SOC 2
AICPA framework for service organizations' trust services controls
AS9120B
Aerospace QMS standard for distributors and stockists.
Quick Verdict
SOC 2 provides data security attestation for tech service organizations, while AS9120B ensures quality management for aerospace distributors. Companies adopt SOC 2 for enterprise trust and sales acceleration; AS9120B for OEM supply chain access and risk reduction.
SOC 2
System and Organization Controls 2
AS9120B
AS9120B Quality Management Systems for Distributors
Key Features
- Counterfeit parts prevention and detection processes
- Full traceability and chain-of-custody requirements
- Risk-based supplier qualification and verification
- Product preservation, storage, and shelf-life controls
- Obsolescence management and product safety focus
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
SOC 2 Details
What It Is
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a voluntary audit framework developed by the AICPA to evaluate service organizations' controls over customer data. It uses Trust Services Criteria (TSC)—a principles-based, risk-focused approach assessing security and operations.
Key Components
- Five TSC: Security (mandatory, CC1-CC9), Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, Privacy.
- ~50-100 controls mapped to criteria, with redundancy (2-3 per category).
- Built on COSO principles; Type 1 (design) and Type 2 (design + operating effectiveness) reports by independent CPAs.
Why Organizations Use It
- Accelerates enterprise sales, unlocks markets like SaaS/fintech.
- Builds stakeholder trust, reduces breach risks/liability.
- Competitive moat via maturity signaling; overlaps with ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA.
- No legal mandate but client-required for vendor assessments.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping/gap analysis (4-8 weeks), deployment/monitoring (3-6 months), CPA audit.
- Targets SaaS/cloud providers; scalable for startups (tools like Vanta) to enterprises.
- Annual Type 2 recertification with continuous evidence automation. (178 words)
AS9120B Details
What It Is
AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation, space, and defense distributors, based on ISO 9001:2015. It applies a risk-based process approach to procurement, storage, and resale without altering products, emphasizing traceability and counterfeit prevention.
Key Components
- 10-clause high-level structure with 100+ distributor-specific requirements.
- Core areas: context/leadership, planning, support, operations (procurement, verification, preservation), evaluation, improvement.
- Built on PDCA cycle; requires certification via accredited auditors and OASIS listing.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enables market access to OEMs/primes via contractual mandates.
- Mitigates risks like nonconforming parts, recalls, liabilities.
- Drives efficiency, trust, and competitive edge in AS&D supply chains.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
- Targets distributors globally; scales by size.
- Involves Stage 1/2 certification audits, ongoing surveillance.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SOC 2 | AS9120B |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Data security, availability, confidentiality, privacy | Aerospace distribution QMS, traceability, counterfeit prevention |
| Industry | Tech, SaaS, cloud services globally | Aerospace distributors, aviation/space/defense |
| Nature | Voluntary AICPA attestation framework | Voluntary IAQG quality certification standard |
| Testing | Type 2 audits over 3-12 months by CPA | Stage 1/2 certification audits by accredited registrar |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, market exclusion | No legal penalties, contract disqualification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SOC 2 and AS9120B
SOC 2 FAQ
AS9120B FAQ
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