Companies of all sizes must have a robust quality management system (QMS) in place to deliver high-quality, compliant products that meet customer expectations.
Regulatory bodies like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), and International Automotive Task Force (IATF) publish guidelines for establishing and maintaining an effective QMS.
Outside of ISO 13485, which applies to medical device companies, ISO 9001 is the globally recognized quality management standard for most industries. Although it’s not a requirement, many companies adhere to the ISO 9001 guidelines to improve their processes, enhance customer satisfaction, and increase market competitiveness. The IAQG issued the AS9100 standard which is based on the principles of ISO 9001 and provides QMS guidance to organizations manufacturing aerospace and defense products. Similarly, the IATF issued the IATF 16949 standard which provides QMS requirements for companies in the automotive industry.