If you are considering AQA International for your certification needs,
consider this: More and more leading companies are finding that
AQA International is far superior in certification requirements
knowledge and customer service. Get the facts, and make the decision
that's right for you.
AQA FACT 1:
Management systems registration removes uncertainty, improves overall
performance and widens market opportunities.
AQA FACT 2:
Currently, ISO 9001 is the most widely adopted management system in the world.
AQA FACT 3:
ISO/TS 16949 requires that all supporting locations
(e.g., design, warehouse, sales, engineering, etc.) be audited.
AQA FACT 4:
According to ISO/TS 16949, if product design is supported by a remote site
(e.g., headquarters, another plants, etc.), your company is still product
design-responsible. According to the standard, the definition of design
responsibility is an organization with authority to establish a new, or
change an existing, product specification.
AQA FACT 5:
ISO/IEC 27001, Information Security, specifies the processes that
enable a business to establish, implement, review and monitor, manage
and maintain an effective information security management system (ISMS).
AQA FACT 6:
The Independent Association of Accredited Certified bodies (IAAR) is an
association of accredited management system certified bodies operating
in North America. The organization actively promotes establishment and
maintenance of effective management systems in North American accredited
registration.
AQA FACT 7:
Any additional sites must be audited before they can be added to an existing registration.
AQA FACT 8:
If an organization relocates, the new location must be audited in order to
have the address appear on the registration certificate.
AQA FACT 9:
ISO/TS 16949 auditors must be changed every three years. AQA
will work with you in making a smooth transition with your new auditor.
AQA FACT 10:
AQA International has introduced a full line of world class continual
education courses, fully accessible on-line. Outlines for AQA's E-Learning
courses can be reviewed at this site; just click the "E-Learning"
link under the "Services" tab above. All courses can be purchased
and then taken on-line, all at the user's convenience.
AQA FACT 11:
The certificate of registration should not be your organization's only goal.
With the right approach, your certification will make lasting improvements
on how your organization does business.
AQA FACT 12:
When examining the ISO 9001 standard, pay particular attention to the
process approach described in its introduction.
AQA FACT 13:
The implementation of ISO 9001 and other standards is not only a Quality Department
issue, but is really a management issue. For a more effective implementation
of your system, be sure management is actively involved.
AQA FACT 14:
An effective internal audit ensures that your management system functions as it
should and identifies any weaknesses in the system. Internal audits also
identify any potential opportunities for improvement and can give top
management and other interested parties assurance that the system
meets requirements of the standard.
AQA FACT 15:
An effective client communication process contributes to the success of the
organization's management system and in turn, to the success of the organization.
Many of the problems organizations experience with their clients can be traced
back to poor client communications.
AQA FACT 16:
AQA INTERNATIONAL is audited on an annual basis to maintain its systems
integrity and its accreditation to a specific scope.
AQA FACT 17:
AQA INTERNATIONAL provides auditor training to maintain our accreditation
and to harmonize our interpretation of the standards.
AQA FACT 18:
AQA INTERNATIONAL serves the management systems industry with customer-required
audits, known as second party audits. As second party audits continue to grow
in popularity, they provide clients with a chance to tailor an audit for a
specific issue within a specific location or group of locations. These audits
can be done at any time with maximum results at reduced costs.
AQA INTERNATIONAL is prepared to accommodate your needs by providing you
with a quote for this service.
AQA FACT 19:
Processes are the essential components of a management system.
It is important to identify and classify all processes that could
potentially affect the quality of your product or service.
AQA FACT 20:
There are approximately 100 certified bodies in the United States alone.
But not all of them are created equal. For example, only half (or close to that number)
currently are accredited or approved by a recognized body, and the way in which
they work with clients differs dramatically. That is why it is important to do
your homework and conduct some due diligence before you choose your certified body.
Your choice will have a substantial impact on the registration experience you have.
AQA FACT 21:
Did you know that the Aerospace Industry takes an active role in the third-party
certification of Aerospace Suppliers? For this purpose the IAQG was formed.
It consists of three sectors: the AAQG, the EAQG, and the AEAQG. In order to monitor
its suppliers, the IAQG initiated OASIS; the On-line Aerospace Supplier Information System.
Into OASIS are entered all data relating to certification of aerospace suppliers.
A total of 5138 supplier entries have been registered, 3047 of those are in the Americas group.
AQA FACT 22:
AQA International offers a full line of public and on-site training programs
to assist you in your registration efforts. Public courses are offered at
convenient times and locations, covering topics that include (but are not limited to)
ISO 9001 implementation, corrective/preventative action and root cause analysis, and
information security. For maximum client flexibility, all courses can be provided
at the customer's facility, minimizing travel expense and disruption to busy schedules.
For information about our public courses, on-site training, and our newly
released E-Learning program, please call 800.281.4384.