AS9100 Documented Information Control Procedure

The Aerospace Document Information Control Procedure for AS9100 defines methods and responsibilities for controlling aerospace quality documents used to provide work instructions or set company policy. The document control policy also defines methods for document revision, approval, and distribution. It applies to all quality documents required by the AS 9100 aerospace QMS. (10 pages, 2518 words)

Aerospace Document Information Control Responsibilities

Document Control is responsible for controlling the aerospace Quality Management System manual, all procedures and work instructions related to the QMS, and all internal and external documents required by the QMS.

Department Managers and Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that the latest versions of relevant AS9100 documents, that are critical to quality, are available at point(s) of use, that these quality documents are legible, and that they are understood and followed. They are also responsible for reviewing and responding to document change requests in a timely manner.

The Engineering Manager is responsible for configuration management of external and internal drawings (e.g., blueprints, schematics, technical drawings), bills of material (BOM), and customer specifications and requirements documentation.

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring that documents conform to applicable (AS 9100) standards.

Top Management is responsible for reviewing document change requests and providing final approvals to the Quality Manual and QMS-related procedures or forms.

Aerospace Document Information Control Definitions

Controlled Document – Document that provides information or direction for performance of work within the scope of the QMS. Characteristics of control include such things as identification, revision number (letter) for changes, signatures indicating review and approval, protection, access, and distribution.

Document – Information and its supporting medium. The medium may be paper, magnetic, electronic, optical, photograph, or sample product.

Documented Information – Information determined to be necessary for the effectiveness of the QMS. This may include procedures, work instructions, or evidence (record) that an event (e.g., physical or electronic document, photograph, or product sample) has occurred and, in the aggregate, can be analyzed and conclusions drawn regarding QMS effectiveness.

External Document – Information originating outside the Company (e.g., customer drawings, industry and/or international standards, suppliers’ equipment maintenance manuals, or references) that provides information or direction for performing activities within the scope of the QMS.

Form – Printed, typed, or electronic document with blank spaces for insertion of required or requested information (e.g., tax form, order form).

Internal Document – Document of internal origin (developed entirely by or completed by the Company) that provides information or direction for the performance of activities within the scope of the Quality Management System. Examples include, but are not limited to, the procedures contained in the Company’s QMS manual.

Procedure – Process description or series of acts involved in a particular form of work; detailed elements of a process used to produce a specified result.

Quality Management System (QMS) – Ordered, well-documented system of policies, processes, procedures and records, designed to assure product quality, effectiveness, customer satisfaction and promote continual improvement of products and processes.

Quality Manual – Formal, authorized document setting out the quality policies, systems, procedures, and practices of an organization.

Uncontrolled Document – Document that is not a part of the controlled document system. Uncontrolled documents may not be used to provide work direction or information necessary for the performance of work.

Work Instruction – Detailed description of how to perform a process in steps to allow an inexperienced person to perform the work.

AS9100 Documented Information Control Procedure Activities

AS9100 Procedure Format
AS9100 Documented Information
AS9100 Document Approval
Temporary AS9100 Document Changes
Aerospace Documents Revisions
External AS9100 Documents
AS9100 Document Distribution

AS9100 Documented Information Control References

AS9100:2016 Rev D, “Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space, and Defense Organizations”, SAE International, Sept., 2016.
Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR Part 11)-Electronic Records; Electronic signatures(USA)
Public Law #106-229, Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (USA)
Statutory Instrument 2002 NO. 318, Electronic Signatures Regulations 2002(UK)