Voluntary
    2023

    Structured methodology for governed project delivery control

    VS

    AS9100

    Mandatory
    2016

    Global standard for aerospace quality management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    PRINCE2 provides structured project governance for any industry, ensuring controlled delivery via principles, practices, and processes. AS9100 mandates aerospace quality management with safety, traceability, and risk controls. Organizations adopt PRINCE2 for repeatable success; AS9100 for certification and supply chain access.

    Project Management

    PRINCE2

    Projects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) 7th Edition

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

    Key Features

    • Seven principles as guiding obligations for compliance
    • Manage by exception using tolerances for escalation
    • Staged lifecycle with board decision gates
    • Tailoring mandatory for project context adaptation
    • Product-focused delivery with acceptance criteria
    Quality Management

    AS9100

    AS9100D: Quality Management Systems for Aerospace

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

    Key Features

    • Configuration management for product integrity
    • Product safety processes across lifecycle
    • Counterfeit parts prevention controls
    • Operational risk management requirements
    • Enhanced supplier evaluation and monitoring

    Detailed Analysis

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

    PRINCE2 Details

    What It Is

    PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) 7th Edition is a process-based project management framework. It provides governance, control, and delivery mechanisms for projects of any scale. The methodology emphasizes principle-driven, stage-gated execution with tailoring to context.

    Key Components

    • **Three pillars7 Principles, 7 Practices (Business Case, Organizing, Plans, Quality, Risk, Issues, Progress), 7 Processes (Starting Up, Directing, Initiating, Controlling Stage, Managing Delivery, Stage Boundary, Closing).
    • Built on guiding obligations like continued justification and manage by exception.
    • Uses management products (PID, registers, reports) for evidence.
    • Certification via Foundation and Practitioner levels.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Ensures controlled value delivery and auditability.
    • Reduces risks via tolerances and escalation.
    • Supports tailored governance for efficiency.
    • Builds stakeholder trust in regulated sectors.
    • Improves success through learning and repeatability.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, tailoring, training, pilots, rollout.
    • Involves roles definition, templates, certification.
    • Applies to all sizes/industries; scalable via tailoring.
    • No mandatory audits, but self-assurance via processes.

    AS9100 Details

    What It Is

    AS9100D (AS9100:2016) is the international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation, space, and defense organizations. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with over 100 aerospace-specific requirements, using a risk-based, process-oriented approach to ensure product safety, traceability, and supply chain integrity.

    Key Components

    • 10-clause Annex SL structure aligned with ISO 9001.
    • Aerospace additions: configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), counterfeit prevention (8.1.4), operational risks (8.1.1).
    • Built on PDCA cycle; emphasizes human factors, supplier controls.
    • Third-party certification via accredited audits (Stage 1/2, surveillance).

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets OEM/contractual mandates for market access.
    • Reduces defects, improves delivery, lowers costs.
    • Mitigates safety risks, enhances traceability.
    • Builds stakeholder trust via OASIS database visibility.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits.
    • 6-18 months typical; suits all sizes in ASD sectors globally.
    • Requires evidence-based audits for certification maintenance.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    PRINCE2
    Project management governance and lifecycle
    AS9100
    Aerospace quality management system

    Industry

    PRINCE2
    All industries, global applicability
    AS9100
    Aviation, space, defense sectors

    Nature

    PRINCE2
    Voluntary project methodology
    AS9100
    Certification quality standard

    Testing

    PRINCE2
    Internal stage reviews, no certification
    AS9100
    Third-party audits, certification cycles

    Penalties

    PRINCE2
    No formal penalties, project failure risk
    AS9100
    Certification loss, market exclusion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about PRINCE2 and AS9100

    PRINCE2 FAQ

    AS9100 FAQ

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